Secret-Cleared Network Engineer for Space Systems (Hybrid)

Astrion; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Astrion is seeking a Network Engineer to join the AFRL RAPID laboratory at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The role focuses on delivering network engineering expertise to shape requirements, architectures, and verification for resilient space systems.

Responsibilities include translating operational needs into network requirements, supporting architecture development, and coordinating with government stakeholders. A DoD Secret clearance and senior networking experience are required.

Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• DoD Secret clearance is required.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical field.
• Minimum 3+ years of relevant technical engineering experience.
• Experience with network security, firewalls, and VPNs.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent networking equipment.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, etc.).
• Proficiency in configuring and managing routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Experience with network monitoring tools and troubleshooting methodologies.
• Understanding cybersecurity principles and network security best practices.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Current networking certification such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, Juniper JNCIA-Junos, or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to manage complex systems and technical requirements.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of independent problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the program office's network engineering SME, advising on network-related requirements, design decisions, risks, and dependencies.
• Translate mission needs into network requirements and support allocation, traceability, review, and maintenance.
• Represent network requirements in system architectures, operational concepts, and program artifacts.
• Support network architecture development and trade studies for mission fit, interoperability, resilience, and security.
• Coordinate system and facility network requirements as distinct engineering areas and define interfaces.
• Identify and document network interfaces, assumptions, constraints, and dependencies across systems.
• Participate in technical interchange meetings, reviews, and decision forums; present network positions and drive actions to closure.
• Review contractor deliverables for consistency with requirements and architectures.
• Support risk, issue, and opportunity management by identifying concerns and tracking mitigations.
• Assess changes for impacts to network requirements and interfaces; provide input to configuration/change control.
• Support development of network verification and validation strategies and test plans.
• Review network test procedures and results and identify corrective actions.
• Coordinate with stakeholders to resolve network dependencies and maintain alignment.
• Provide network inputs to status reports, briefings, and planning documents.
• Communicate network status, risks, decisions, and unresolved issues to leadership.

Skills

U.S. Citizenship

Clearance knowledge

Networking protocols

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Independent/self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, CS, or related field

Cisco CCNA/Network+/Juniper JNCIA-Junos or equivalent

Tools

Cisco equipment

Juniper equipment

Network monitoring tools

Job description

Astrion is seeking a Network Engineer to join the AFRL RAPID laboratory at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The role focuses on delivering network engineering expertise to shape requirements, architectures, and verification for resilient space systems.

Responsibilities include translating operational needs into network requirements, supporting architecture development, and coordinating with government stakeholders. A DoD Secret clearance and senior networking experience are required.