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Trace Systems

DoD-focused digital transformation and secure communications

Network Architect SME

Full-TimeDeadline 9/3/27
No salary listed
Expert
Bachelor's, Associate's
Stuttgart, Germany
In Person
IT OperationsNetwork Engineering & Administration
US Citizenship Required

About the job

Requirements
  • An active, in-scope U.S. Government-issued Secret clearance with eligibility for TS/SCI.
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Fifteen years of experience with routing and switching protocols.
  • Fifteen years of experience with network security protocols.
  • Fifteen years of experience with data center technologies.
  • Fifteen years of experience with global enterprise networks.
  • Current IAT Level II certification, such as Security+ CE, or higher.
  • CCIE certification.
  • Ability to meet TESA requirements to deploy OCONUS.
  • A Bachelor's degree plus three years of recent specialized experience, or an Associate's degree plus seven years of recent specialized experience, or a major certification plus seven years of recent specialized experience, or eleven years of recent specialized experience.
Responsibilities
  • Design, implement, and maintain highly reliable and scalable network systems.
  • Configure and maintain complex enterprise routing and switching environments using standard protocols and advanced transport methods, including DMVPN and MPLS Segment-Routing.
  • Manage and troubleshoot datacenter network fabrics using Cisco ACI and Cisco Nexus switching platforms.
  • Deploy, manage, and update Palo Alto and Cisco Firepower firewalls, including Panorama and FMC centralized management platforms.
  • Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine for secure endpoint access, policy enforcement, and Zero Trust architecture support.
  • Provision, key, and maintain KG encryptors such as TACLANE to secure classified and mission-critical traffic.
  • Develop automation frameworks and use Ansible, Python, and REST APIs to streamline deployments and support Software-Defined Access.
  • Maintain core network services, including F5 load balancers and Infoblox for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM.
  • Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks and single points of failure.
  • Create a roadmap for maturing DevOps practices and drive adoption of Infrastructure as Code using Ansible.
  • Gather and analyze metrics for performance tuning, fault discovery, and after-action reporting.
  • Work with operations teams to build automation use cases and improve reliability through rigorous testing and release procedures.
  • Support BlackCore networks running MPLS, L3VPN, L2VPN, MP-BGP, OSPF, and IS-IS.
  • Support Commercial Solutions for Classified solutions.
  • Support Nexus 5K, 7K, and 9K data center switches operating in ACI and NX-OS modes.
  • Support distributed multicast architectures.
  • Support Cisco data center environments using ACI and HCI deployment models.
  • Support Cisco ASA firewalls, FirePOWER, and FTD.
  • Support F5 load balancers.
  • Support VMware ESXi and NSX.
  • Provide network engineering support for core infrastructure spanning multiple continents in the AFRICOM Area of Responsibility using diverse transport.
  • Maintain industry best practices and standards for installation, configuration, and support of local area networks and wide area networks for internet systems or network segments.
  • Provide technical and escalation support, including troubleshooting and break/fix actions.
  • Understand broad client requirements and translate them into documented engineering requirements.
  • Execute high-priority client initiatives and guide deployment of innovative solutions using current technologies to support the warfighter.
  • Develop new strategic initiatives and customer relationships while enhancing existing initiatives and relationships.
  • Consolidate, project, and grow pre-existing efforts.
  • Arrange technology engagements with clients and align Trace technology solutions for integration.
  • Analyze requirements; design, develop, and deliver solution lifecycle documentation, including design, process, policy, techniques, tactics, and procedures, in a timely manner.
Desired Qualifications
  • IAT-III certification, such as CISSP, CASP, or GCIH.
  • ITILv4 Foundations certification.

About the company

Trace Systems provides digital transformation, assured communications, distributed edge architecture, and cloud-based cross-domain solutions for defense and government customers. Its products and services help military and coalition partners operate securely across multiple domains and geographies by enabling rapid, reliable communications, cyber security, networking, and command center support in challenging environments. The company differentiates itself through deep mission-focused experience in austere, down-range operations and fast-response capabilities to support combatant commands and short-notice deployments. Its goal is to help customers achieve trusted, resilient, and connected operations across global theaters.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

McLean, Virginia

Founded

1999

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • USSOCOM's $1.81 billion EAGLE-I contract expands revenue visibility through 2036.
  • Trace won a $64 million Army follow-on on April 24, 2026.
  • LAAFB support and Starlink resale deepen Trace's installed base across Space Force customers.

What critics are saying

  • GAO sustained protest findings against Trace on March 4, 2025 over labor rates.
  • The September 9, 2026 GAO ruling killed Trace-adjacent LAAFB work and forces recompete.
  • Heavy federal concentration leaves Trace exposed to bid protests, bridge-contract gaps, and cancellation.

What makes Trace Systems unique

  • Trace pairs cleared DoD communications, cybersecurity, and satellite integration under one prime.
  • Starlink reseller status on May 23, 2025 broadens edge connectivity offerings for government buyers.
  • EAGLE-I award on May 22, 2026 validates decade-scale C2ISR integration capability.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • Flexible Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
  • Wellness Program
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays

Company News

PR Newswire
May 23rd, 2025
Trace Systems Is Now An Authorized Starlink Reseller

MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trace Systems Inc. is proud to announce its designation as an authorized reseller of Starlink high-speed internet for businesses, enterprises and government use."Working with Starlink represents a transformative step in advancing secure communications capabilities for our customers," said Otto Hoernig III, CEO of Trace Systems. "Integrating Starlink into our service portfolio enhances secure, high-bandwidth connectivity and enables scalable, real-time collaboration across enterprise and edge environments."

PR Newswire
Mar 11th, 2025
Trace Systems Secures Us Air Force 61St Communications Squadron (61 Cs) Base Operations Support (Bos) Contract

MCLEAN, Va., March 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Trace Systems Inc. (Trace), a leading provider of enterprise IT, communications, and cybersecurity solutions to the Department of Defense (DoD), proudly announces its recent contract award to provide Base Operations Support (BOS) - IT Services to Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), home to Space Base Delta 3 (SBD 3) and Space Systems Command (SSC) Field Command as well as other locations outside of LAAFB.Under this contract, Trace will deliver mission-critical IT services, ensuring seamless communications and operational efficiency for the U.S. Space Force and other military organizations operating from LAAFB. The company will provide comprehensive IT support, including NIPRNet and SIPRNet operations and administration, incident response, system and network operations and maintenance, configuration and knowledge management, and cybersecurity services, reinforcing the base's digital infrastructure and security posture."Trace is honored to support the 61st Communications Squadron in its mission to maintain superior IT capabilities at Los Angeles Air Force Base," said Stacey McGill, Vice President for Enterprise Solutions at Trace. "This contract award underscores our commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance operational readiness and mission success for the U.S. military."The 61 CS BOS - IT Services contract further strengthens Trace's position as a trusted partner to the DoD, supporting mission-critical operations with innovative and reliable IT solutions