Tier Three Network Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM

Job Summary:

The Network Engineer will support the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Space Vehicles Directorate in designing, implementing, maintaining, and securing network infrastructure for space technology experiments and mission operations. This role is critical to enabling hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments, ground system operations, and multi-classification level network architectures supporting space experimentation and flight operations. The Network Engineer will work with classified networks, cross-domain solutions, and cloud computing architectures while ensuring compliance with DoD cybersecurity requirements and Authorization to Operate (ATO) standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in network engineering with specific experience supporting:

• Authorization to Operate (ATO) processes: Support obtaining and maintaining compliance with ATOs for ground and space systems in accordance with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF), including preparation and submission of ATO packages for information networks and network experiments
• Cloud-based ground station network security: Implement and maintain security controls for cloud computing architectures, disaggregated ground networks, hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments, and mission operations infrastructure supporting space technology experimentation
• Classified network administration and cross-domain solutions: Design, implement, and maintain classified networks (SIPR, JWICS, and other specialized systems) and deploy cross-domain solutions (CDS) to securely move data between different classification levels, external connections, and point-to-point transmissions
• Mission operations center cybersecurity: Support network infrastructure for Mission Operations Centers, spacecraft operations, flight operations, and spacecraft command and control systems across multiple classification levels
• Space communications systems: Support antenna network integration including Space Communications Network (SCN), commercial ground stations, and AFRL networks for spacecraft operations and experimentation

This position requires a proactive mindset, the ability to work in Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) and Special Access Program Facilities (SAPFs), and cross-functional collaboration to enhance the organization's security posture for cradle-to-grave space mission support ranging from CubeSats to ESPA-class spacecraft

Key Responsibilities:

Network Design & Implementation:

• Design and develop cloud computing architectures supporting hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments for space systems
• Implement network solutions for Mission Operations Centers, including connections and equipment for spacecraft operations
• Configure and deploy physical and cloud-based ground system infrastructure supporting space experiments
• Support disaggregated development networks and commercial ground station connectivity
• Design network architectures to support space technology experimentation across multiple classification levels

Classified Network Administration & Cross-Domain Solutions:

• Administer and maintain classified networks including SIPR, JWICS, and other specialized systems
• Implement cross-domain solutions (CDS) to securely move data between different classification levels, external connections, and point-to-point transmissions
• Deploy and maintain cryptographic solutions in support of secure communications
• Lead stand-up, installation, accreditation, and maintenance of classified and unclassified IT systems
• Support Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF) and Special Access Program Facilities (SAPF) network requirements

Security, Compliance & Authorization:

• Prepare and provide support to Authorization to Operate (ATO) packages for information networks and network experiments
• Obtain and maintain compliance with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Authorities to Operate
• Implement comprehensive cybersecurity and information assurance measures in accordance with DoD requirements
• Conduct network security assessments and implement mitigation strategies
• Ensure compliance with Air Force and DoD security policies, including DISA STIGs and NIST standards

Technical Support & Troubleshooting:

• Provide Level 2/3 support for network-related issues
• Collaborate with IT teams to resolve connectivity problems affecting users and business applications
• Document network configurations, troubleshooting steps, and resolutions

Ground System & Operations Support:

• Maintain and upgrade ground system infrastructure supporting spacecraft operations and experimentation
• Support antenna network integration including Space Communications Network (SCN), commercial, and AFRL networks
• Provide network engineering support for prototyping and communications experiments
• Troubleshoot network issues affecting flight operations, testing, and experimentation activities
• Support configuration management of network components throughout mission lifecycles

Technical Support & Collaboration:

• Provide direct IT and network engineering support to RAPID facilities and team members
• Collaborate with systems engineers, flight operators, and program managers on mission-critical network requirements
• Document network configurations, procedures, and security implementations

Reporting & Documentation:

• Maintain network documentation including diagrams, procedures, and interface control documents

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field required
• Experience: 3-10 years of experience in network engineering, administration, or related IT roles
• Clearance: Secret, TS/SCI Preferred
  
• Required Skills:
• Industry Certifications (Security+, CISSP, CASP+)
• Proficiency with DoD Risk Management Framework (RMF) and cybersecurity accreditation processes
• Experience with cloud computing architectures (AWS, Azure, or DoD cloud environments)
• Strong knowledge of cross-domain solutions, encryption, and COMSEC implementations
• Expertise in networking protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs, VPNs, etc.)
• Experience configuring and managing enterprise routers, switches, firewalls (Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, or equivalent)
• Knowledge of space communications systems and ground station networks
• Proficiency with network monitoring, analysis, and troubleshooting tools
• Understanding of DISA STIGs, NIST 800-53 controls, and DoD cybersecurity requirements
• Experience with network security tools including IDS/IPS, firewalls, and access control systems
• Excellent problem-solving abilities in high-stakes operational environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for technical documentation and briefings
• Ability to work effectively with government personnel, contractors, and mission partners
• Capability to respond to and support surge requirements with short notice
• Preferred Skills:

• Certifications:
  
  • CCNA, CCNP, CCIE (Cisco certifications)
  • Cloud certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator, etc.)
  • DoD 8570/8140 compliance certifications
    
    
• Preferred Experience:
  • Experience supporting space mission operations or satellite ground systems
  • Familiarity with hardware/software-in-the-loop testing environments
  • Knowledge of SD-WAN, network automation, and Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform, etc.)
  • Experience with Mission Operations Center (MOC) network architectures
  • Understanding of spacecraft communications protocols and telemetry systems
  • Experience with multi-classification network architectures in operational environments
  • Background in DevSecOps practices and CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Experience supporting Air Force Research Laboratory or DoD research environments

Work Environment/Physical Requirements:

• Primarily office-based with occasional data center or network equipment room access.
• May require lifting and installing networking hardware (up to 50 lbs).
• On-call availability or after-hours support may be required for network incidents.

Work Schedule:

This is a full-time position, typically working 40 hours per week. Overtime may be required depending on operational needs.