Principal Network Engineer

Talentify; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 160,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Entarian in Denver, CO is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain a complex meshONE‑T ground network for the US Space Force. The role is based at the Denver Tech Center with a strong onsite requirement (4 days/week or at a customer location).

You will lead routing and switching, integrate security tooling, mentor team members, and ensure performance and documentation across the network. This is a senior, highly technical role within a government-focused program.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of overall network engineering experience.
• 5+ years in service provider network functions and on-site activation/troubleshooting of underlay circuits.
• Proficiency with routing protocols (BGP/OSPF/EIGRP) and enterprise devices (Cisco/Juniper).
• Hands-on with security tools (e.g., Cisco ISE, Palo Alto).
• Must be able to travel <10% and lead non-supervisory but coordinating actions.

Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and provide scalable, secure network solutions for US Space Force and DoD entities.
• Diagnose and resolve complex network issues to minimize downtime.
• Create and maintain network configuration, mapping, and process docs.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

EIGRP

Cisco

Juniper

Network security

Tools

Cisco ISE

Palo Alto

Job description

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a complex network infrastructure. This position is based out of the Denver, CO area. However, for this role we're looking for a candidate to work out of our Denver Tech Center office.

meshONE‑T is the ground component of the larger meshONE concept and will eventually integrate with the Air and Space components of meshONE to provide an end‑to‑end network solution across all mediums, environments, and warfighting domains.

meshONE‑T is a closed network and the expectation is at least 4‑days/week on‑site or at a customer location

• Plan, design, and provide scalable and secure network solutions to meet the evolving mission environment of the US Space Force and other DOD entities
• Diagnose and resolve complex network issues to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance
• Create and maintain documentation relating to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records
• Establish and document network technical support processes and procedures
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports for internal and external uses
• Act as technical liaison and subject matter expert between clients and customers
• Update technical documentation when there are changes in the transport design and/or technologies
• Collaborate with stakeholders to test all related systems and processes to verify that the systems meet requirements and can host applications with no degradation to performance or security
• Mentor and provide guidance to other networking team members
• Recommend and justify design and architecture changes to enhance and improve network performance

Salary Range: $160,000 to $180,000

Minimum Qualifications

• 15+ years of overall network engineering experience, with at least 5+ years working service provider functions of a network, including on‑site experience activating and troubleshooting underlay carrier circuits
• Proficiency in routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and managing enterprise‑grade network devices (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)
• Hands‑on experience with network security tools and equipment (e.g. – Cisco ISE, Palo Alto, etc.)
• Less than 10% travel out of state
• Non‑supervisory position: however, position will be expected to lead operational actions and facilitate work amongst a technical team
• meshONE‑T is a closed network and the expectation is at least 4‑days/week on‑site or at a customer location

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Must be currently eligible for a TS/SCI

Desired Qualifications

• Project experience implementing and overseeing large‑scale networks
• Experience with segment routing
• Experience designing ground stations for space mission systems
• Experience working in Department of Defense, or with Department of Defense or Federal contracts

About Us

Formed through the strategic union of Sev1Tech and ERT, Entarian is a premier provider of mission‑critical engineering and technology solutions. Founded on a legacy of excellence dating back to 1993, Entarian is a product of an evolved and fully diversified engineering and federal technology leader. From deep space to defense and civilian missions, Entarian delivers secure, mission‑aligned digital solutions that drive national resilience and operational effectiveness. We don't just support modernization; we define it.

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and Affimative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.