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- Tasks: Join as a SME Network Engineer, shaping cutting-edge networking for the Air Force's digital infrastructure.
- Company: KP Recruiting Group connects top talent with leading companies across various industries.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous vacation, 401k matching, tuition reimbursement, and discounts on products and services.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven team impacting national security while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Requires a Bachelor's degree, 12+ years experience, and an active TS/SCI clearance.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional development and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 105000 - 154000 £ per year.
This is a full time permanent role.
The Role: The SME Network Engineer will shape the tactical and enterprise networking underpinnings of the major release orchestrating SATCOM, SDR, cross-domain solutions, and software-defined networking that connect airborne platforms to the Digital Infrastructure (DI) and the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK. You will be working on the Air Force’s open-architecture aerial node that pushes multi-level-secure data to warfighters in seconds, not minutes.
Job Duties:
- Integration & Lab Leadership: Specify and configure routers, switches, firewalls, SATCOM modems, and SDRs inside the Integration SIL; drive interface-control documentation (ICDs) for airborne PIMs. Develop automated test harnesses (IXIA/TestCenter, Spirent, Ansible) to validate throughput, latency, packet-loss, and IA posture before DT/OT.
- Architect & Design: Lead creation of the network reference architecture spanning Nomad hardware, Smith software builds, and Watch node-management elements. Define routing schemas (BGP/OSPF/IS-IS), QoS policies, IPSec/crypto overlays, and multi-level security / cross-domain data-flow rulesets that comply with NSA and DISA STIG requirements. Produce SysML/CAMEO artifacts feeding the government-owned digital thread.
- DevSecOps & Cyber Hygiene: Embed network-security controls into the DevSecOps pipeline; champion zero-trust principles and continuous ATO artifacts (RMF eMASS packages, ACAS/SCAP scans). Guide implementation of Software Defined Networking (SD-WAN, OpenFlow, or comparable) for dynamic airborne/ground path selection.
- Fielding & Operations: Partner with platform SPOs and flight-test organizations to translate lab configs into flight-worthy builds; draft Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT) and airworthiness network annexes. Support Watch help-desk playbooks, operational runbooks, and remote monitoring dashboards (Elastic, Grafana, Prometheus). Serve as the chief technical adviser to Government IPT leads; brief network readiness, risk, and performance metrics at program reviews. Mentor mid-level engineers and ensure knowledge transfer to Government personnel.
Required Skills:
- Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred) and 12+ years designing, integrating, and securing DoD or IC mission-critical IP networks.
- Active TS/SCI clearance.
- Deep expertise in routing/switching (Layer 2/3), SATCOM backhaul, RF/mesh networking, and transport enclaves in contested or bandwidth-limited environments.
- Demonstrated experience with cross-domain solutions, NSA Type-1 crypto, and multi-level security architectures.
- Hands-on with network test/validation tools and scripting/automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
Desired Skills:
- Prior work on CJADC2, ABMS, OMS/UCI, tactical data links (Link-16/22, TTNT), or airborne networking programs.
- Familiarity with containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh) and classified DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Iron Bank).
- Experience shepherding RMF packages through eMASS to full ATO.
- Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification.
Company Benefits:
- Generous Vacation Policy
- 401k with Roth option & 8% Company Match
- Profit Sharing
- Annual Bonus Potential
- 9 Paid Holidays (8 Static and 1 Floating)
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Assistance Program
- Company Paid Life Insurance
- Short- & Long-Term Disability
- Opportunities for Internal Mobility
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Earn More with our Employee Referral Program
- Company Discounts on products, goods, services, electronics, automotive, travel & more!
- Opportunities for Community Engagement
SME Network Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance employer: KP Recruiting Group
Contact Detail:
KP Recruiting Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land SME Network Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience with routing and switching protocols like BGP and OSPF during any discussions. These are crucial for the SME Network Engineer role, and demonstrating your expertise can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in Software Defined Networking (SDN) and zero-trust principles. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not only qualified but also up-to-date with industry standards.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the defence and space sectors, especially those who have worked on similar projects. This can provide you with valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals, increasing your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience with network validation tools and automation scripting. Being able to share specific examples of how you've used tools like Ansible or Python in past roles will demonstrate your practical skills effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace SME Network Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the SME Network Engineer role. Focus on your expertise in routing/switching, SATCOM backhaul, and any experience with DoD or IC mission-critical IP networks.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the job requirements. Mention your active TS/SCI clearance and elaborate on your 12+ years of experience in designing and securing networks, showcasing how you can contribute to the company's mission.
Highlight Relevant Projects: In your application, include specific projects where you've demonstrated your skills in network architecture, DevSecOps, and cyber hygiene. Use metrics to quantify your achievements, such as improvements in network performance or security compliance.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a technical role like this.
How to prepare for a job interview at KP Recruiting Group
✨Understand the Technical Requirements
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the technical skills required for the SME Network Engineer role. Brush up on your knowledge of routing/switching, SATCOM backhaul, and multi-level security architectures. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied these skills.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Automation
Since the role involves scripting and automation, be ready to talk about your experience with tools like Python, Ansible, or Terraform. Share examples of how you've used these tools to improve network performance or streamline processes in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Standards
Given the sensitive nature of the work, it's crucial to understand the compliance standards such as NSA and DISA STIG requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured compliance in past projects and how you would approach it in this role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and technical expertise. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, particularly in high-pressure environments like military operations.
