Network Engineer

Network EngineerLOCATION: On Site (Hybrid /Remote Option) - Kirtland AFB, NMJOB STATUS: Full-timeCLEARANCE: Secret ClearanceCERTIFICATION: N/ATRAVEL: <10%Astrion is seeking a Network Engineer to join the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Space Vehicles Directorate, in support of the Rapid Architecture Prototyping and Integration Development (RAPID) laboratory at Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM. The RAPID Lab plays a critical role in shaping the future of resilient space systems for the U.S. Space Force. This role will provide Network Engineering expertise to the RAPID program office, helping shape network engineering related requirements, verification approaches, system architectures, and deliverables.Required Qualifications / SkillsU.S. Citizenship requiredDoD Secret clearanceBachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or related technical fieldMinimum 3+ years of relevant technical engineering experienceExperience with network security, firewalls, and VPNsHands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, or equivalent networking equipmentStrong knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, etc.)Proficiency in configuring and managing routers, switches, and firewallsExperience with network monitoring tools and troubleshooting methodologiesUnderstanding cybersecurity principles and network security best practicesExcellent problem-solving and communication skillsCurrent networking certification such as Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, Juniper JNCIA-Junos, or equivalentStrong analytical skills with the ability to manage complex systems and technical requirementsExcellent time management and organizational skillsSelf-motivated and capable of independent problem solvingPreferred Qualifications / SkillsDoD TS/SCI clearanceCisco CCNP Enterprise, Juniper JNCIP-ENT, or equivalent; Security+ CE; AWS or Azure networking certificationExperience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, etc.)Knowledge of VoIP and wireless networking solutionsResponsibilitiesServe as the program office's network engineering subject matter expert, advising the Program Manager, Technical Director, and systems engineering team on network-related requirements, design decisions, risks, and dependenciesTranslate mission and operational needs into network requirements and support their allocation, traceability, review, and maintenance throughout the systems engineering lifecycleRepresent network requirements and interfaces in system architectures, operational concepts, interface definitions, and other program engineering artifactsSupport network architecture development and trade studies, assessing proposed approaches for mission fit, interoperability, performance, resilience, security, scalability, and supportabilityCoordinate system network and facility network requirements as distinct engineering areas, identifying their interfaces and dependencies without combining their design baselines or work scopesIdentify and document network interfaces, assumptions, constraints, and dependencies involving mission systems, platforms, cybersecurity, facilities, cloud services, and external networksParticipate in technical interchange meetings, engineering reviews, and program decision forums; present network engineering positions and track resulting actions to closureReview contractor and engineering team deliverables for consistency with approved requirements, architectures, interfaces, and program decisionsSupport technical risk, issue, and opportunity management by identifying network-related concerns, assessing impacts, recommending mitigations, and tracking resolutionAssess proposed system changes for impacts to network requirements, interfaces, architecture, verification plans, and operational concepts; provide network engineering input to configuration and change control processesSupport development of network verification and validation strategies, requirements traceability, success criteria, and test plansReview network-related test procedures and results, assess whether requirements have been met, and identify issues requiring corrective actionCoordinate with government stakeholders, other program offices, facility representatives, cybersecurity personnel, and engineering teams to resolve network-related dependencies and maintain alignmentProvide network engineering inputs to technical status reports, briefings, acquisition and planning documents, and program recommendationsCommunicate network technical status, risks, decisions, and unresolved issues to program and customer leadership