Senior Network Engineer, Airborne Systems

DZYNE Technologies; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Employee life and accidental death insurance

Disability benefits

Job summary

DZYNE Technologies in Irvine, CA, is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to lead the architecture and deployment of secure communication networks for Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The position necessitates a strong technical background with at least 7 years of experience in network engineering, along with proficiency in Cisco technologies and network security principles.

The ideal candidate should also have experience with IP-based RF radios and be able to resolve complex technical challenges. An active Secret Clearance is required to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in network engineering.
• Hands-on experience with airborne datalink systems.
• Strong knowledge of security principles and network management.

Responsibilities

• Lead design efforts for secure network architectures.
• Collaborate with teams to integrate communication technologies.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive network documentation.

Skills

Network engineering experience

IP-based RF radios expertise

Knowledge of network protocols

Cisco device proficiency

Ability to resolve complex technical issues

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field

Relevant professional certifications

Tools

Cisco IOS/IOS-XE

Splunk

SolarWinds

Job description

Our Culture

DZYNE Technologies is leading the future of autonomous defense. Based in Irvine, California, we develop and manufacture advanced airborne and ground-based defense solutions deployed in over 50 countries. Backed by U.S. Government Programs of Record, our technologies are field-proven, scalable, and production-ready. We’re growing fast and looking for innovators ready to make an impact. At DZYNE, you’ll join a culture built on collaboration, integrity, and purpose. We celebrate wins, value diverse perspectives, and support every team member’s success.

Ready to do work that matters? Join us.

Position: Senior Network Engineer - UAS and Airborne Systems

Location: Irvine, CA

Position Description

The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the architecture, deployment, and sustainment of secure, resilient communication networks supporting Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and airborne mission systems. This role ensures the reliable, secure, and low-latency transfer of mission-critical data between airborne platforms, ground control stations, and enterprise infrastructure. As a senior technical authority, the engineer will lead design efforts, evaluate emerging technologies, and ensure compliance with DoD and aerospace cybersecurity requirements. This role requires advanced technical expertise, the ability to resolve complex network challenges, and the capability to act as a project lead, mentor, and technical spokesperson within multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of secure network architectures supporting UAS and airborne platforms.
• Define computer system and network design requirements in alignment with mission and security needs.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and repair of computer network systems using advanced engineering principles.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to integrate IP-based RF radios, tactical/military radios, SATCOM systems, and datalinks.
• Assist lead engineers, program managers, and the company Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) in producing technical documentation, including system specifications, integration guides, and production test procedures.
• Monitor and analyze network usage, performance, and capacity for UAV systems to ensure reliability under operational conditions.
• Evaluate and implement emerging communications technologies to enhance mission system capabilities.
• Identify solutions to ensure current and future data communication requirements are met.
• Prepare and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including operational instructions, design packages, and configuration records.
• Develop and manage configuration control and provide advanced technical networking support for production and development systems.
• Coordinate the repair, replacement, or retirement of system and network infrastructure.
• Proactively identify, investigate, and resolve issues that could impact mission operations.
• Serve as a technical lead and subject matter expert during integration events, mission rehearsals, and operational deployments.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in network engineering, with increasing responsibility and leadership.
• Hands-on experience setting up, managing, and troubleshooting IP-based RF radios and airborne datalink systems.
• Strong working knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and security principles.
• Proficiency with Cisco network devices (IOS/IOS-XE) and associated technologies.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in data network principles, theories, and concepts.
• Ability to develop new processes/systems, resolve complex technical issues, and serve as a project lead or technical spokesperson.
• Ability to work extended hours and travel, as required.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Experience supporting unmanned systems, manned aircraft systems, or aerospace/defense programs.
• Knowledge of ground control station integration, mission systems, and command-and-control (C2) networks.
• Understanding of IPv4/IPv6 address planning, encapsulation techniques, switching, routing, and higher-level application protocols.
• Familiarity with NAT, inside/outside interface relationships, and subnetting.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco IOS/IOS-XE device configuration and troubleshooting.
• Background in DoD C2 systems, wired/wireless sensor network integration (enterprise and tactical).
• Proficiency with network management applications (e.g., Splunk, SolarWinds, Cisco ISE).
• Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures.Strong background in tactical and military radio networks, including SATCOM systems.
• Familiarity with Cisco Unified Communications, VoIP, and VTC systems.
• Knowledge of dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, RIPv2, BGP).
• Expertise in TCP/IP, UDP, multicast, QoS, and traffic engineering.
• Experience working with virtual machine networking and environments.
• Understanding of the DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), DISA STIGs, and cybersecurity controls.
• Familiarity with network management protocols (NTP, SNMP, SSH, Syslog, RADIUS, TACACS+).
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CASP, JNCIA/JNCIE, or equivalent.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, network engineering, or a related field.
• Master’s degree or equivalent advanced education preferred but not required.
• Relevant professional certifications are strongly valued (Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Juniper, ISC2).

Clearance Level Required

Active Secret Clearance or higher required.

Export Control / ITAR Requirement

This position requires access to information and technology subject to U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). As a result, employment is contingent upon meeting applicable export control eligibility requirements and compliance obligations.

Travel

Up to 50%.

Working Conditions

The diversity of work conditions may range from an environment where there is little or no physical discomfort, to a remote field setting.

Physical Demands

• This position is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions.
• This position may require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Work Authorization Requirement

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment visa sponsorship.

Salary

$125,000 - $190,000 annually. Salary depends on relevant work experience, education, training, essential skills, and/or other factors such as specialized or high-demand professions. In addition to the annual salary, the position will be eligible for an annual bonus. The pay range for this role level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of salary or annual bonus.

Benefits

Our benefits are DZYNE’ed for your overall health and financial wellness. DZYNE provides comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, employee life and accidental death, and disability.

DZYNE Technologies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. In addition to federal law requirements, DZYNE Technologies complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which our company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.