PdL Architecture Lead – Network Architecture

Sherpa 6 • Ft. Belvoir, VA

13h

About The Position

Sherpa 6 is seeking a Network Architecture Subject Matter Expert to serve as the lead network advisor within PdL Architecture under CPE Ground/PM SWAR. This role provides independent technical advisory support on tactical network architecture, transport layer integration, and network performance across the Army's squad-level ecosystem. The position supports government decision-making by offering vendor-neutral assessments of how network infrastructure interacts with radios, sensors, applications, autonomy platforms, and edge compute nodes This is an advisory role focused on enabling informed government decisions—not controlling or approving network configurations.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or tactical communications
• Demonstrated expertise with tactical radio systems (e.g., JTRS, HMS Manpack, PRC-163, Leader Radio)
• Experience with military waveform integration and network transport protocols
• Background in C5ISR systems integration and soldier-level network architecture
• Familiarity with DDIL environments and expeditionary network operations
• Technical Skills: Deep understanding of tactical network topologies, mesh networking, and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET)
• Knowledge of IP-based tactical communications and Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts
• Experience with network performance assessment, bandwidth planning, and latency optimization
• Familiarity with TAK ecosystem networking requirements and server architectures
• Understanding of edge compute networking considerations and distributed data architectures
• Clearance: Active Top Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or related field
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must pass a background check and drug screening

Nice To Haves

• Prior military experience (NCO or Officer) with tactical communications or signal units
• Experience supporting PEO Soldier, PEO C3T, or PM Tactical Network programs
• Familiarity with Army Network modernization initiatives (Unified Network, JADC2)
• Experience with software-defined radios and waveform management
• Background in network security, encryption, and COMSEC integration
• Experience with integration testing and network validation in operational environments
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, etc.) preferred

Responsibilities

• Network Architecture Advisory
• Advise PdL Architecture leadership on tactical network design, transport layer integration, and bandwidth optimization across squad systems
• Provide technical recommendations on network topology and configuration impacts across formations
• Assess interoperability between tactical radios, waveforms, and soldier-borne applications
• Support alignment with the Squad Reference Architecture on network-related decisions
• Integration Risk Identification
• Identify network-related integration risks before fielding or operations
• Evaluate network performance under bandwidth constraints, latency limitations, and DDIL (Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, Limited) environments
• Assess data flow saturation risks and recommend mitigation strategies
• Analyze network dependencies across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other PEO initiatives
• Cross-Program Coordination
• Support coordination across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other programs on network architecture decisions
• Facilitate alignment between network transport layers, edge compute nodes, and application requirements
• Translate complex network technical details into actionable insights for government stakeholders
• Advise on open architecture principles to prevent vendor lock-in on network infrastructure
• Edge Compute & Data Flow Support
• Collaborate with the Edge Compute Architecture Lead on network capacity planning for distributed compute workloads
• Advise on optimal data routing strategies across device, edge node, and enterprise tiers
• Support evaluation of network requirements for AI/ML and autonomy workloads at the tactical edge
• Assess network implications of multi-domain operations and joint interoperability requirements
• Documentation & Baseline Support
• Document network configuration patterns, inconsistencies, and recommended baselines
• Support development of network-related standards within the Squad Reference Architecture
• Provide input to integration labs, field exercises, and operational validation events

Benefits

• We offer a competitive benefits package, covering the cost of medical for you and your family; we also offer dental, vision, health and wellness benefits and a generous retirement savings plan.
• We believe that our employees can manage their workload and their personal life, therefore we extend a generous PTO policy.
• This allows our employees to balance their lives as they see fit.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees