Principal Enterprise Network Engineer

Are you a seasoned network and communications expert with a passion for secure, high-stakes systems? We are seeking a Principal-level Network Engineer to lead the design, installation, integration, maintenance, and hardening of mission-critical cyberspace and communications infrastructure — spanning enterprise networks, fiber/copper backbones, secure telephony, ground RF and satellite communications, cryptographic/COMSEC systems, and voice/data/video platforms. If you bring deep experience in network architecture, RF/telephony systems, secure communications, cabling/transmission, and field installation — and thrive on hands-on technical work with blueprints, schematics, and field deployment — this role puts you at the heart of communications infrastructure that really matters.

Why Work with us?

Applied Research Solutions (ARS) is respected as a world-class provider of technically integrated solutions as we deliver premier talent and technology across our focused markets for unparalleled, continuous mission support.Awarded a Best Places to Work nominee since 2020, ARS recognizes that without our career- driven, loyal professionals, we would not be able to deliver state-of-the-art results for our mission partners. We firmly believe that prioritizing our employees is of the upmost importance. We provide a culture where our employees are challenged to meet their career goals and aspirations, while still obtaining a work/life balance. ARS employees are motivated through our industry competitive benefits package, our awards and recognition program, and personalized attention from ARS Senior Managers.

Key Responsibilities

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  Plan, design, implement, and maintain secure enterprise- and mission-level network infrastructures (voice, data, video) across multiple platforms and communication media (copper, fiber, RF, satellite, microwave, telemetry, space systems).
  
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  Oversee installation, modification, repair, and overhaul of communication systems and equipment: from end-user client devices to core infrastructure, RF ground stations, cryptographic devices, secure telephony, intrusion detection systems, radio, satellite links, and network backbone.
  
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  Apply communications-security (COMSEC) program expertise, ensuring physical, cryptographic, transmission, and emission security standards are enforced.
  
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  Interpret and enforce technical orders, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, circuit diagrams and project documentation to ensure correct installation, integration, and interoperability.
  
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  Conduct site/equipment surveys, validate equipment interfaces, and assess facility design for communications/IT infrastructure integration.
  
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  Review, evaluate, and approve project packages and amendments related to communications and network systems implementation.
  
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  Provide technical guidance and advisory support to project leads, facility planners, and stakeholders regarding communications-system design, IT-program installation, minor construction planning, and coordination with base communications systems (or equivalent).
  
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  Oversee testing and validation efforts, use test equipment and special tools to verify system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure reliable operation of voice/data/video/radio/cryptographic systems.
  
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  Collaborate with cross-functional teams — including systems engineers, IT, RF, security/compliance — to ensure configuration, architecture, and integration conformity across all communications and network systems.
  
• Will perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications / Required Skills

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  U.S. Citizenship required.
  
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  Active Top-Secret (TS) security clearance.
  
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  Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in relevant field (Electrical Engineering, Computer/Network Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science or equivalent) plus ~10 years’ relevant experience.
  
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  Strong background in network infrastructure: LAN/WAN, enterprise-level routing/switching, fiber/copper transmission, telephony, data/voice/video networks.
  
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  Solid understanding of RF / radio / satellite / ground-radio communications, radio theory (including transistors, solid-state electronics, digital techniques), microwave, telemetry, emission/transmission principles.
  
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  Familiarity with cryptographic and COMSEC equipment/techniques; transmission and emission security, secure voice/data, secure network implementation.
  
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  Capability to read and interpret technical orders, blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematics, circuit diagrams, project design documents.
  
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  Experience with site surveys, equipment installation, integration, testing, and validation — using appropriate test equipment and tools.
  
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  Project-management skills and ability to plan, coordinate, and approve communications/network systems installations and modifications, including facility design and minor construction as needed.
  
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  Certifications such as Network+ and Security+ highly desirable; CCNA or CISSP are desirable.
  
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  Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills; ability to work independently and as part of cross-disciplinary teams; hands-on approach and comfort with both field work and documentation.
  

Preferred / “Nice-to-Have” Qualifications

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  Experience with secure telecommunications/COMSEC management, cryptographic key management, classified networks.
  
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  Familiarity with radio, satellite, telemetry or space-system installation, integration or maintenance.
  
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  Experience coordinating multi-site infrastructure builds, migrations, or major upgrades.
  
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  Ability to mentor / lead junior engineers or technicians; strong leadership and technical-lead capabilities.
  

The expected annual salary range: $180k - $190k. Salary is dependent upon the role and associated responsibilities, candidate's experience, and qualifications to include education/training, and key skills.

All positions at Applied Research Solutions are subject to background investigations. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history and identity check.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.