Network Engineer

Journeyman Network Engineer – Phalanx Griffon (PG)Phalanx Griffon (PG) is the U.S. Air Force's open-architecture aerial node enabling secure, multi-level data dissemination at tactical speeds. As a Journeyman Network Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of shaping tactical and enterprise networking for Major Release 2 (FY25–27), integrating SATCOM, SDR, cross-domain solutions, and software-defined networking to connect airborne platforms to the broader Digital Infrastructure (DI).Key Responsibilities1. Network Architecture & DesignDevelop and maintain PG's network reference architecture, encompassing Nomad chassis, Smith software, and Watch node-management.Design and implement Layer 2/3 routing schemas (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), QoS policies, IPSec encryption, and MLS/CDS data flow rules.Ensure compliance with NSA, DISA STIGs, and Air Force cybersecurity mandates.Produce SysML/CAMEO models as part of the digital engineering thread.2. Integration & Lab LeadershipSpecify and configure routers, firewalls, switches, SDRs, and SATCOM modems in the Integration SIL.Author and maintain Interface Control Documents (ICDs) for airborne PIMs.Build automated test harnesses using IXIA, Spirent, Ansible, and related tools to validate performance and IA posture.3. DevSecOps & CybersecurityEmbed zero-trust networking principles into PG's DevSecOps pipeline.Develop continuous ATO artifacts (e.g., eMASS RMF packages, SCAP/ACAS scan reports).Lead SDN integration (SD-WAN, OpenFlow, etc.) for resilient airborne/ground comms.4. Fielding & Operational SupportCollaborate with platform SPOs and flight test units to convert lab configs into flight-ready implementations.Draft Interim Authorizations to Test (IATT) and airworthiness network annexes.Support operational handoff via Watch helpdesk playbooks and monitoring dashboards (Elastic, Prometheus, Grafana).5. Leadership & MentorshipAct as the SME and technical advisor to Government Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).Mentor junior and mid-level engineers; lead knowledge transfer to USAF stakeholders.Required QualificationsU.S. Citizenship and Active TS/SCI clearance (MANDATORY)Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related discipline (Master's preferred)8+ years of experience designing, integrating, and securing DoD or IC mission-critical IP networksDeep knowledge of: Routing/Switching (Layer 2/3)SATCOM backhaul, RF/mesh networks, and transport enclavesProven experience with: NSA Type-1 crypto, cross-domain solutions, MLS architecturesPython, Ansible, Terraform, and network automation toolsHands-on use of test/validation platforms (IXIA, Spirent, etc.)Preferred QualificationsCertifications: CCNP/CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expert-level network certificationsProgram Experience: ABMS, CJADC2, OMS/UCI, airborne tactical data links (Link-16/22, TTNT)Familiarity with: Containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh)Secure DevSecOps environments (Platform One, Iron Bank)RMF & ATO Experience: Prior success in managing RMF packages in eMASS to full Authorization to OperateAgile/Scrum or SAFe: certification