Network Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

• Job Title:               Network Design Engineer
• Location: Virgina Beach
• Salary:                $120,000 to $140,000 depending on qualifications and experience

Who we are:  SubSea Craft, is  a fast-growing, privately funded, UK-founded innovative maritime technology company specialising in next-generation, high-performance watercraft and systems. As we expand internationally, we are establishing a presence in the United States and are seeking US-based talent to support this growth. Operating at the intersection of advanced engineering, cutting-edge design, and user-centric innovation, we deliver safe, effective, and enabling solutions for both defence and commercial applications.

What we offer:

• Paid Time Off (PTO) – 10 days of paid time off annually, plus public holidays.
• Sick Leave – 7 days of paid sick leave per year.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Access to a 401(k) plan to support your long-term financial wellbeing.
• Health Insurance – Comprehensive medical coverage to support your overall wellbeing.
• Dental & Vision Insurance – Additional coverage for routine and specialist care.
• Disability Insurance – Short-term and long-term disability cover to provide financial protection if you’re unable to work.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Access to confidential support services for personal, financial, and mental wellbeing.
• Professional Development – Commitment to ongoing learning and career growth.
• Inclusive Culture – A professional environment that values diversity, innovation, and collaboration.

Role Overview

We are seeking a skilled Network Design Engineer to design, develop, and implement resilient, secure communications solutions for maritime platforms. In this hands-on role, you will integrate multiple communication technologies, including satellite and RF, to deliver reliable and secure network infrastructure.

You will work across network design, cybersecurity, equipment configuration, field testing, and troubleshooting, collaborating closely with software and engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions. The role also involves developing secure network configurations, supporting field trials and deployments, and maintaining robust documentation and security procedures.

We are looking for a proactive, adaptable engineer with strong networking and cybersecurity fundamentals, excellent problem-solving skills, and a passion for developing reliable communications solutions. Experience with maritime systems, PACE planning, WAN integration, radios, or autonomous/remote vehicles is highly desirable.

Responsibilities will include:

• Design, develop, and implement resilient and secure communications solutions, including all elements of a PACE (Primary, Alternate, Contingency, Emergency) plan, with a focus on automation, reliability, and cybersecurity.
• Integrate and manage multiple communication methods, such as Satellite and RF, to establish a robust and secure communications backbone.
• Ensure the security and integrity of data transmission across all communication channels, implementing encryption and access controls as appropriate.
• Support the installation, configuration, and field trials of communications equipment, collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams.
• Write, review, and optimize secure configurations for routers, switches, and other network devices on maritime craft.
• Collaborate flexibly with software and engineering teams to ensure timely delivery of integrated solutions and comprehensive documentation, including security documentation and incident response procedures.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network, communications, and security issues, both remotely and on-site as required.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies, cybersecurity threats, and best practices in maritime communications and networking.

Qualifications and Experience:

Required:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience in communications and networking roles.
• Strong understanding of network security fundamentals, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection/prevention, and encryption.
• Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel for field trials and deployments as needed.

Desirable:

• Experience in developing and implementing PACE plans.
• Professional certifications such as CCNA, JNCP, MTCNA, or equivalent practical experience.
• Hands-on experience with radios for data transmission.
• Experience with integrating multiple WAN links (Comms)
• Experience with integrating edge devices (Payloads) especially those conforming to international military payload standards
• Background in maritime operations or working on/with vessels.
• Experience deploying autonomous or remotely controlled vehicles/vessels, especially with remote operations centre (ROC) integration.
• Understanding of basic electronics and troubleshooting hardware interfaces.
• Familiarity with Agile methodologies and project management tools.
• Proactive, self-motivated, and committed to continuous improvement.
• Experience with cybersecurity best practices in networked environments, including incident response and vulnerability management.
• Experience conducting risk assessments and implementing mitigation strategies for communications systems.
• Experience configuring and operating cloud based comms solutions.

Note : Please note: Due to the nature of the work undertaken, the selected candidate must be able to meet the security requirements of the position. This includes, at a minimum, having the legal right to work in the United States and the ability to successfully complete applicable background checks.

For certain roles, candidates may also be required to obtain and maintain a US Government security clearance. In the majority of cases, eligibility for clearance will require US citizenship and will be subject to applicable federal laws and regulations.

Values:  Our people are our greatest asset, we continually strive to provide an excellent working environment to enable our team to do their best work. We have an agile professional workforce: we   are founded on the belief that our people are valued and our business is trusted, inclusive and commercially-adept.

What we expect from you:

• Teamwork, mutual respect and collaboration
• Initiative and independent working
• Honesty and integrity
• Business and commercial awareness
• Agility, adaptability and continuous development

We are committed to building an inclusive, diverse workplace where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or adjustments to interact with us, please let us know.

*Please note that all offers of employment are conditional and subject to satisfactory background screening, employment verification, and, where applicable, driving record checks. For certain roles, additional security or clearance requirements may apply in line with US defence regulations.

A criminal record will not automatically disqualify candidates from employment. Any criminal history will be considered in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, and in the context of the role, alongside the broader information gathered throughout the application, interview, and pre-employment screening process.

In the event of a high number of applications, , we may be unable to respond to everyone. If you are shortlisted, we will aim to contact you within 14 days of your application or the closing date (if stated). We may retain your details for future suitable roles unless you advise us otherwise.