Sr Network Engineer with Security Clearance

Senior Network Engineer (Army C-UAS BONeS Program)
Customer: Northrop Grumman
Location: Huntsville, AL (onsite) with 25% travel to testing events outside of HSV
Clearance: Active Secret
Duration: 12+ month contract possible perm or extensions Program Overview
Northrop Grumman is supporting the U.S. Army's Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) mission through the BONeS (Base Operational Networking Systems) environment. This rapidly growing program provides the secure network infrastructure that enables the Army to deploy, integrate, and operate advanced counter-drone capabilities.

As mission requirements continue to evolve, the program is receiving increased funding and is aggressively modernizing its network architecture through the integration of emerging technologies, cloud capabilities, automation, and Zero Trust security principles. The team operates in a fast-paced engineering environment where new technologies and customer requirements are continuously introduced. Engineers are expected to work directly with government stakeholders, solve complex integration challenges, and help shape technical solutions that support critical national defense missions.

Position Overview
Our customer is seeking Senior Network Engineers to support the design, modernization, integration, and expansion of their tactical network. This is not a traditional network administration or operations role. We are looking for experienced engineers who can design solutions, drive technical decisions, and troubleshoot complex networking challenges in a dynamic mission environment. Successful candidates will be comfortable operating with minimal supervision, engaging directly with customers, and translating evolving requirements into scalable network solutions.

This role requires a strong engineering mindset and the ability to support multiple rapid-development efforts simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and modernize secure network architectures supporting Army C-UAS missions
• Engineer Layer 2 and Layer 3 network solutions, including routing, switching, VLAN design, and segmentation
• Support firewall engineering, integration, and security architecture initiatives
• Develop and implement network automation solutions using tools such as Ansible and Python
• Contribute to software-defined networking (SDN), cloud networking, and Zero Trust initiatives
• Integrate emerging technologies and capabilities into existing network environments
• Troubleshoot complex network and systems integration issues
• Partner directly with government customers and internal engineering teams to develop technical solutions
• Support STIG compliance, security hardening, and secure government networking requirements Current Technical Focus Areas
• Firewall engineering and integration
• Network automation
• Software-defined networking (SDN)
• Zero Trust architecture
• Cloud infrastructure and networking
• Starshield integration
• BONeS network modernization and expansion
• Rapid integration of emerging technologies as mission needs evolve Required Qualifications
• Active Secret Clearance
• STEM Degree (very few exceptions but bring up if they meet every other must have)
• Senior-level experience in network engineering and architecture
• Strong background in routing, switching, and Layer 2/Layer 3 networking
• Experience designing VLAN architectures and secure enterprise networks
• Hands-on firewall engineering experience
• Experience supporting cloud-based networking environments
• Network automation experience using Ansible, Python, or similar tools
• Understanding of software-defined networking concepts
• Experience implementing or supporting Zero Trust architectures
• Knowledge of STIG requirements and secure government environments
• Experience supporting DoD, federal, or other highly secure networks

Preferred Qualifications

• Starlink or Starshield experience
• Satellite communications integration experience
• FedRAMP knowledge and implementation experience
• Experience integrating emerging technologies into operational environments
• Direct customer-facing experience with government stakeholders
• Background supporting rapid prototyping, system integration, or fielded defense systems
• Experience working in environments with evolving requirements and compressed timelines