Senior Network Architect and Technical Leader

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions; Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life/Disability insurance

401(k) savings plan

ESPP

Paid time off

Holidays

Education reimbursement

Job summary

Kratos Defense and Security Solutions in the United States seeks a Senior Network Architect and Technical Leader with 15+ years of experience to design, implement, and modernize large-scale, remote mission-critical networks for government customers.

You will lead teams, drive security hardening, and ensure DoW compliance, while mentoring engineers and delivering high-availability data center and virtualization expertise. Colorado Springs-based role with DoD requirements.

Qualifications

• BS in STEM degree field.
• Active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance.
• Cisco CCNP (Required) or CCIE (Preferred) certification.
• DoDM 8140.03 Certification (Security+, CASP+, CEH, CISM, CISSP, or equivalent).
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in network architecture, engineering, and technical leadership.
• Experience supporting large-scale enterprise or DoW networks, ideally including the U.S. Air Force.
• Hands-on experience with network security technologies including ASA firewalls, hardening, and access control systems.
• Expertise with routing and switching technologies including OSPF, BGP, multicast protocols, LAN switching, and advanced WAN solutions (DMVPN, SD-WAN, SD-Routing).
• Strong data center experience across SAN, storage networking, HA, power, and virtualization (VMware, Linux).
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams through complex network deployments and upgrades.

Responsibilities

• Work with Program and Customer Leadership to ensure Network Engineering requirements are understood and defined.
• Architect, design, implement, and support scalable and secure WAN/LAN network solutions for DoW environments.
• Lead network modernization efforts, including device refreshes, routing changes, software deployments, and security hardening.
• Prototype network designs and issues using modeling environments to validate architectures.
• Serve as a technical lead guiding teams through design, configuration, and stabilization of complex networks.
• Provide proactive consulting, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and performance optimization.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers and support knowledge transfer.
• Ensure secure system configuration and compliance with DoW and security standards.
• Participate in CDRL and technical artifact generation.

Education

BS in STEM degree field

Tools

Cisco CCNP/CCIE certification

DoDM 8140.03 Certification (Security+ etc)

Job description

Job Description

Readiness Delivered. At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees, and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. Kratos is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Network Architect and Technical Leader with 15+ years of progressive experience designing, implementing, modernizing, and supporting large‑scale, remote manned/unmanned, mission‑critical network environments. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise across WAN/LAN routing and switching, data center technologies, virtualization, and network security, with a proven ability to lead teams, modernize customer environments, and support complex government customers.

This role involves high‑impact, hands‑on troubleshooting and maintenance, maintaining technical documentation, modernization initiatives, proactive consulting, and coaching of engineering staff. Experience supporting DoW and/or Intelligence Community customers is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with Program and Customer Leadership to ensure all Network Engineering requirements are understood and defined, align solutions, and strengthen long‑term technical relationships.
• Architect, design, implement, and support scalable and secure WAN/LAN network solutions for DoW environments.
• Lead comprehensive network modernization efforts, including device refreshes, routing changes, software deployments, and security hardening initiatives.
• Prototype network designs and issues using modeling environments (e.g., Cisco Modeling Labs) to validate and optimize architectures.
• Serve as a technical lead guiding teams of engineers through design, configuration, and stabilization of complex customer networks.
• Provide proactive consulting support, issue troubleshooting, root‑cause analysis, and performance optimization.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers, contribute to knowledge transfer, and support team development.
• Ensure secure system configuration, risk mitigation, and compliance with DoW and enterprise security standards.
• Participate in CDRL and technical artifact generation based on internal and customer prescribed schedules.
• Attend and support highly technical engineering team meetings.
• Develop and deliver effective customer presentations, demonstrating an ability to communicate comfortably at a system level.
• Travel as necessary to attend customer meetings and establish/maintain remote system locations.

Experience and Skills

• U.S. citizenship with active DoD Top Secret/SCI clearance
• BS in STEM degree field
• Cisco CCNP (Required) or CCIE (Preferred) certification
• DoDM 8140.03 Certification (Security +, CASP+, CEH, CISM, CISSP, or equivalent)
• Supporting programs through SRR, PDR, CDR, or equivalent design reviews
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in network architecture, engineering, and technical leadership
• Extensive experience supporting large‑scale enterprise or Department of War networks, ideally including the U.S. Air Force.
• Hands‑on experience with network security technologies including ASA firewalls, hardening, and access control systems.
• Expertise with routing and switching technologies including OSPF, BGP, multicast protocols, LAN switching, and advanced WAN solutions (DMVPN, SD‑WAN, SD‑Routing).
• Strong data center experience across SAN, storage networking, High Availability (HA), power solutions, and virtualization (VMware, Linux).
• Demonstrated ability to lead engineering teams through complex network deployments and upgrades.
• Strong troubleshooting capabilities and ability to simulate, replicate, and resolve complex issues.
• Ability to articulate technical concepts orally and in written forms for internal team, external customer, and users.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• 15+ years of experience in network architecture, engineering, and technical leadership
• Experience with network modeling and automation principles (e.g., CML)
• Experience supporting high availability and multi‑site environments
• Other advanced certifications and specialization tracks beyond CCIE
• Experience working alongside or in a network architect role
• Experience with cloud networking platforms and integrations.

This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Competitive salary based on experience and education

Salary Range: $170,000-$185,000

Job Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance Coverage
• Life/ADD & Short/Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401(k) Savings Plan
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Paid Time‑Off (PTO)
• Holidays
• Education Reimbursement

Kratos Defense is an Equal Opportunity Affimative Action Employer. EOE, Minorities, Females, Vet, Disabled, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or any other protected class. All qualified job seekers are encouraged to apply. Kratos Defense is committed to America's veterans by providing opportunities for them to continue contributing after service to our nation. We also work to provide reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

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