• Cleared Network Architect

    Actalent (Manassas, VA)


    Job Title: Network Architect

    Job Description

    We are seeking a Network Architect to join a key engineering team tasked with building innovative architectures across large Naval Submarine subsystems. This technology fosters a common, open-architecture system-of-systems electronic design aboard submarines, promoting interoperability during joint operations with integrated fighting forces. In essence, this system acts as the central nervous system of a submarine, connecting all other subsystems. The Network Architect will utilize their engineering expertise to design the submarine's network system and create a private cloud for edge communication.

    Responsibilities

    + Design, enhance, and plan computer network communications including specifications and schematics for network architecture on multiple subsystems.

    + Evaluate and recommend network hardware and software selections, implementation techniques, and tools to meet tactical programmatic needs, considering present and future capacity requirements.

    + Monitor and maintain the network, manage configurations, provide network support and problem resolution, conduct system performance analysis and evaluation, and analyze performance metrics and failures on the SWFTS network for the SE&I program.

    + Interface with customers, developers, and support programs to ensure optimal flow of communications between subsystems.

    + Conduct performance and failover testing of network devices and assess their impact on system stability.

    + Maintain technical expertise in network and computer hardware/software interconnections and interfaces, such as firewalls, routers, switches, gateways, middleware, and OSI layer 1/2/3/4 functionality.

    + Evaluate and recommend new technologies to enhance network system performance and monitoring capabilities.

    + Prepare network documentation for working group presentations and exchanges.

    Essential Skills

    + Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in IT or Engineering.

    + 8+ years of network integration and architecture experience for a variety of network protocol standards (must have a combination of HSRP/VRRP, RIP, RSTP (802.1w), MSTP (802.1s)).

    + Experience analyzing VLANs, spanning-tree, routing (static and dynamically implemented protocols), ACLs, IP addressing, and subnetting.

    + Knowledge of packet analysis tools such as Wireshark or Sniffers.

    + Experience with Software Defined Networking using OVS, Python, or Bash and Linux Command Line for porting.

    + Experience in creating data and presentations to lead working group discussions and briefs for Navy/Company Executives.

    + Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance; must be eligible

     

    Additional Skills & Qualifications

     

    + Network development and integration experience for various network protocol standards including TCP/IP, HSRP/VRRP, RIP, OSPF, BGP, RSTP (802.1w), MSTP (802.1s), DHCP, 802.1q tagging, multicast, PAgP or LACP (EtherChannel), QoS, and Active-Active technologies (vPC and IRF).

    + Familiarity with network device vendors such as Cisco and Arista.

    + Familiarity with 1/10/25/40/100 Gig protocols, serial and satellite links, cable standards, and optical specifications/requirements.

    + Familiarity with Linux OS, SNMP, Python, and Bash.

    + Knowledge of TCP/UDP protocol packet format.

    + Knowledge of Kubernetes.

    + Knowledge of VxLAN.

    Work Environment

    This role offers a hybrid work environment, typically involving 3 days in the lab and 1 day from home. The team works 4-day weeks with 10-hour days, offering significant flexibility in the schedule, although on-site presence is required when working. Employees will join a team of engineers focused on securing submarine systems, providing ample opportunities to learn and advance their technical knowledge across multiple programs.

     

    Job Type & Location

     

    This is a Contract position based out of Manassas, VA.

    Pay and Benefits

    The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $90.00/hr.

     

    Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

     

    Workplace Type

     

    This is a hybrid position in Manassas,VA.

     

    Application Deadline

     

    This position is anticipated to close on Dec 19, 2025.

    About Actalent

    Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

     

    The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

     

    If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.