Software Defined Networking Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job description

MUST BE A US CITIZEN (Please do not apply if you are not)

Company Introduction

At BlackSea Technologies, we don't just innovate; we revolutionize.

We are a close-knit team of creative and innovative thinkers specializing in full lifecycle development of cutting-edge maritime technology. At BlackSea, you won't just find a job; you'll find a community of experts who aspire to solve diverse and complex challenges. Be part of a company where your ideas matter, your expertise is valued, and your contributions make a real impact. Together, we are not just sailing; we are charting a course to push boundaries of what's possible.

Network Engineer (Mid-Level) - Fleet Systems and Data Pipeline (Mainstay)

Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000

Location: Flexible / Hybrid Baltimore

Company: BlackSea Technologies

BlackSea is building the next generation of maritime autonomy. Our systems deploy, operate, and deliver in the real world. We move it off real systems operating in the real world

From unmanned surface vessels to mission systems and autonomy software, we design, manufacture, and operate mission-ready platforms at scale. Our systems are already in the water, already in use, and already shaping how autonomous fleets operate. Ideas do not sit in PowerPoint here. They move from design to build to deployment quickly.

At the center of this is the Mainstay data pipeline. It connects deployed platforms to operators, gets telemetry and mission data off vessels, and enables software updates and configuration management across entire fleets. This is not a traditional enterprise network role. You will be building the backbone that allows autonomous systems to communicate, operate, and evolve.

We are hiring engineers to build that foundation. Most networks support internal systems. Ours connect autonomous platforms in the field. If you want to build infrastructure that enables autonomy at scale, this is the place to do it.

What You Will Do

Build the Mainstay Data Pipeline

· Design and implement networking solutions that move telemetry and mission data off deployed platforms

· Support command, software update, and configuration paths back to fielded systems

· Help build the Mainstay backbone across vessels, shore systems, and cloud environments

Develop Software Defined Networking Capabilities

· Implement and manage software defined routing and secure overlay networking

· Work with products such as NetBird and other Software Defined Network solutions

· Build resilient connectivity across edge systems, shore infrastructure, and cloud environments

Enable Mesh and Distributed Networks

· Design and support mesh networking architectures where they improve resilience and reach

· Optimize network behavior across intermittent and bandwidth constrained links

· Support integration with radio, satellite, and hybrid communications paths

Secure and Harden the Network

· Implement secure network designs aligned to modern security expectations

· Support identity, access, segmentation, and configuration control across distributed systems

· Ensure the network remains resilient under failure, disruption, and degraded conditions

Operate in Real Environments

· Work across networking, software, hardware, and operational boundaries

· Debug issues that appear in the field, not just in controlled environments

· Own deployment outcomes, not just diagrams and device configurations

What It Takes to Win Here

· Design networks that work in constrained and unreliable environments

· Think in systems, data flow, and failure modes

· Understand both infrastructure fundamentals and software defined networking approaches

· Build solutions that are secure, resilient, and adaptable

· Debug across hardware, operating system, and network stack layers

· Take ownership without waiting for direction

Minimum Qualifications

· 3 to 7 years of experience in network engineering or a related field

· Strong foundation in routing, switching, and network troubleshooting

· Experience with software defined routing, overlay networking, or distributed connectivity solutions

· Familiarity with Red Hat and other Linux based systems as well as network security fundamentals

· Experience with scripting or automation using Bash, PowerShell, Python, or similar tools

· Willing to travel occasionally

Preferred

· Current US Government Secret Clearance

· Experience with NetBird or similar software defined routing platforms

· Experience with mesh networking architectures

· Background supporting geographically distributed or mission critical environments

· Experience working with real hardware systems in operational settings

· Exposure to autonomy, defense, or uncrewed systems