Network Systems Engineer

Network Systems Engineer

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we're building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we're helping create a truly scalable space industry.

Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we'd love to have you join us.

Reusable launch systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust network infrastructure is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system.

As a Network Systems Engineer on Stoke Space's Information Technology team, you'll deploy, document and maintain robust network architectures, cloud infrastructure integration and related network services (DNS, DHCP, VPN, etc.) that meet our rapidly growing needs while facilitating a successful startup culture as we race towards our first launch of Nova.

We are a small and motivated team, and you will work across the entire Stoke organization and bring expertise in networking technologies, security best practices, and performance optimization. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced startup environment — ideal for someone who thrives on autonomy, technical depth, and cross-functional collaboration.

The ideal candidate will have experience working within NIST frameworks and ensuring network security compliance.

You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, firewalls, and cloud-based networking solutions
• Ensure network security through proper configuration, monitoring, and adherence to security policies and NIST frameworks
• Collaborate with IT and security teams to develop and maintain secure network access policies/ACLs
• Lead network upgrades, migrations, and system integrations to support business growth and technology advancements
• Implement automation and monitoring tools to proactively detect and resolve network issues
• Document network configurations, processes, and standard operating procedures
• Assist remote teams including IT, software, and avionics with on-site support of various ranges of equipment and software tools as we build and begin to operate our launch complex at Cape Canaveral
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals and objectives
• Occasional travel to other Stoke facilities

Qualifications

• Exceptional understanding of the OSI model and IP network standards
• 5+ years of experience in network engineering, including designing, monitoring, and troubleshooting LAN/WAN networks in enterprise/campus environments
• Expert knowledge of switching and routing protocols (VLAN, RSTP, ARP, BGP, OSPF, etc.)
• Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and resolve complex network issues
• Hands-on experience with firewalls (Fortinet, Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, etc.), VPNs, and network security solutions
• Ability to work agnostically with hardware from multiple vendors, examples: Fortinet, Unifi, MikroTik, etc.
• Experience with enterprise WiFi technologies, including design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of wireless networks for high-density environments
• Strong technical acumen with the ability to perform hands-on support and troubleshooting across a broad range of IT systems, including networking, hardware, software, and end-user support
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related STEM field, or equivalent experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AWS network infrastructure
• Expertise with Ubiquiti hardware
• Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server and Linux
• Experience in aerospace systems, mission or ground control operations, or other safety-critical network environments
• Experience working in regulated industries with compliance standards (NIST, ISO 27001, HIPAA, etc.)

Benefits

• Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees.
• Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• 4 weeks' Paid Time Off
• Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure)
• Paid Family/Parental Leave
• On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location)

Compensation

Target Levels:

• Level 3 range: $133,560 - $200,340

Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis.

Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level.

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity

The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring.

Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically.

Candidate Rights & Accommodations

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request.

For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here.

E-Verify

Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.