SD-WAN Research Engineer: Secure Cloud Networking

Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 92,100 - 174,708; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Retirement plans

Tuition discount for employees and for

Job summary

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks an SD-WAN Research Computing Engineer to advance next-generation networking for DoD, IC communities, and national security through modernization and innovation.

The role involves designing, prototyping, deploying, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn research into operational solutions, with on-site work and travel as needed. Security clearances are valued.

Qualifications

• Hands-on SD-WAN design and deployment experience.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP and overlay tech.
• Experience with Python/Ansible and network automation.
• Deep understanding of DoD/IC security concepts.
• Active DoD Secret clearance required.
• IAT II baseline certification required.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop SD‑WAN architectures for DoD/IC environments.
• Research and prototype SASE, zero-trust, and cloud-integrated networking.
• Implement automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, and IaC tools.
• Deploy and test SD‑WAN solutions in connected and Dark Cloud environments.
• Collaborate to transition research from concept to operational solutions.
• Document specifications and architecture designs.

Skills

SD-WAN design & deployment

Network routing protocols

Network automation

DoD/IC security concepts

Zero-trust architectures

Cloud networking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

6+ years relevant experience

Tools

Cisco Viptela

Fortinet

Palo Alto Prisma

VMware VeloCloud

Juniper SRX/MX

DISA APL-listed solutions

Job description

Penn State University’s Applied Research Laboratory in State College, PA seeks an SD-WAN Research Computing Engineer to advance next-generation networking for DoD, IC communities, and national security through modernization and innovation.

The role involves designing, prototyping, deploying, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to turn research into operational solutions, with on-site work and travel as needed. Security clearances are valued.