SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

Penn State University; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Penn State is seeking an innovative SD-WAN Solutions Development Engineer to design, implement, and advance next-generation SD-WAN solutions for DoD/IC environments. You will prototype technologies like SASE and zero-trust architectures and deploy automation using Python and Ansible.

The role requires deep networking expertise, DoD security concepts, and the ability to operate in both connected and disconnected environments, with travel to support deployments.

Qualifications

• 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+ce, GSEC, or SSCP).

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.
• 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.

Job description

POSITION SPECIFICS

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.

You will:

• 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 include:

• 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 areas include:

• 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+ce, GSEC, or SSCP).

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

• 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, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This position will require periodic travel with limited notice (potentially less than 3 days) in support of solution deployments, testing, or troubleshooting to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego CA, and other CONUS locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professio