IT Systems Engineer

Do you have extensive experience with advanced networking technologies and cloud orchestration?

Are you passionate about designing and implementing innovative network solutions to support groundbreaking research?

If so, we‘re looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer specialized in orchestrating and maintaining advanced network systems

Your knowledge and skills will be instrumental in advancing groundbreaking research and innovation, playing a crucial role in the development of technologies that propel our Laboratory‘s mission forward.

Join us to make a significant mark in a field where your work doesn‘t just build solutions but defines the future of our technological landscape.

As a Senior Network and Systems Engineer, you will...

• Design and implement advanced network solutions, including high-performance networking, software-defined networking (SDN), and cloud networking, focusing on scalability, security, and performance optimization.
• Manage and optimize network infrastructure for various platforms, ensuring efficient operation of both stand-alone and networked systems in high-security environments.
• Handle sophisticated LAN and WAN configurations, maintaining robust cybersecurity in line with organizational standards.
• Lead in diagnosing and resolving complex network issues that arise in both physical and virtual environments.
• Guide the development of efficient network solutions, mentoring team members with your knowledge and skills in advanced networking technologies.
• Influence network scalability and efficiency by analyzing key performance metrics to inform capacity planning and operational improvements.
• Elevate operational standards by crafting crucial network security and configuration documents, ensuring compliance and setting quality benchmarks.
• Stay updated with the latest networking technologies and cybersecurity trends, integrating emerging technologies to enhance research capabilities.
• Conduct network vulnerability assessments and manage system updates, ensuring continuous improvement of the network‘s security posture.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you have ...

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field, or 10 years of related professional work experience.
• 7 or more years of hands-on experience with advanced networking technologies in an enterprise or research environment.
• 3 or more years in a technical leadership role, focusing on architecting and administering complex network environments.
• Expertise applying automation and orchestration tools for building, configuring, provisioning, and managing network infrastructure.
• Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) platforms like Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, or similar technologies in an operational setting.
• A firm understanding of networking protocols and architectures, including TCP/IP, routing, switching, and network security protocols.
• Experience leading and motivating a team to deliver results and maintain the highest standards of quality.
• Familiarity with security and regulatory compliance requirements as they pertain to networking, such as NIST RMF, NIST SP 800-53, or DoD 8570/8140.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and present technical information clearly to a diverse audience.
• Ability to independently resolve complex problems by applying job knowledge, conducting research, and using external resources.
• Solid understanding of network security principles, including firewall configurations, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and VPN technologies.
• Hold a Top Secret level security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You‘ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• A Master‘s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field, demonstrating a deeper level of expertise and commitment to the field.
• Advanced experience with high-performance networking, including technologies like InfiniBand or advanced Ethernet configurations, demonstrating a deep understanding of optimizing network performance for research applications.
• Experience with network virtualization technologies, such as VMware NSX or Cisco Nexus virtual switches.
• Proficiency in enterprise network automation and monitoring tools, such as Ansible, Puppet, SolarWinds, or similar platforms, showcasing your ability to enhance operational efficiency and proactive network management.
• Hands-on integration experience with major cloud providers, like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Azure, or Google Cloud Platform, reflecting a broad competency in diverse cloud networking environments and hybrid setups.
• Expertise in cloud networking management tools like CloudBolt or Kion (formerly CloudTamer), indicating your ability to streamline cloud infrastructure management and implement effective cloud governance strategies.
• Certifications such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Expert (JNCIE), or equivalent advanced networking certifications.

Why work at APL?

While the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world-class expertise to a broad range of challenges, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, innovation ecosystem where you can feel safe to share ideas and to continue to grow personally and professionally. At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas and have earned Best Places to Work accolades in outlets such as Fast Companies and Glassdoor.

Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL‘s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact . Only by ensuring that everyone‘s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL‘s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.