Network Architect/Network Engineer

FTS 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.

Responsibilities

• Deep 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 validation
• Ensure network architectures are compatible with multiple systems and that all interfaces are comprehensively documented to enable seamless integration
• Assess proposed architectures and implementations of advanced software-defined network (SDN) solutions that support dynamic mesh topologies with multi-system compatibility
• Provide expert advice, technical evaluations and alternative approaches for network architectures, network models and adaptive network solutions under consideration
• Apply systems engineering methodologies to network architecture development, including requirements elicitation, functional decomposition, and trade-off analysis
• Develop comprehensive network requirements through stakeholder engagement and translate requirements into technical specifications
• Conduct rigorous analysis of alternatives for network solutions, evaluating technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, performance modeling / analysis and alignment with strategic objectives
• Advise, evaluate, assess and develop alternatives for:
  
  • Network automation frameworks that enable real-time topology adjustments based on traffic patterns, application demands, and system health
  • Network management solutions that provide comprehensive visibility and control into dynamic mesh environments
  • Network orchestration systems that optimize routing, load balancing, and resource allocation across distributed environments
  • Network security controls that maintain effectiveness across changing topologies
• Develop test plans and acceptance criteria for network implementations to verify and validate methodologies for network designs
• Create and maintain comprehensive interface control documents (ICDs) that precisely define all network interfaces, protocols, and data formats
• Develop detailed network architecture documentation including topology diagrams, data flow models, and sequence diagrams
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network designs support application requirements in fluid environments
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives for emerging network technologies and evaluate their potential for enterprise adoption
• Document network architectures, automation workflows, and operational procedures for complex mesh deployments
• Create and deliver technical presentations to leadership and stakeholders on network architecture decisions, roadmaps, and vendor selection
• Participate in system design reviews, identify system risks and opportunities, and advise on mitigation strategies

Required Skills/Qualifications

• TS/SCI with polygraph
• BS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering with a focus on Networking or a related field
• 10+ years' relevant experience
• Experience with:
  
  • Network Architecture design and Network Management techniques including Software defined networking
  • Optimizing network data flows
  • Modems
  • Mobile network standards and Network Routing Plans
  • Enterprise networking
  • Wireless 5G network design and data flow optimization
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing dynamic mesh network architectures
• Strong knowledge of SDN controllers and frameworks
• Deep understanding of routing protocols and their behavior in dynamic environments
• Experience with network analytics platforms and telemetry systems for real-time monitoring
• Experience designing networks that interface with multiple heterogeneous systems

Desired Skills/Qualifications

• MS degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering with a focus on Networking or a related field
• Experience 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 systems
  • Tactical communications networks
• Background in designing networks for high-availability (HA) environments (99.999% uptime)
• Experience with AI/ML-driven network optimization and predictive analytics
• Knowledge of graph theory as applied to network topology optimization
• Background in large-scale network transformations from traditional to SDN architectures
• Experience with multi-cloud networking and hybrid cloud connectivity solutions
• Experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Experience with satellite communications integration with terrestrial networks
• Experience with cross-domain solutions and multi-level security environments

FTS International, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer - vets/disabled.