Network Architect/Network Engineer

Network Architect/Network EngineerFTS International, LLC (FTS) is committed to providing the Federal Government with quality consultants and support. To ensure mission success we focus on putting our customers first while minimizing corporate bureaucracy on our staff. We provide Subject Matter Experts (SME) free of Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI) focused on independent analysis and mission support services within the disciplines of Engineering, Counter Terrorism Operations, Management, Information Technology, Signals Analysis, Administration, Cyber Security and Linguistics.FTS has an opportunity for a Network Architect/Network Engineer in Chantilly, VA.The Network Architect/Network Engineer will provide Systems Engineering Technical Assistance (SETA) support to a government acquisition office for space and ground acquisitions. This role will focus on providing expert advice, technical evaluations, technical assessments and alternative approaches to adaptive network solutions that can automatically reconfigure in response to changing conditions, ensuring optimal performance, security, and reliability.ResponsibilitiesDeep knowledge of enterprise protocols, open frameworks, and industry standards to create interoperable, future-proof network solutions, combined with strong systems engineering capabilities to ensure comprehensive solution development from requirements through implementation and validationEnsure network architectures are compatible with multiple systems and that all interfaces are comprehensively documented to enable seamless integrationAssess proposed architectures and implementations of advanced software-defined network (SDN) solutions that support dynamic mesh topologies with multi-system compatibilityProvide expert advice, technical evaluations and alternative approaches for network architectures, network models and adaptive network solutions under considerationApply systems engineering methodologies to network architecture development, including requirements elicitation, functional decomposition, and trade-off analysisDevelop comprehensive network requirements through stakeholder engagement and translate requirements into technical specificationsConduct rigorous analysis of alternatives for network solutions, evaluating technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, performance modeling / analysis and alignment with strategic objectivesAdvise, evaluate, assess and develop alternatives for:Network automation frameworks that enable real-time topology adjustments based on traffic patterns, application demands, and system healthNetwork management solutions that provide comprehensive visibility and control into dynamic mesh environmentsNetwork orchestration systems that optimize routing, load balancing, and resource allocation across distributed environmentsNetwork security controls that maintain effectiveness across changing topologiesDevelop test plans and acceptance criteria for network implementations to verify and validate methodologies for network designsCreate and maintain comprehensive interface control documents (ICDs) that precisely define all network interfaces, protocols, and data formatsDevelop detailed network architecture documentation including topology diagrams, data flow models, and sequence diagramsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network designs support application requirements in fluid environmentsLead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging network technologies and evaluate their potential for enterprise adoptionDocument network architectures, automation workflows, and operational procedures for complex mesh deploymentsCreate and deliver technical presentations to leadership and stakeholders on network architecture decisions, roadmaps, and vendor selectionParticipate in system design reviews, identify system risks and opportunities, and advise on mitigation strategiesRequired Skills/QualificationsTS/SCI with polygraphBS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering with a focus on Networking or a related field10+ years' relevant experienceExperience with:Network Architecture design and Network Management techniques including Software defined networkingOptimizing network data flowsModemsMobile network standards and Network Routing PlansEnterprise networkingWireless 5G network design and data flow optimizationDemonstrated expertise in designing and implementing dynamic mesh network architecturesStrong knowledge of SDN controllers and frameworksDeep understanding of routing protocols and their behavior in dynamic environmentsExperience with network analytics platforms and telemetry systems for real-time monitoringExperience designing networks that interface with multiple heterogeneous systemsDesired Skills/QualificationsMS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering with a focus on Networking or a related fieldExperience in telecommunications environments such as:Mobile network infrastructure (4G/5G, RAN, Core Network)Large-scale enterprise network operations (10,000+ endpoints)Mission-critical command and control systemsTactical communications networksBackground in designing networks for high-availability (HA) environments (99.999% uptime)Experience with AI/ML-driven network optimization and predictive analyticsKnowledge of graph theory as applied to network topology optimizationBackground in large-scale network transformations from traditional to SDN architecturesExperience with multi-cloud networking and hybrid cloud connectivity solutionsExperience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)Experience with satellite communications integration with terrestrial networksExperience with cross-domain solutions and multi-level security environmentsExpected Salary Range: $195,000 - $210,000 per year. Placement within the range is determined by qualifications, job-related criteria, experience, internal equity and market considerations. In addition, FTS International, LLC has benefits offerings in addition to salary to include Health Insurance, Paid Time Off, Life Insurance, Short Term and Long-Term Disability, Retirement and Savings, Learning and Development opportunities, wellness programs as well as other optional benefit elections.FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer – vets/disabled.