Network Systems Integration Engineer III

Sierra Space•Centennial, CO

11d•$119,064 - $163,713

About The Position

The Network Systems Integration Engineer III contributes to the development and implementation of advanced network system solutions by providing alignment, connection, and direction to the technical team throughout the network architecture and integration lifecycle. This role represents the viewpoint of the integrated network across ground, space, and enterprise segments, and works to connect network segments and subsystems through top-down decomposition of network and communications requirements, traceability through development artifacts, and bottom-up validation and performance testing. The engineer helps guide the team through technical development milestones, tracks network performance measures (latency, throughput, availability, security posture), and identifies technical risks to arrive at a compliant and cohesive network solution. This role is an emerging leader in network systems engineering principles and is proficient in most relevant skills including network requirements management, network architecture development, network concept of operations definition, system/network integration, and network verification. The Network Systems Integration Engineer III may lead small teams to execute network integration scope. In this role, you will specify, architect, and integrate complex network system solutions — including routing, switching, data links, protocols, and network security — while collaborating with cross-functional teams and subject matter experts to understand connectivity, bandwidth, and interoperability requirements and objectives. You will derive, decompose, allocate, trace, and manage network requirements and architectures, as well as define and document network concepts of operation covering data flow, network topology, and interface control. Supporting development milestone reviews by creating network architecture artifacts and deliverables will be a key responsibility, alongside overseeing network integration and verification activities (including interface testing, protocol validation, and end-to-end connectivity testing) to ensure network functionality and performance. You will identify and manage technical risks related to network design, capacity, latency, and cybersecurity, develop mitigation strategies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying areas for network enhancement. Adhering to established network engineering processes, standards, and security requirements will be essential, and you will communicate effectively with team members and stakeholders to ensure project alignment and successful execution.

Requirements

Requires bachelor's degree in a related field (or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree or master's +3 yrs experience).
Typically, 5+ years of related experience (or Masters + 3 years of experience).
Emerging expertise in Systems Engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the systems development lifecycle.
Knowledge of requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation.
Knowledge of systems architecture, systems integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles.
Emerging ability to work and communicate with technical and specialty subject matter expert engineers to drive systems engineering products.
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance is required.
U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment.

Nice To Haves

Emerging expertise in network systems engineering principles and practices, including a thorough understanding of the network architecture and integration lifecycle.
Knowledge of network requirements management, functional requirements parsing, derivation, and allocation for networked systems.
Knowledge of network architecture, system/network integration, and Verification and Validation (V&V) principles, including interface control documents (ICDs) and protocol-level testing.
Working knowledge of networking protocols and technologies (e.g., TCP/IP, routing/switching, VPN, VLAN, firewalls, SATCOM/RF data links, or similar).
Solid understanding of spacecraft and ground network systems, including network hardware and software subsystems and components (routers, switches, encryption devices, network management tools).
Solid understanding of cybersecurity principles as applied to network architecture (e.g., defense-in-depth, zero trust, RMF/ATO processes).
Solid understanding of project management methodologies including risk management and technical/network performance tracking.
Solid understanding of technical baseline and configuration management for network systems.
Industry certifications (e.g., CCNA/CCNP, Security+, Network+) a plus.
Experience in leading network integration projects and mentoring junior engineers.
Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment.
Currently hold a TS/SCI Clearance for classified work.

Responsibilities

COSMOS mission control software administration: Manage user roles/tokens, system health monitoring, and CPU/memory optimization for Mission Systems' centralized COSMOS instance.
Architecture ownership: Define directory structure and network architecture enabling self-service user onboarding (eliminating ta1 account wait times).
Network planning: Determine IP/rack requirements and validate site capacity before connection.
Database coordination: Partner with database management on data scrubbing/archival.
Deployment strategy: Evaluate current Artifactory container deployment model across program repos and recommend improvements.
Release management: Coordinate COSMOS version updates with Cyber/IT and test teams, including classified environment rollout.
Cybersecurity liaison: Primary POC for COSMOS-related security requirements between test IT and Cyber/IT.