Freelance Rf Communications Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Position Summary MAG is currently recruiting for a Network/Communications Engineer who will e nsure critical data reaches its destination despite jamming, destruction, and cyber attacks. You'll innovate in architecting reimagined but compliant resilient communication systems that maintain connectivity in the world's most challenging environments. US Citizens Only Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in: Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC Essential Duties and Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Primary Responsibilities * Design and implement tactical mesh networks for DDIL environments * Develop multi-path routing protocols for resilient communications * Implement software-defined networking (SDN) solutions * Configure and optimize diverse communication channels (satellite, RF, cellular) * Design quality of service (QoS) for degraded network conditions * Implement store-and-forward architectures for intermittent connectivity * Develop network monitoring and diagnostic tools Secondary Responsibilities * Implement network security controls (encryption, authentication, segmentation) * Design and configure firewall rules and intrusion detection * Perform network vulnerability assessments * Implement zero-trust network architectures * Support cybersecurity compliance requirements Requirements Minimum Requirements Experience: Required Qualifications * 5+ years network engineering experience * Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, and multicast protocols * Experience with routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, OLSR) * Hands-on experience with mesh networking technologies * Proficiency with network security (IPSec, VPNs, TLS) * Experience with software-defined networking (SDN/NFV) * Familiarity with RF communications and spectrum management * Understanding of satellite communications (VSAT, LEO constellations) * Experience with network simulation and modeling tools Preferred Qualifications * Experience with military tactical networks * Knowledge of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) * Familiarity with cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access * Experience with network automation tools and principles (e.g., Ansible, Python, Infrastructure-as-Code) * Familiarity with DISA STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) or similar DoD/IC security hardening standards * Experience with TAK servers and Cursor on Target (CoT) * Understanding of CSfC requirements * Amateur radio license * Experience with underwater acoustic networks * CCNA/CCNP or equivalent certification Education: * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field Clearance: * Must be eligible for Secret security clearance * US Citizenship required Special Note What Makes You Successful Here * You assume every network will fail and design accordingly * You can optimize protocols for 2400 baud or 10 Gbps * You understand both the theory and practical reality of RF propagation * You can explain complex networking to operators simply * You see security as integral to network design, not an add-on Why Join MAG: * Work on meaningful problems that directly impact national security * Small, elite team where your contributions matter immediately * Access to cutting-edge hardware and technologies * Rapid prototyping environment - see your ideas deployed in weeks * Direct interaction with end users and field deployments * Professional development and conference attendance support * Flexible work arrangements with occasional field exercises * Opportunity to shape the future of tactical edge computing Benefits and Compensation At MAG Aerospace, we value your contributions providing our employees with a robust Total Rewards package that supports your total well-being. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in MAG's Total Rewards programs. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits as well as paid leave, professional development, and tuition assistance. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our Total Rewards Program by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site: https://www.magaero.com/benefits/. Salary at MAG Aerospace is determined by various factors including but not limited to location, the particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86250 to $143750 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of MAG's total compensation package for employees.