Principal Network Engineer

MITRE; Fort Meade (MD); On-site; USD 162,000 - 244,000; Full time

Job summary

MITRE, headquartered in the United States, seeks a seasoned Network Engineer for the L614 Intelligent Network Services Department to lead enterprise network architecture and automation efforts for the Teleport Program Office. The role is onsite at DISA Fort Meade with SECRET clearance requirements and travel for stakeholder coordination.

You will translate approved architecture into operator-ready capabilities, oversee vendor engagement, and collaborate across DoD SATCOM to ensure Teleport

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree or 8 years with a Master’s or 5 years with a PhD, or equivalent combination.
• Deep expertise in network architecture, design, and documentation.
• Strong experience with network automation and provisioning orchestration.
• Experience designing network APIs and system integrations.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture, design, and documentation of enterprise network environments.
• Develop Teleport management capabilities and automation across DoD SATCOM context.
• Define reference architectures, standards, and implementation patterns.
• Design APIs and integration patterns for interoperability with adjacent tools and platforms.
• Translate architecture requirements into deployable, operator-ready capabilities.

Skills

Network architecture

Network automation

Provisioning orchestration

APIs and integrations

Routing and switching

Cloud networking

Virtualization

NetOps monitoring

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Master's degree preferred

PhD considered

Tools

Cisco 9300/9300X

HAIPE/TACLANE

Versa

Viasat

iDirect

ServiceNow ITOM

CMDB management

AWS Diode

Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We’re a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies – collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation’s health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose — and help shape the future.

Department Summary:

The L614 - Intelligent Network Services Department within MITRE Technology and Engineering specializes in complex network challenges vital to national well-being. This position is for the Teleport Program Office (TPO) project that is seeking a Network Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and delivery support for modernized Teleport management, control, and service orchestration capabilities. This role will develop an enterprise Teleport management and control reference/solution architecture that supports DISA Teleport and mission partner operations, including situational awareness, common operational picture, automated SATCOM service fulfillment, automated resource planning, end device provisioning, and dashboarding of Teleport resources.

This individual will serve as a hands‑on technical leader responsible for translating approved architecture and operational requirements into operator‑ready capabilities. The role also includes product ownership support, vendor oversight, acquisition support, and coordination across the broader DoD SATCOM community to ensure the Teleport solution integrates effectively with adjacent programs and systems.

Work location and clearance include:

• Active SECRET clearance required
• 100% onsite at DISA Headquarters, Fort Meade
• Travel required in support of stakeholder coordination, vendor engagement, and integration activities

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and documentation of enterprise, hybrid, and specialized network environments
• Develop system architecture enabling automated resource planning and end device provisioning across the Teleport Program
• Define reference architectures, standards, implementation patterns, and best practices
• Design and implement network automation solutions to improve provisioning, configuration management, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Design APIs and integration patterns to enable interoperability with adjacent tools, platforms, and operational systems
• Translate approved architecture and requirements into deployable, operator‑ready orchestration capabilities
• Support acquisition‑related efforts by helping define technical and programmatic objectives tied to Teleport automation goals
• Assess and advise government stakeholders on the effectiveness of the selected vendor’s implementation
• Remain closely involved in day‑to‑day vendor activities to ensure technical quality and mission alignment
• Represent the Teleport Program Office across the DoD SATCOM community and coordinate dependencies with external organizations
• Drive initiative from concept to execution by independently defining key tasks, evaluating solutions with project sponsors, and advocating for optimal outcomes. Serve as a trusted technical advisor across multi‑contractor teams, leveraging deep subject matter expertise to mentor peers, foster collaboration, and guide technical direction.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 8 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 5 years’ experience; or equivalent combination of related experience and work experience.
• Deep expertise in network architecture, design, and documentation
• Strong experience with network automation
• Experience with provisioning orchestration and service delivery automation
• Experience designing network APIs and system integrations
• Experience translating architecture and requirements into operational capabilities
• Strong understanding of routing, switching, resiliency, service assurance, and operational network design
• Experience developing reference architectures, solution designs, and technical standards
• TCP/IP (IPv4/IPv6), OSI model, DNS, DHCP, NAT
• WAN technologies such as SD-WAN, MPLS, and metro Ethernet/E-line
• Routing concepts and protocols including segment routing, BGP, OSPF, and ISIS
• Switching technologies including VLAN, VXLAN, link aggregation, access control features
• Cloud networking, including hybrid cloud/on‑premises designs
• Virtualization concepts including network virtualization, containers, and hypervisors
• NMS/EMS concepts and operational Management and Control (M&C) environments, including NetOps functions such as monitoring, logging, and performance management
• Must have an active Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top-Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government’s eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
• This position requires a minimum of 4 days a week on‑site

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with SATCOM networks and Teleport or similar ground infrastructure
• Experience supporting common operational picture or situational awareness platforms
• Experience with ServiceNow ITOM and CMDB management
• Familiarity with CDS/CDES and AWS Diode technologies
• Background in cyber security and network security engineering
• Experience with Cisco 9300/9300X, HAIPE/TACLANE, Versa, Viasat, and iDirect
• Familiarity with DISA, mission partner, or broader DoD SATCOM operational environments
• Knowledge of SATCOM terrestrial infrastructure and commercial SATCOM provider offerings

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):

Secret

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):

Top Secret

Salary compensation range and midpoint:

$162,400 - $203,000 - $243,600 Annual

Work Location Type:

Onsite

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law.

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