PdL Architecture Lead - Network Architecture

Job Title: Network Architecture Subject Matter Expert

Job Location: Ft. Belvoir, VA

Job Type: Full time 40 hours

Travel Requirement: Up to 25%

Security Clearance: TS SCI (Active)

Job Description:

Sherpa 6 is seeking a Network Architecture Subject Matter Expert to serve as the lead network advisor within PdL Architecture under CPE Ground/PM SWAR. This role provides independent technical advisory support on tactical network architecture, transport layer integration, and network performance across the Army's squad-level ecosystem. The position supports government decision-making by offering vendor-neutral assessments of how network infrastructure interacts with radios, sensors, applications, autonomy platforms, and edge compute nodes This is an advisory role focused on enabling informed government decisions-not controlling or approving network configurations.

Responsibilities:

Network Architecture Advisory

• Advise PdL Architecture leadership on tactical network design, transport layer integration, and bandwidth optimization across squad systems
• Provide technical recommendations on network topology and configuration impacts across formations
• Assess interoperability between tactical radios, waveforms, and soldier-borne applications
• Support alignment with the Squad Reference Architecture on network-related decisions

Integration Risk Identification

• Identify network-related integration risks before fielding or operations
• Evaluate network performance under bandwidth constraints, latency limitations, and DDIL (Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, Limited) environments
• Assess data flow saturation risks and recommend mitigation strategies
• Analyze network dependencies across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other PEO initiatives

Cross-Program Coordination

• Support coordination across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other programs on network architecture decisions
• Facilitate alignment between network transport layers, edge compute nodes, and application requirements
• Translate complex network technical details into actionable insights for government stakeholders
• Advise on open architecture principles to prevent vendor lock-in on network infrastructure

Edge Compute & Data Flow Support

• Collaborate with the Edge Compute Architecture Lead on network capacity planning for distributed compute workloads
• Advise on optimal data routing strategies across device, edge node, and enterprise tiers
• Support evaluation of network requirements for AI/ML and autonomy workloads at the tactical edge
• Assess network implications of multi-domain operations and joint interoperability requirements

Documentation & Baseline Support

• Document network configuration patterns, inconsistencies, and recommended baselines
• Support development of network-related standards within the Squad Reference Architecture
• Provide input to integration labs, field exercises, and operational validation events

Requirements

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or tactical communications
• Demonstrated expertise with tactical radio systems (e.g., JTRS, HMS Manpack, PRC-163, Leader Radio)
• Experience with military waveform integration and network transport protocols
• Background in C5ISR systems integration and soldier-level network architecture
• Familiarity with DDIL environments and expeditionary network operations

Technical Skills:

• Deep understanding of tactical network topologies, mesh networking, and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET)
• Knowledge of IP-based tactical communications and Software Defined Networking (SDN) concepts
• Experience with network performance assessment, bandwidth planning, and latency optimization
• Familiarity with TAK ecosystem networking requirements and server architectures
• Understanding of edge compute networking considerations and distributed data architectures

Clearance:

• Active Top Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferred

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or related field
• Advanced degree or relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, etc.) preferred
• Must be a US Citizen
• Must pass a background check and drug screening

Preferred Experience:

• Prior military experience (NCO or Officer) with tactical communications or signal units
• Experience supporting PEO Soldier, PEO C3T, or PM Tactical Network programs
• Familiarity with Army Network modernization initiatives (Unified Network, JADC2)
• Experience with software-defined radios and waveform management
• Background in network security, encryption, and COMSEC integration
• Experience with integration testing and network validation in operational environments

Background Screening/Check/Investigation:

Successful completion of a background screening/check/investigation will/may be required as a condition of hire.

ADA:

Sherpa 6 will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990

EEO/AA:

Sherpa 6 does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive benefits package, covering the cost of medical for you and your family; we also offer dental, vision, health and wellness benefits and a generous retirement savings plan. We believe that our employees can manage their workload and their personal life, therefore we extend a generous PTO policy. This allows our employees to balance their lives as they see fit.

About Sherpa 6:

At Sherpa 6 we love to solve problems and provide the best solutions for our customers. Our approach to a problem is to find a user-focused and design-driven solution that is simple yet functional and effective. We are a group of enthusiastic forward-thinkers who are excited to build amazing solutions with bleeding-edge technology. We hire people who are forward thinkers, passionate about what they do, love to collaborate and want to constantly learn. We enjoy what we do and we're not afraid to put the extra effort in to accomplish the mission; call us Sherpas. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we know what it means to serve. We have made it our mission to be the leaders in solutions that protect and give our Warfighters the edge they need when put into harm's way.