Network Engineer

Network EngineerThis Network Engineer role focuses on designing, securing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the communications infrastructure that connects unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations. You will own a complex environment that includes RF networks, Starlink satellite communications, VPNs, firewalls, and both Windows and Linux systems, with a strong emphasis on reliability, cybersecurity, and field operations support. You will build and maintain secure, scalable, and resilient network architectures that support mission-critical operations and enable operators to diagnose and resolve issues quickly in remote and demanding environments.ResponsibilitiesDesign secure, scalable network architectures that connect unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations, with a focus on uptime, resiliency, and mission-critical performance.Configure, secure, and maintain RF networks, Starlink and other satellite communication links, VPNs, firewalls, and routing across Windows and Linux environments.Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve degraded or remote communications links, including RF relays, Starlink links, VPN servers, and ground control station connectivity.Develop and maintain network topology diagrams, interface definitions, configuration standards, and deployment documentation for UAS and ground control station networks.Implement and maintain network security policies, including VPN configurations, firewall rules, endpoint security controls, and network segmentation for field-deployed systems.Build and enhance monitoring, diagnostic, and logging capabilities to detect issues early and support rapid root cause analysis of network and system problems.Support operators and other non-technical end users by simplifying troubleshooting workflows and enabling self-service where appropriate.Participate in and support vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation of network and operating system security findings.Apply cybersecurity best practices and relevant frameworks to harden network infrastructure and systems used in field, tactical, aerospace, or defense environments.Use scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell and Python to streamline network configuration, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance tasks.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that network designs balance security, reliability, usability, and field practicality.Provide calm, clear communication and guidance during live troubleshooting sessions, including remote support for field operations.Continuously learn and adapt to new hardware, radios, link technologies, and evolving network architectures as the fleet and systems grow.Essential SkillsHands-on experience in network engineering, systems administration, or field communications in complex, remote, or mission-critical environments.Direct experience with system stability and troubleshooting beyond traditional help desk responsibilities.Strong working knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals, including routing, subnetting, NAT, DNS, and DHCP.Proficiency configuring and troubleshooting VPNs, including peer-to-peer or supernode-based architectures such as n2n or similar solutions.Experience configuring and managing firewalls and implementing network security policies.Experience working with both Windows and Linux environments for network and system administration.Experience with wireless and RF networking and satellite communications, such as Starlink, VSAT, or similar technologies.Experience designing or scaling network architectures, not only maintaining existing networks.Scripting or automation experience using PowerShell and/or Python.Ability to troubleshoot degraded or remote communications links in field or distributed environments.Strong understanding of network infrastructure, configuration, deployment, and data flows for UAS, ground control stations, and related systems.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience operating in field, remote, or expeditionary environments such as tactical communications, WISP field networking, or industrial and SCADA remote site networking.Experience supporting non-technical end users in troubleshooting network issues, with a focus on simplification and self-service enablement.Experience securing field-deployed, tactical, aerospace, or defense networks, including VPNs, firewalls, encrypted communications, network segmentation, and secure remote access.Familiarity with Department of Defense cybersecurity practices such as RMF and NIST SP 800-53 as they relate to network infrastructure and system hardening.Experience supporting vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation of network and operating system security findings.CompTIA Network+ or Security+ certification, or equivalent.Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification, or equivalent vendor certification.Relevant military communications or signal corps training or certification.Relevant network or cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, CCNP Security, CISSP, or equivalent practical experience.Demonstrated track record of reducing recurring operational issues through root cause analysis rather than repeated one-off fixes.Experience balancing competing constraints of security, reliability, usability, and field practicality when making network design decisions.Self-directed learning mindset with the ability to quickly understand new hardware, radios, and link technologies as architectures evolve.Understanding of RF and satellite communications principles, including link budget basics, latency and packet loss behavior, and interference troubleshooting.Comfort working independently to troubleshoot novel or ambiguous problems with incomplete information.Strong, calm communication skills during live troubleshooting scenarios, including remote support situations.Interest in contributing at the ground level to a high-visibility, high-impact initiative within an established organization.Work EnvironmentThis is an onsite role based in Bingen, WA. The position involves primarily office and production floor work, with most troubleshooting performed remotely and occasional in-field support for complex network or communications issues. Domestic and international travel is required approximately 5% of the time. Daily work includes sitting and working at a computer, reading screens, documents, and engineering drawings, and moving through office and production areas that may include uneven surfaces. The role may require carrying or lifting items up to 30 pounds. You will work closely with advanced technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems, ground control stations, RF relays, satellite communications (including Starlink), VPN servers, and both Windows and Linux environments in a highly visible, mission-driven setting.