Network Architect Systems Engineer

REMOTE- occasional travel

Description

Seeking an Embedded Networking Systems Engineer to support the Space Systems product line. Known as an industry leader for its suite of radiation hardened products, we leverages decades of expertise to build robust Space products. Products can be found on almost all commercial, civil, and national space missions for the past 20 years, including GPS, weather monitoring, satellite TV and radio, and exploring the universe (most notably the computers on all the Mars rovers). We create capability that supports their overall mission: “We protect those who protect us.”

Experience in the architecture, design, development and operation of embedded networking systems. This includes evaluating and providing recommendations for customer-defined network constellation topologies, conducting architecture trades for onboard spacecraft networks and switch/router components, and defining hardware and software protocol and capability requirements for hardware instantiation. Additionally, knowledge in both LAN and WAN applications with understanding of relevant labeling, routing, quality of service, management and other applicable networking protocols and RFCs, along with experience with embedded switch and router configuration is essential. The position will focus on Ethernet networks running at various speeds but may also include other interfaces such as SpaceWire and PCIe. It also includes the need to understand security, RMF, encryption and other cyber needs and effects. This position will require both internal and external communication, including understanding customer needs and requirements, ability to perform trades with a team, and ability to select solutions to execute the mission.

A working knowledge of space hardware, payload and/or microelectronics product development for government and defense applications is also desirable. This includes techniques for addressing impact of operating in the space environment and testing for compliance with space system requirements. This could include understanding embedded processor systems and trades in HW and SW standards, such as OpenVPX or SpaceVPX, and fault tolerance and reliability/availability for Space.

Key responsibilities:

• Design system and subsystem network architectures
• Derive system and subsystem level requirements
• Develop system/component test plans and procedures
• Develop material for design reviews
• Support design trades/analysis and development
• Support product/prototype development
• Support integration and test activities

Skills

network protocols, Network devices, Network Architecture, Network Simulation, Network Modeling

Top Skills Details

network protocols,Network devices,Network Architecture,Network Simulation,Network Modeling

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Required Skills and Education:

• Proficient in modern network technologies, including:

o Network protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, Ethernet)

o Network devices (e.g., switches, routers)

o Network architectures (e.g., LAN, WAN)

o Network layers (e.g., Layer 2, Layer 3)

o Network simulation and modeling techniques

• Understanding of network hardware and software, and implementation in embedded systems
• Understanding of network/cyber security and operations
• Understanding TEMPEST and encryption/decryption protocols
• 10+ years relevant experience in network HW/SW/Systems development
• Familiarity with embedded processing systems and electronics
• Familiarity with embedded software/firmware/gateware based systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant engineering or scientific field

Preferred Skills and Education:

• Experience in designing, testing and deploying a space payload
• Experience with state-of-the-art microelectronics (sub-22nm) product development
• Significant understanding of the space environment
• Experience in designing and testing of Space Electronics
• Experience generating detailed technical documentation
• Experience in Model Based Engineering (MBE) and the use of SysML
• Knowledge of SpaceVPX or OpenVPX standards and implementations
• Master’s degree in engineering or scientific field

Key skills and talents:

• Strong systems engineering mindset, able to identify and focus on key challenges and solutions
• Understands and enjoys the challenges of developing systems for the space environment
• Product oriented mindset focused on reuse and future applications
• Dependable and highly motivated, creative problem solver
• Able to work effectively in a “borderless” environment

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Manassas, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75.00 - $100.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job

classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be

subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits

available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Manassas,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 13, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.