Network and Systems Engineer

Nightwing•Annapolis Junction, MD

8d•$122,000 - $253,000•Onsite

About The Position

Nightwing is seeking a Senior Network Engineer / Systems Engineer who thrives on diving deep into complex software-defined networking architectures and modular platform internals. Join a team at the forefront of advancing next-generation network control systems that strengthen our nation's security with cutting-edge technologies. You'll be instrumental in evaluating, extending, and optimizing SDN controller platforms to meet mission-critical requirements. Nightwing develops strategic and tactical SIGINT solutions that secure the interests of the U.S. and its partners. Our collaborative environment embraces creativity, integrity, and constant improvement. With access to state-of-the-art tools, opportunities to grow professionally, and meaningful work alongside the nation's finest service members, you'll help shape tomorrow's solutions today. This is an ONSITE position based out of our National Business Park, Maryland location.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, Systems Engineering, or related STEM field
7+ years of experience in network engineering, systems engineering, or software-defined networking
Deep hands-on experience with software-defined networking (SDN) controller platforms including architecture, deployment, and customization
Strong understanding of model-driven architectures and service abstraction layers in SDN controllers
Expertise in network protocols including OpenFlow, NETCONF, RESTCONF, BGP, OSPF, and SNMP
Proficiency with YANG data modeling for network device configuration and state management
Strong knowledge of OSGi framework and Apache Karaf runtime environments
Experience analyzing large-scale Java codebases and understanding architectural patterns
Solid understanding of Java programming and ability to read/modify Java code for prototyping
Knowledge of RESTful API design and implementation
Experience with distributed systems, microservices architectures, and data consistency challenges
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to architectural details
Proven ability to evaluate technical trade-offs and make sound architectural recommendations
Excellent documentation and communication skills for conveying complex technical concepts
Active TS/SCI security clearance with Polygraph
U.S. citizenship is required

Responsibilities

Conduct deep technical analysis of software-defined networking controller architectures, including core modules, southbound/northbound plugins, and internal service dependencies
Evaluate existing SDN platform capabilities against mission requirements to determine gaps and necessary extensions
Architect and design custom modules, plugins, and features to extend platform functionality for specialized networking needs
Perform detailed code analysis of controller internals, understanding the interactions between core services, data abstraction layers, and protocol plugins
Assess whether requirements should be implemented as additions to the existing architecture or as separate modular components
Design and prototype southbound protocol plugins for specialized network devices and protocols
Develop northbound API extensions and custom applications that leverage network programmability capabilities
Analyze platform performance characteristics, identify bottlenecks, and recommend optimization strategies for high-scale deployments
Work with data models to define structures for network device configuration and operational state
Evaluate integration points with external systems, network orchestration platforms, and management tools
Document architectural decisions, technical trade-offs, and implementation strategies for platform customizations
Collaborate with software engineers to implement and test custom modules and extensions
Stay current with SDN community developments, emerging technologies, and industry best practices