Satellite Ground Network Systems Engineer

We are seeking a Satellite Ground Network Systems Engineer to provide systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) for the ground segment IT and network infrastructure that supports satellite missions. In this role, you will focus on the design, evaluation, optimization, and security of mission‑critical networks and data center environments that carry satellite command, control, and mission data.

You will serve as a technical advisor to government customers, helping them shape and assess network and IT architectures for satellite ground systems—ensuring they are scalable, highly available, secure, and cost‑effective. This position combines systems engineering (CONOPS, requirements, architecture, analysis) with hands‑on network expertise (design review, performance, security, and troubleshooting) in a TS/SCI with Polygraph environment.

Job Description:

• Perform Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) for systems engineering activities related to Information Technology (IT) and Network Engineering, including concept of operations formulation, requirements definition and analysis, system architecting and design, interface and data architectures, validation and verification, systems integration, operational performance and systems analysis, lifecycle cost analysis/estimation, decision analysis, and physical configuration analysis (PCA).
• Evaluate network design, implementation, maintenance, optimization, security, and troubleshooting/problem resolution.
• Assess proposed network designs and review existing network architectures to ensure scalable, high-performance systems.
• Monitor and evaluate existing networks for optimal operation, identify bottlenecks, and recommend and implement performance and optimization improvements.
• Conduct evaluations of network security protocols, perform risk assessments, and recommend strategies to mitigate security vulnerabilities.
• Provide expert advisory support to customers on network architecture, performance, and security risks based on technical expertise in network design, monitoring, and risk mitigation.
• Provide perspective on IT infrastructure concerns, including data center floor layout, power and cooling, data storage, infrastructure management, backup solutions, monitoring, operating systems, directory services, identity management, access management, and automation.
• Possess comprehensive knowledge of network systems architecture, security protocols, VPNs, firewalls, cloud networking, data center environments, and virtualization technologies such as VMware or Hyper-V.
• Demonstrate the ability to prioritize and manage multiple complex tasks and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience with IT and network automation tools (e.g., Ansible) is highly desired.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field and five (5) years of relevant experience; OR Master's degree and three (3) years of relevant experience; OR PhD in a related field and no professional experience required.
• Active TS/SCI clearance with Polygraph is required for consideration.
• Preferred experience with network protocols, network hardware (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls) from major vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, and Palo Alto Networks.
• Familiarity with network monitoring tools (e.g., Wireshark) and virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware) is strongly desired.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills are required.