Principal Network Engineer – Private 5G & Communications

Applied Research Solutions; Bedford (MA); On-site; USD 187,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Research Solutions seeks a Principal Network Engineer (Private 5G & Communications) to lead planning, integration, testing, operation, and maintenance of DoD networked systems with focus on Private 5G capabilities, architecture, wired/wireless connectivity, and secure delivery of voice, data, and video services. The role requires U.S.

citizenship, Top-Secret clearance eligibility, and relevant certifications; advantage for advanced degree with DoD experience or extensive related

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of private 5G networks and DoD requirements.
• Experience designing, implementing and supporting networked systems for data, voice and video.
• Certifications related to 5G and private wireless are required or highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Advise and support planning, analysis, design, development, testing and maintenance of networked systems.
• Maintain network architecture and infrastructure.
• Support integration of Private 5G solutions and interoperability with NAC and other services.
• Monitor network capacity and performance.
• Recommend backup and recovery procedures and ensure cybersecurity compliance.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Private 5G knowledge

Network architecture

DoD network experience

Education

Nokia Bell Labs 5G Certification or Equivalent

Celona & CWNP Certified Private Wireless Professional or Equivalent

Advanced degree or equivalent senior DoD experience

Job description

Principal Network Engineer – Private 5G & Communications

Job Category: Engineer

Requisition Number: SENIO005032

• Posted : October 1, 2026
• Full-Time

Locations

Showing 1 location

Bedford, MA 01730, USA

Description

As a Principal Network Engineer (Private 5G & Communications) , you will provide senior-level technical support for Air Force network and communications systems, supporting the planning, integration, testing, operation, and maintenance of network infrastructure. The role includes supporting Private 5G capabilities , network architecture, wired and wireless connectivity, performance and capacity monitoring, and the secure delivery of voice, data, and video services in a DoD environment.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Responsibilities may include

Advise and support work that involves the planning, analysis, design, development, testing, quality assurance, configuration, installation, implementation, integration, maintenance, and/or management of networked systems used for the transmission of information in voice, data, and/or video formats. Functions required to be performed by individuals in this specialty may include:

• Analyze and recommend network requirements.
• Recommend and maintain network architecture and infrastructure.
• Provide support for the integration of Private 5G solutions (to include RF, Core, GnodeB and management) and its interoperability with wired/wireless switching/routing and other network services such as NAC.
• Monitor network capacity and performance.
• Recommend network backup and recovery procedures.
• Installing, testing, maintaining, and upgrading network operating systems software; and/or ensuring the rigorous application of information security/cybersecurity policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of network services.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Technical Experience Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Must have or be able to obtain a Top-Secret Clearance
• Nokia Bell Labs 5G Certification or Equivalent
• Celona & CWNP Certified Private Wireless Professional or Equivalent
• Understanding of private 5G, wired/wireless networks to include interactions with networks services such as NACs, and their interoperability
• Advanced degree (MA/MS) and 12 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, of which 5 years must be in the DoD, or a BA/BS degree and 15 years of experience in the respective technical/professional discipline being performed, of which 5 year must be in the DoD, or 20 years of directly related experience with proper certifications as described in the Functionally Aligned Job Descriptions, of which 8 year must be in the DoD.

The expected annual salary range: $187k-$205k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.