Network / Communications Engineer

MAG Aerospace

• 
  Fairfax, Virginia
  
• 
  

PERMANENT

Updated 09/02/2026

Job Description

Job Summary

Position Summary

MAG is currently recruiting for a Network/Communications Engineer who will ensure critical data reaches its destination despite jamming, destruction, and cyber attacks. Youll innovate in architecting reimagined but compliant resilient communication systems that maintain connectivity in the worlds most challenging environments.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only

This is a Hybrid Position

• Remote mainly
• but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested
  We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in:
  Aberdeen, MD
• Titusville, FL
• Newport News, VA
• Carthage NC
  Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

Other duties may be assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

Design and implement tactical mesh networks for DDIL environments

Develop multi-path routing protocols for resilient communications

Implement software-defined networking (SDN) solutions

Configure and optimize diverse communication channels (satellite, RF, cellular)

Design quality of service (QoS) for degraded network conditions

Implement store-and-forward architectures for intermittent connectivity

Develop network monitoring and diagnostic tools

Secondary Responsibilities

Implement network security controls (encryption, authentication, segmentation)

Design and configure firewall rules and intrusion detection

Perform network vulnerability assessments

Implement zero-trust network architectures

Support cybersecurity compliance requirements

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

Required Qualifications

5+ years network engineering experience

Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, and multicast protocols

Experience with routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, OLSR)

Hands-on experience with mesh networking technologies

Proficiency with network security (IPSec, VPNs, TLS)

Experience with software-defined networking (SDN/NFV)

Familiarity with RF communications and spectrum management

Understanding of satellite communications (VSAT, LEO constellations)

Experience with network simulation and modeling tools

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with military tactical networks

Knowledge of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs)

Familiarity with cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access

Experience with network automation tools and principles (e.g., Ansible, Python, Infrastructure-as-Code)

Familiarity with DISA STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) or similar DoD/IC security hardening standards

Experience with TAK servers and Cursor on Target (CoT)

Understanding of CSfC requirements

Amateur radio license

Experience with underwater acoustic networks

CCNA/CCNP or equivalent certification

Education:

Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Clearance:

Must be eligible for Secret security clearance

US Citizenship required

Special Note

What Makes You Successful Here

You assume every network will fail and design accordingly

You can optimize protocols for 2400 baud or 10 Gbps

You understand both the theory and practical reality of RF propagation

You can explain complex networking to operators simply

You see security as integral to network design, not an add-on

Why Join MAG:

Work on meaningful problems that directly impact national security

Small, elite team where your contributions matter immediately

Access to cutting-edge hardware and technologies

Rapid prototyping environment

• see your ideas deployed in weeks
  Direct interaction with end users and field deployments
  Professional development and conference attendance support
  Flexible work arrangements with occasional field exercises
  Opportunity to shape the future of tactical edge computing
  Benefits and CompensationAt MAG Aerospace, we value your contributions providing our employees with a robust Total Rewards package that supports your total well-being.

Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in MAGs Total Rewards programs. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits as well as paid leave, professional development, and tuition assistance. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our Total Rewards Program by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site: https://www.magaero.com/benefits/. Salary at MAG Aerospace is determined by various factors including but not limited to location, the particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86250 to $143750 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of MAGs total compensation package for employees.

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