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Tactical Network Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

... tactical communications needs. • Create and maintain comprehensive documentation, including detailed network diagrams, system engineering plans, and technical standards. • Ensure the network ...

They are seeking a highly experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, and manage complex ... or tactical communications networks in support of government or military missions • Familiarity ...

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Tactical Network Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$32.4K

$113.9K

$165K

How much do tactical network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for tactical network engineer in Springfield, VA is $113,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $139,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Tactical Network Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectTactical Network EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, Security+CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentMilitary, defense, field operations, tactical settingsCorporate, enterprise, data centers, office settings
Industry UsageDefense, government, military operationsTelecommunications, IT, corporate networks
Job FocusSecure, mobile, and tactical communication networksDesign, implement, and maintain general network infrastructure

The main difference between a Tactical Network Engineer and a Network Engineer lies in their work environment and focus. Tactical Network Engineers specialize in secure, mobile communication networks used in military and defense settings, often requiring specific certifications and experience in tactical operations. Network Engineers work primarily in corporate and enterprise environments, focusing on designing and maintaining standard network infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications but serve different industry needs and operational contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tactical network engineer?

To thrive as a Tactical Network Engineer, you need expertise in network architecture, troubleshooting, and security, typically backed by a degree in information technology or a related field and relevant network certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Familiarity with tactical communications equipment, radio frequency systems, and military-specific networking tools such as Cisco routers and tactical data links is essential. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills are crucial for operating in dynamic and high-pressure environments. These competencies ensure reliable, secure mission-critical communications and rapid response to operational challenges in the field.

What is a tactical network engineer?

A Tactical Network Engineer is a specialized IT professional who designs, implements, and maintains communication networks for military or emergency response operations. These engineers ensure secure, reliable connectivity in challenging environments, often supporting mobile or rapidly deployable units. Their work involves configuring network hardware, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and integrating advanced technologies such as satellite, radio, and wireless systems. Tactical Network Engineers play a crucial role in mission-critical operations, ensuring teams can communicate effectively under pressure.

What are some typical challenges a tactical network engineer might face when deploying networks in the field?

Tactical Network Engineers often encounter unpredictable environments, including limited connectivity, harsh weather, and rapidly changing mission requirements. Adapting network configurations to support secure, reliable communication with minimal resources is a common challenge. Flexibility, strong troubleshooting skills, and the ability to work closely with field teams and command staff are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring mission-critical systems stay online.
What are popular job titles related to Tactical Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA? For Tactical Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Tactical Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Tactical Network Engineer job openings:

Tactical Network Engineer, Connected Warfare (Active Clearance)

Anduril Industries

Washington, DC

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Anduril rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Anduril

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7.4

Company rating compared to similar companies: 7.4 out of 10

Manufacturers average

Based on 75,035 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

ABOUT THE TEAM
The Connected Warfare Division builds mission-critical systems that enable global command and control for time-sensitive, multi-domain operations. By fusing robotics, sensor networks, and advanced software, we create connected mesh ecosystems that empower our military partners with a comprehensive source of truth for rapid decision-making. Our Mission Command group is at the forefront of delivering software solutions that integrate seamlessly with hundreds of thousands of endpoints worldwide, ensuring operational superiority on a global scale.
ABOUT THE JOB
We are hiring a Tactical Network Engineer with cybersecurity experience to lead the design and implementation of a networking stack to enable Command and Control (C2) and collaborative autonomy of distributed unmanned systems.

  • Lead the integration of emerging networking capabilities, bringing new hardware and software products into the family of systems
  • Lead networking requirements decomposition across cross-functional teams, defining success in the face of ambiguity
  • Design network laydowns and configurations decomposed from complex design reference missions (DRMs) involving large scale unmanned systems and forward-deployed C2 systems
  • Design, implement, deploy, and troubleshoot system networking solutions focused on Layer-1 (Physical), Layer-2 (Data), Layer-3 (Network), and Layer-4 (Transport) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model, and that meet and exceed industry-standard security goals
  • Own systems end to end with the ability to identify and solve networking problems between the seams, scrutinize system performance, make tradeoffs, and deliver an outcome
  • Perform trade-off studies of different comms and networking solutions including government provided technologies
  • Build robust tooling for benchmarking and analyzing network traffic
  • Analyze test network infrastructure, develop recommendations, and implement improvements for network reliability and throughput for edge network
  • Collaborate extensively with software engineers to build a representative modeling and simulation environment including hardware-in-the-loop lab infrastructure

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Understanding of empirical testing criteria leveraging both quantitative and qualitative criteria for trade study and hardware/software analysis.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the application of engineering standards into engineering processes or requirements
  • 7+ years of experience with industry standard cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), Enterprise network technologies, CI/CD tools, and software infrastructure fundamentals (networking, security, distributed systems).
  • Expertise in tactical LOS and BLOS RF systems
  • Experience with ad-hoc mesh networking, secure communication protocols (IPSec/MACSec, etc), software-defined networking, internet protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, etc), and routing protocols
  • Demonstrated experience collaborating across cross-functional teams.
  • Comfortable working with ambiguity, evolving priorities, and challenging problems
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills
  • Experience with commercial mesh networking radios
  • Must be willing to travel for test field events up to 25%
  • Currently possesses and is able to maintain an active U.S. Secret Clearance

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience with network modeling and simulation tools and frameworks
  • Expertise in these specific tactical ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore comms
    • SatCom
    • VHF + UHF
    • LPI/LPD and anti-jamming
    • MIMO
    • Antenna theory
  • Expertise in Cloud Networking & Cybersecurity
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) technologies
  • Experience with Spectrum Management and deconfliction

Working at Anduril

About Anduril, in their own words

From Anduril

As the world enters an era of strategic competition, Anduril delivers cutting-edge autonomy, AI, computer vision, sensor fusion, and networking technology to the warfighter in months, not years.


What Anduril employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Anduril Industries logo

About Anduril Industries

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Anduril Industries is a trailblazer in the technology industry based in Costa Mesa, CA, US. Founded in 2017 by Palmer Luckey, the creator of Oculus VR, the company focuses on developing innovative technology to equip and empower those in the defense sector. Its primary products include cutting-edge autonomous systems and AI software that assist in combating threats to national and global security. The mission of Anduril Industries is to integrate technology and defense by building transformative, scalable solutions that ensure a safer world.

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Costa Mesa, CA, US

Year founded

2017

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