SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University; University Park (TX); On-site; USD 86,300 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

75% tuition discount

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Robust retirement plans

Substantial paid time off

Job summary

The Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State University is hiring an SD-WAN Solutions Development Engineer to design and implement cutting-edge networking solutions. This role involves development of SD-WAN architectures, automation frameworks, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a strong background in SD-WAN technologies, network automation, and security concepts. The position offers a salary range of $86,300.00 – $191,000.00 with benefits including tuition discounts, medical coverage, and generous vacation time.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of relevant experience for Intermediate Professional.
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Advanced Professional.
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Senior Professional.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop next-generation SD-WAN solutions.
• Research and prototype emerging SD-WAN technologies.
• Implement network automation frameworks using Python.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for R&D transitions.

Skills

SD-WAN solutions design

Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)

Network automation using Python and Ansible

DoD/IC security concepts

DoD Secret clearance

DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Science

Tools

Cisco Viptela

Fortinet

Palo Alto Prisma

VMware VeloCloud

Ansible

Python

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.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

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+, 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.

Working location

The position is fully on‑site in State College, PA, but hybrid options exist based on project‑dependent ability. This role requires 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

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Senior Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 14+ years of relevant experience. (No required certifications.)

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Advanced Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 5+ years of relevant experience. (No required certifications.)

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Intermediate Professional: Bachelor’s Degree – Engineering or Science, 2+ years of relevant experience. (No required certifications.)

Background checks / clearances

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. All positions at ARL require candidates to possess 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. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of 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 for full‑time employees designed to support both personal and professional well‑being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75 % tuition discount, 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.