Network Automation Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Nightwing provides technically advanced full-spectrum cyber, data operations, systems integration and intelligence mission support services to meet our customers' most demanding challenges. Our capabilities include cyber space operations, cyber defense and resiliency, vulnerability research, ubiquitous technical surveillance, data intelligence, lifecycle mission enablement, and software modernization. Nightwing brings disruptive technologies, agility, and competitive offerings to customers in the intelligence community, defense, civil, and commercial markets.

SENIOR LEAD SOFTWARE ENGINEER - NETWORK INFRASTRUCTURE & AUTOMATION

At Nightwing, we are on a mission to develop resilient and scalable network infrastructure systems that support critical missions. We're looking for a talented Senior Lead Software Engineer who excels at solving complex networking challenges and building high-performance, software-defined solutions. In this role, you will collaborate with an innovative team to design cutting-edge network automation systems using advanced technologies like software-defined networking, infrastructure-as-code, and AI-driven operational intelligence.

This onsite role is based at our National Business Park, Maryland location.

About the Role:

As a Senior Lead Software Engineer at Nightwing, you will be responsible for creating network infrastructure and automation systems that operate at scale, maintain reliability under demanding conditions, and incorporate advanced technical approaches. You will have opportunities to work on projects involving software-defined datacenter networking, multi-cloud orchestration, network automation frameworks, and real-time infrastructure intelligence applications. You'll play a key role in building technologies that protect the nation's security and advance critical network capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development, implementation, and delivery of software-defined networking (SDN) solutions for software-defined networks, ensuring timelines, technical requirements, and network performance standards are met across highly resilient and scalable infrastructure
• Design, develop, and implement network automation solutions and infrastructure management platforms using Python and modern web technologies to reduce manual intervention and improve operational efficiency
• Develop and maintain network automation frameworks, APIs, and tooling that integrate with network devices, controllers, and monitoring systems, writing clean, maintainable infrastructure-as-code that adheres to coding standards
• Integrate AI-driven analytics and automation capabilities into network operations to augment performance monitoring, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance workflows
• Drive adoption and governance of approved AI-assisted engineering practices across teams to improve code quality, delivery speed, and operational outcomes (e.g., AI-assisted code review/refactoring, test acceleration, release readiness, incident/root-cause analysis)
• Build and optimize containerized network applications (Kubernetes, Helm) and microservices architectures for network management and orchestration
• Develop solutions for event-driven network automation and large-scale infrastructure workflows using modern protocols and APIs
• Collaborate with network architects, security teams, product owners, and infrastructure engineers in an Agile environment, conducting code reviews and troubleshooting network applications to meet performance and reliability requirements
• Mentor engineers on network automation and infrastructure-as-code principles while influencing technical direction by evaluating emerging SDN technologies and DevSecOps methodologies
• Maintain adherence to agile development practices and modern DevSecOps workflows with a focus on security and reliability

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or equivalent practical experience
• 5+ years of experience in network infrastructure development and DevOps networking engineering
• Hands-on practical experience delivering system design, application development, testing, and operational stability
• Strong experience developing software with Python and Shell Scripting for network automation and infrastructure management
• Deep understanding of networking protocols and technologies including BGP, VRF, MPLS, IP, TCP, and UDP as applied to datacenter and mission-critical contexts
• Experience with VMware NSX-T or similar SDN platforms for software-defined networking solutions including logical switching, routing, load balancing, distributed firewall, and micro-segmentation
• Proficiency in Linux-based development environments and infrastructure automation
• Strong experience with distributed systems and containerized applications using technologies such as Kubernetes, Podman, or Docker
• Experience with CI/CD tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI) for infrastructure automation pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices (Ansible, Terraform)
• Knowledge of DevSecOps tools and workflows, including version control systems like Git
• Exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills with ability to decompose complex network infrastructure challenges and perform root cause analysis across distributed systems
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams
• Active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
• U.S. citizenship required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with network virtualization platforms including Cisco ACI, Calico, OVN (Open Virtual Network), or Cilium for container networking
• Experience working with event-driven architectures, messaging systems like Kafka, and network APIs such as RESTful services, gRPC, or NETCONF/RESTCONF
• Knowledge of machine learning frameworks and their application to network analytics, traffic analysis, or anomaly detection
• Demonstrated experience leveraging AI-assisted software development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot, Claude Code) within engineering workflows with ability to validate outputs for correctness, performance, and security
• Experience integrating and applying LLMs to network operations workflows for force multiplication (automated documentation, incident analysis, configuration generation)
• Knowledge in policy-as-code frameworks, network security automation practices, and zero-trust architecture implementation
• Understanding of network visibility and analytics tools, flow telemetry, and observability frameworks
• Familiarity with network hardware integration and software-defined infrastructure controllers
• Understanding of multithreading, parallel processing, and asynchronous programming techniques as applied to network automation

Why Join Us:

Nightwing offers a unique opportunity to solve meaningful problems while working with cutting-edge network technologies in a collaborative environment. Our team values creativity and innovation as we develop network infrastructure solutions that have real-world impact on national security missions. You'll enjoy access to state-of-the-art tools, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to contribute to projects that help shape the future of secure, resilient network infrastructure for defense and intelligence operations.

Security Clearance Required:

TS/SCI clearance with polygraph (active)

Nightwing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Salary & Benefits

The salary associated with this position ($122,000-$253,000) is commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, years of relevant experience, and demonstrated level of expertise. Compensation will be determined based on these factors to ensure alignment with skills, responsibilities, and market standards.

Nightwingoffers medical, vision and dental insurance coverage in addition to a 401k plan, PTO, Holidays, and additional insurances.

Nightwing is An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status, age or any other federally protected class.