IT Network Engineer

Fathom Robotics•Ventura, CA

2d•$120,000 - $145,000•Onsite

About The Position

Fathom Robotics is hiring a Network and Communications Engineer to own the network connecting uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) to shoreside operators. The role reports to the program lead, works directly with Fathom leadership, and serves as the main technical contact for communications. It is an on-site, full-time position in Ventura County, California, requiring an active Secret clearance and U.S. citizenship. The role involves approximately 15% travel, with additional travel around test events; travel is reimbursed, and occasional international travel may be required as the program grows. Standard hours are weekdays. Test events may involve early, late, or weekend hours, and the engineer must be ready to acknowledge outages within a few hours. Otherwise, after-hours work is rare. The engineer designs, configures, and maintains vessel and shoreside IP networks and communications links, restores service during tests and operations, and supports security compliance and documentation. Compensation is $120,000–$145,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The anticipated start is in the near term, contingent upon contract award.

Requirements

Active SECRET clearance; U.S. citizenship required.
Five or more years of hands-on network engineering in a DoD or cleared-contractor environment.
Bachelor’s degree in a technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
DoD 8140 qualifying certification, such as Security+, and a network certification (CCNA or higher, or Palo Alto or Juniper equivalent).
Hands-on routing, switching, firewall, and VPN configuration, including failover design over satellite, cellular, or radio links.
Experience with STIG compliance, patching, and vulnerability scanning; familiarity with NIST 800-171 or RMF.
Experience on classified systems or with controlled communications equipment in a cleared environment.
Ability to work independently in a small company and travel on short notice.

Nice To Haves

ISSO, ISSE, or system administrator experience under RMF.
Navy IT, ET, or CT veteran background, or experience as a range or tactical communications contractor.
SATCOM, VSAT, or Starlink experience.
Maritime radio, AIS, or satellite phone equipment experience.
Shipboard, maritime, or uncrewed vehicle networking exposure.

Responsibilities

Design, configure, and maintain IP networks for satellite terminals on vessels and shoreside.
Configure and troubleshoot routers, firewalls, and VPNs, including VLANs and traffic isolation.
Set up secure remote access to operator software.
Design failover across satellite, cellular, and radio links.
Restore communications during test events and operations using packet captures, routing analysis, and logs.
Maintain versioned device configurations and automate routine tasks with scripts.
Apply patches and STIG settings, run vulnerability scans, and maintain network diagrams and system security documentation.
Support other vessel communications equipment, including satellite, line-of-sight radio, and maritime safety devices.
Handle controlled and classified information according to procedure, working with the facility security officer and government contacts.