Network and Security Architect

Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation

$160K — $200K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field.
  • Minimum of 9 years in network engineering, architecture, or cybersecurity.
  • Proven experience in enterprise network design and support.
  • Strong skills in network architecture, data transport technologies, and routing protocols.
  • Familiarity with network security controls and architectures.
  • Knowledge of best practices and standards in network security.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a technical SME for network architecture and cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Design and optimize enterprise networks for mission operations.
  • Analyze networks to enhance performance and security.
  • Develop recommendations for secure communications infrastructure.
  • Evaluate protocols and interoperability for effective integration.
  • Recommend improvements for existing network infrastructures.
  • Support the development of network security policies and standards.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Flexible work environment and schedules.
  • Supportive culture with a focus on mission impact.
  • Competitive salary and benefits package to attract senior talent.
Full Job Description
About You:

You are a network and security expert who enjoys solving complex challenges and designing secure, reliable, and high-performing enterprise networks. You bring strong experience in network architecture, cybersecurity, and systems integration, with the ability to evaluate existing environments and recommend improvements that enhance performance, resiliency, and security.

As a trusted technical advisor, you work effectively across engineering, cybersecurity, and mission teams to deliver solutions that support critical operations. You are driven by innovation, collaboration, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a mission-focused environment.

Position Overview:

The Network and Security Architect serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) supporting the design, integration, analysis, and security of enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission-critical operations. The Architect provides technical leadership for network architecture, data transport, systems interoperability, and cybersecurity initiatives across complex government environments.

This position supports the modernization, assessment, and optimization of network infrastructure while ensuring compliance with security standards and best practices. The successful candidate will leverage expertise in network protocols, transport technologies, security architecture, and infrastructure analysis to support operational and strategic mission objectives within classified environments.

This position is contingent upon contract award, with performance anticipated to begin on or about September 15th, 2026

Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Serve as a technical SME for network architecture, data transport, infrastructure analysis, and cybersecurity initiatives.
  • Design, evaluate, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures supporting mission operations and organizational objectives.
  • Analyze network architectures and transport systems to improve performance, availability, scalability, and security.
  • Develop network designs and recommendations for secure and reliable communications across enterprise environments.
  • Evaluate network protocols, routing methodologies, and interoperability requirements to ensure effective system integration.
  • Assess existing network infrastructures and recommend improvements to enhance resiliency and operational effectiveness.
  • Support the development and implementation of network security architectures, standards, policies, and procedures.
  • Perform infrastructure and interoperability assessments to identify risks, gaps, and opportunities for improvement.
  • Collaborate with engineering, cybersecurity, operations, and mission stakeholders to develop and implement technical solutions.
  • Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, diagrams, technical assessments, and engineering recommendations.
  • Provide guidance regarding cybersecurity best practices, defense-in-depth strategies, and secure network design.
  • Support incident response, vulnerability mitigation, and network security improvement efforts as required.
  • Prepare technical briefings, reports, and recommendations for government leadership and stakeholder organizations.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that support mission needs and long-term technical objectives.

Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 9 years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, cybersecurity, systems engineering, or a related discipline.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, analyzing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructures.
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Network architecture and design
    • Data transport technologies
    • Routing and switching protocols
    • TCP/IP networking
    • Systems interoperability
    • Infrastructure assessment and analysis
  • Experience implementing and supporting network security controls and architectures.
  • Knowledge of network security principles, standards, frameworks, and industry best practices.
  • Experience supporting secure network operations in government or highly regulated environments.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and technical communication skills.
  • Active TS/SCI security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience supporting U.S. Space Force, U.S. Space Command (USSPACECOM), Department of Defense, or Intelligence Community organizations.
  • Knowledge of federal government classified networks and systems.
  • Experience supporting mission systems, command and control environments, or space operations networks.
  • Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.
  • Experience supporting network modernization, systems integration, or enterprise transformation initiatives.
  • Knowledge of DoD cybersecurity requirements, RMF, NIST, and related security frameworks.

Primary Work Location: Work is expected to be fully onsite in Colorado Springs, CO. The selected candidate must be able to support in-person program, customer, and technical coordination activities as required.

Special Work Conditions: Travel will be required, up to 25%.

Security:
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen.
  • Active Top Secret/SCI clearance is required.

Competitive Salary: VT-ARC offers a competitive salary and benefits package designed to attract and retain senior technical talent supporting mission-critical programs.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 annually

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