About You:You are a
Network & 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 & 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.
Duties/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 Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:- 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 Education, Certification, Skills, Capabilities:- 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 may 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
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation: VT-ARC is a 501(c)(3), non-profit R&D organization affiliated with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech or VT). Our mission is to provide superior analytic and technology solutions across multiple domains by leveraging Virginia Tech's multidisciplinary research and innovation ecosystem. With unique access to the broad and rich research enterprise found at Virginia Tech, VT-ARC forms multi-disciplinary teams to apply innovative solutions to the real-world problems that strain our social, political, industrial, and economic foundations.
To learn more about VT-ARC's Benefits, Perks, Culture & more visit our Careers page: https://vt-arc.org/careers/ 
