Sr. Network Engineer

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation's space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you'll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

The National Systems Group serves as the technical advisor to the Intelligence Community and its mission partners involved in the collection and distribution of national and tactical intelligence, including electronics programs, advanced technologies, ground and communications, imagery programs, and systems engineering and launch.

We are looking for a Senior Project Engineer/Network Engineer to support the National Reconnaissance Office's (NRO) COMM Directorate, Network Services Group (NSG). NSG goals include modernizing and simplifying NRO networks including cyber, anticipating demand to scale networks to meet partner needs, and to improve global network resilience. This opportunity will be focused on supporting NSG through rigorous data collection, data analysis and systems engineering methodologies. The Network Engineer will:

• Oversee and advise on planning, building, testing, implementation, and maintenance of classified network infrastructures
• Develop strategic solutions to meet the customer's current and evolving network/communications requirements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams – including IT systems, cyber security, and mission engineering experts - and customer leadership throughout the design, build, implementation, and maintenance of the network infrastructures

This position requires 100% on site work in Chantilly, VA

What You'll Be Doing

• Apply specific technical knowledge of OSI Model Layer 2/Layer 3 network devices, TCP/IP, routing/switching protocols, network security/firewalls, and network mapping in the performance of planning, modeling, and analysis
• Analyze IT requirements and provide technical guidance to develop telecommunications network/data communications architectures
• Analyze network architecture weaknesses to identify availability risks due to cyber security vulnerabilities
• Recommend technology upgrades and reconfigurations to network architectures to reduce operating costs, improve performance, and accommodate evolving requirements
• Guide projects and technical teams through required NRO and COMM systems engineering gates, and rigorous data collection and data analysis activities
• Guide technical exchange meetings with external asset owners and the COMM Cyber Protection Office (CPO) to coordinate and implement data collection strategies
• Generate and present reports of findings and recommendations to NSG, COMM, and senior leaders from other NRO Directorates and Offices
• Leverage the Aerospace "backplane" to collaborate across Group, Office, and Directorate boundaries to promote and ensure clean interfaces between internal and external customers
• Identify and lead matrixed Aerospace engineering staff and project teams for specified projects and studies; act as spokesperson for the team when presenting observations, results, and recommendations

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for Sr. Project Engineer - Communication Systems and Signal & Image Process Engineering.

• This position requires a current and active TS/SSBI/SCI security clearance and polygraph, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field
• 12 or more years of relevant experience
• Proven expertise in providing network engineering solutions, technical analysis and impact assessments, tradeoffs, and market research, preferably in enterprise IT service environments
• Experience developing technical roadmaps and architectures, preferably in enterprise IT service environments
• Proficiency in managing projects throughout the systems engineering lifecycle
• Background in using and/or researching tools and platforms for developing enterprise architectures
• Experience in integrating enterprise-level program requirements, schedules, deliveries, and budget plans
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, to include oral and written communication

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• An advanced degree in engineering, science, mathematics, or a related field
• Certifications in Network Engineering, Enterprise Architecture and/or Systems Engineering
• Direct experience or familiarization with COMM network technologies, VM, and Linux
• Direct experience developing IC or NRO mission, system, or technology architectures
• Experience implementing Model Based Systems Engineering frameworks and solutions
• Experience implementing the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) and other cyber security principles
• Demonstrated initiative and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with customers, company leadership, and matrixed engineering staff

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change
• Engage with Impact
• Foster Innovation
• Deliver Results

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type. A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• A work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you're an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at or by email at

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