SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

The Pennsylvania State University; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 86,300 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

75% tuition discount

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is looking for a SD-WAN Solutions Development Engineer to advance cutting-edge networking solutions for national security. The role involves designing, implementing, and supporting SD-WAN solutions. Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Science, a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, and an active DoD Secret clearance. A competitive salary range of $86,300 to $191,000 is offered, along with substantial benefits, including a 75% tuition discount for employees and their families.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience designing and implementing SD-WAN solutions.
• Strong understanding of routing protocols and overlay technologies.
• Experience with network automation and scripting.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop SD-WAN architectures for DoD environments.
• Research and advance SD-WAN technologies.
• Implement network automation frameworks.

Skills

SD-WAN solutions design

Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)

Network automation (Python, Ansible)

DoD/IC security concepts

Active DoD Secret clearance

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Cisco Viptela

Fortinet

Palo Alto

VMware VeloCloud

Juniper Session Smart Router

Job description

Position Overview

We are searching for an innovative and technically skilled SD-WAN Solutions Development Engineer to join our Cloud Technology Advancement Department within the Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department advances cutting‑edge networking solutions for DoD, 4th estate, and IC communities. In this role you will design, develop, and implement next‑generation Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD‑WAN) solutions that directly impact national security through network modernization and technology innovation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next‑generation SD‑WAN architectures and solutions for DoD and IC environments
• Research, prototype, and advance emerging SD‑WAN technologies including SASE, zero‑trust architectures, and cloud‑integrated networking
• Implement network automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, and infrastructure‑as‑code tools
• Deploy and test SD‑WAN solutions in both connected and internet‑disconnected (Dark Cloud) environments
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to transition R&D innovations from concept through prototype to operational solutions
• Document technical specifications, research findings, and architecture designs
• Support solution deployments and troubleshooting in classified environments

Additional Responsibilities for Higher‑Level Positions

• Lead technical architecture design, discovery, and validation for complex SD‑WAN implementations
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on advanced networking concepts
• Take responsibility and accountability for program outcomes and research deliverables
• Present technical concepts and innovations to senior leadership including General Officers, SES, or Presidential appointees
• Drive strategic technical discussions supporting technology adoption and modernization initiatives

Required Skills / Experience

• Hands‑on experience designing and implementing SD‑WAN solutions using hardware‑based or software‑based platforms (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Fortinet, Palo Alto Prisma, VMware VeloCloud, Juniper Session Smart Router, or DISA APL‑listed solutions)
• Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), overlay technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPsec), and WAN optimization
• Experience with network automation and programmability using scripting languages (Python, Ansible) and APIs
• Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security concepts including zero‑trust architectures, encryption, and secure network segmentation
• Active DoD Secret clearance (minimum requirement)
• DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification (Security+, GSEC, or SSCP)

Preferred Skills / Experience

• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance or TS/SCI with Polygraph (highly preferred; clearance upgrades may be required based on program needs)
• Experience with Rapid Prototype and Technology Readiness Level (TRl) advancement in networking domain
• SASE architecture implementation and multi‑cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Dell enterprise switching (OS10, PowerSwitch) or Juniper platforms (SRX, MX Series, Junos OS)
• Software development experience for network automation and DevSecOps integration
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV), SDN controllers, and containerized networking (Kubernetes, service meshes)
• Industry certifications: CCNA/CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet NSE, Palo Alto PCNSE, Juniper JNCIS/JNCIP, VMware VCP‑NV, DoD 8140/8570 IAT III (CISSP/CASP), or vendor‑specific SD‑WAN certifications
• Publication record or patent portfolio in networking domain
• U.S. Military Veterans & U.S. Military Reservists

Your Working Location

Fully on‑site located in State College, PA. Hybrid work from home options exist depending on project‑dependent ability. The position will require periodic travel with limited notice (potentially less than 3 days) to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego, CA, and other CONUS locations.

Minimum Education, Work Experience & Required Certifications

Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience. No specific certifications listed.

Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience. No specific certifications listed.

Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience. No specific certifications listed.

Background Checks / Clearances

Employment with the University requires successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must undergo a pre‑employment drug screen.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 – $191,000.00. The proposed salary range may be impacted by geographic differential. Penn State provides a competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, robust retirement plans, and substantial paid time off (holidays, vacation, sick time). A generous 75% tuition discount is available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

EEO Is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814‑865‑1473.