Network Engineer

Job Overview

AEVEX - Maritime Systems is seeking a highly skilled Network Engineer to support the development, integration, and deployment of advanced networking solutions for mobile Department of Defense (DoD) platforms and unmanned systems. This role focuses on designing and sustaining resilient, distributed communications architectures capable of operating in contested, bandwidth-limited, and highly dynamic operational environments.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with mesh networking technologies, tactical radio systems, and secure networking practices supporting mobile or expeditionary platforms. Experience supporting unmanned aerial systems (UAS) or other unmanned systems is strongly desired, including familiarity with common drone software tools and communication protocols.

This position involves engineering, integrating, and troubleshooting mobile network solutions that support autonomous systems, maritime platforms, and tactical communications infrastructure, while meeting DoD cybersecurity and operational requirements.

Essential Functions

• Design, configure, and maintain network architectures for mobile and tactical DoD systems, including mesh networks, MANET-based solutions, and distributed communications frameworks.
• Implement routing, switching, and transport-layer solutions optimized for mobility, intermittent connectivity, and rapidly changing network topologies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, field technicians, and program leadership to support deployment, testing, and sustainment of operational systems.
• Perform network performance analysis, diagnostics, and optimization in both laboratory and field environments.
• Integrate and troubleshoot RF communication systems, tactical radios, and mobile networking infrastructure.
• Support integration and testing of networking systems for unmanned platforms, including aerial, maritime, and ground systems.
• Apply DoD cybersecurity requirements, including implementation of network-related STIGs and security controls.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including system architecture diagrams, configuration baselines, and operational procedures in accordance with program and DoD standards.
• Participate in field testing, system integration events, and operational demonstrations.
• Perform other duties as required.

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX’s cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Strong understanding of Layer 2 / Layer 3 networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, and IP networking concepts.
• Ability to travel for field testing, integration events, or operational deployments.
• Familiarity with common drone software tools and ground control stations, including:
  • Mission Planner
  • ArduPilot
  • QGroundControl
• Knowledge of MAVLink protocol and drone communication architecture preferred.
• Familiarity with waveform technologies and tactical radio configuration environments preferred.
• Preferred knowledge of transport technologies used in tactical networks, such as:
  • Line-of-Sight (LOS) radios
  • Beyond Line-of-Sight (BLOS) communications
  • SATCOM
  • Tactical 5G systems

Education / Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Engineering, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Current DoD 8570.01-MIAT Level II certification (or higher), such as:
  • Security+
  • CCNA-Security
  • GSEC

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant work experience.
• Strong understanding of Layer 2 / Layer 3 networking fundamentals, including routing, switching, and IP networking concepts.
• Demonstrated experience with mesh networking protocols and technologies, such as:
  • OLSR
  • BATMAN
  • DLEP-aware systems
  • Proprietary MANET solutions
• Hands-on experience with tactical radio systems, RF networking, or mobile ad hoc communications.
• Experience working with virtual machines, containers, or containerized network services.
• Experience supporting DoD systems, platforms, or defense programs.
• Experience with unmanned systems networking, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS), unmanned surface vehicles (USV), or other autonomous platforms preferred.
• Experience with embedded or expeditionary networking systems deployed on mobile platforms preferred.
• Experience with network automation, scripting, or configuration management tools (Python, Ansible, etc.) preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

For the purpose of this summary, occasionally is used to represent up to 1/3 of the time given to the workday, frequently represents 1/3 to 2/3 of the time and constantly represents 2/3 or more of the time.

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

Disclaimer:

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.