Principal Network Engineer (5010) (US, DC, Tampa, San Antonio) (

The SMX Space and Intelligence (S&I) Business Unit (BU) is on the ground floor across the future remote sensing ecosystem for all orbital regimes (LEO, MEO, HEO, and GEO). We build, integrate, and operationally support our customer's emerging space-ground systems to include real-time data processing frameworks, sensor data processing, and data visualization. We are teamed with the most passionate companies in industry, dedicated to bringing best-of-breed capabilities to address our customers most pressing needs.

We are looking for an amazing Sr. Network Architect to join our energetic team. Successful applicants will bring deep experience with network engineering, a readiness to work hands-on keyboard to solve challenging network problems, a strong collaborative spirit, experience successfully mentoring junior team members, superior problem-solving skills, a passion for security and data protection, and a clear focus on supporting customer needs.

Work will be performed in Colorado. Please apply to this role if you have interest in relocating to Colorado.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Design and deploy highly performant, secure data center networks (LAN, WLAN, WAN) as a member of product teams and corporate infrastructure teams
• Configure and install, routers, and other network devices
• Monitor key network indicators (e.g., network performance, device health, status, integrity, etc.)
• Resolve issues escalated by lower service desk tiers by troubleshooting deployed, cloud, and local infrastructure
• Automate tasks and monitor their effectiveness
• Mentor team members on technical issues
• Create, oversee, and test security measures (e.g., access authentication and disaster recovery)
• Communicate with users to design and field optimal solutions
• Design and implement solutions to deliver superior network performance, capacity and scalability
• Maintain complete technical documentation
• Other duties as assigned

Required Skills & Experience

• Secret clearance
• 8+ years of industry experience as a Network Engineer or Network Administrator
• Professional experience in data center network architecture and design using spine-leaf topology.
• CCIE (Data Center) or CCNP (CCIE highly preferred)
• Proficiency with network security principles, including monitoring, hardening, threat models, common vulnerabilities, and access control models
• In-depth understanding of communication protocols (mainly TCP/IP) and routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF)
• Experience working with and troubleshooting OSI network layers for TCP/IP networks, via physical and software-based diagnostics and tools
• Experience planning, deploying, and troubleshooting WAN, firewalls, LAN, DNS, VLANs, static and dynamic IP addressing, remote and point to point VPNs in on premises, cloud and hybrid environments such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure
• Working knowledge of Storage Area Networks (SANs) Experience with Dell or legacy Brocade switches is a plus
• Experience configuring networks using a Fibre Channel Switch Fabric topology
• Familiarity with application layer network and firewall configuration in Linux and VMware systems
• Hands on experience with TACACS, Radius, authentication services and servers.
• Experience with network diagnostic, monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., SolarWinds network tools, packet analyzers)
• Strong understanding of network operating systems (Cisco IOS preferred)
• Proficiency with Linux and Windows operating systems
• Sharp troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent organizational and mentoring skills
• Demonstrated attention to detail
• Good verbal and written communication skills

Desired Skills & Experience

• At least 5 years of ongoing professional experience with Dell switches, servers and SAN
• Security+ certification
• At least 5 years of ongoing professional experience with network-attached storage (NAS) and/or Storage Area Network (SAN) configuration and maintenance

Application Deadline: March 30, 2026

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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.

The proposed salary for this position is:

$158,500 - $247,600 USD

At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.

We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what's possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.

SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.

Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.

SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).