Network Architect

Network Engineer

This Network Architect role focuses on designing, securing, monitoring, and troubleshooting the communications infrastructure that connects unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations. You will own a complex environment that includes RF networks, satellite communications, VPNs, firewalls, and both Windows and Linux systems, with a strong emphasis on reliability, cybersecurity, and support for field operations. The position requires hands-on expertise in network architecture, diagnosing degraded or remote communications links, building monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, and implementing secure, scalable solutions that enable operators to resolve issues quickly in mission-critical environments. This opportunity is well suited for professionals with experience in defense, aerospace, tactical communications, industrial networking, or other remote-site network environments where uptime and resiliency are essential, and offers high visibility and impact within a well-established organization launching a new initiative.

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Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and maintain secure network architectures that connect unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to ground control stations (GCS), focusing on scalability, reliability, and resilience.
• Configure, secure, and troubleshoot RF relays, wireless networks, and satellite communication links such as Starlink, VSAT, or similar technologies to support remote and field operations.
• Administer and harden Windows and Linux environments, including network services and host configurations, to support mission-critical communications infrastructure.
• Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot VPN servers and peer-to-peer or supernode-based VPN architectures (e.g., n2n), ensuring secure and reliable remote access for operators and systems.
• Implement, manage, and refine firewall rules and network security policies to protect data flows between UAS, GCS, RF relays, and other network components.
• Develop and maintain network topology diagrams, interface definitions, configuration standards, and deployment documentation to ensure clarity and consistency across the infrastructure.
• Build monitoring, logging, and diagnostic capabilities that allow operators and engineering teams to quickly identify, isolate, and resolve network and communications issues.
• Troubleshoot degraded, intermittent, or remote communications links, including RF and satellite connections, with a focus on system stability and root cause analysis rather than one-off fixes.
• Support non-technical end users and operators in diagnosing and resolving network issues, simplifying workflows and enabling self-service where possible.
• Participate in securing field-deployed, tactical, aerospace, or defense-oriented networks, including implementing VPNs, encrypted communications, network segmentation, and secure remote access solutions.
• Contribute to vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation activities for network devices and operating systems to address security findings.
• Apply DoD-related cybersecurity practices such as RMF and NIST SP 800-53 to network infrastructure and system hardening efforts, as applicable.
• Use scripting and automation tools such as PowerShell and Python to streamline configuration, deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting tasks.
• Balance security, reliability, usability, and field practicality when making network design decisions, especially in remote or expeditionary environments.
• Act as a calm, clear communicator during live troubleshooting scenarios, including remote support sessions with operators and field personnel.
• Continuously learn and adapt to new hardware, radios, and link technologies as the fleet and network architecture evolve, maintaining up-to-date knowledge of RF and satellite communications principles.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that network infrastructure supports operational requirements, data flows, and future scalability.
• Document recurring issues and implement long-term solutions through root cause analysis to reduce repeat operational problems and improve overall system stability.

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Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in network engineering, systems administration, or field communications, with direct responsibility for system stability and troubleshooting beyond help desk support.
• Proficiency with VPNs, firewalls, and routing in both Windows and Linux environments, including configuration and advanced troubleshooting.
• Experience with wireless and RF networking and satellite communications, such as Starlink, VSAT, or comparable technologies used in remote or expeditionary settings.
• Proficient in designing or scaling network architectures, not only maintaining existing systems, with a focus on reliability and resilience.
• Scripting or automation experience using PowerShell and/or Python to support configuration management, deployment, and diagnostics.
• Strong working knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals, including routing, subnetting, NAT, DNS, and DHCP.
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot VPNs, including peer-to-peer and supernode-based architectures such as n2n, and to manage associated network security policies.
• Comfort working independently to troubleshoot novel or ambiguous problems with incomplete information, especially in remote or mission-critical environments.
• Clear, composed communication skills during live troubleshooting and remote support scenarios, including working with non-technical end users.

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Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Experience operating in field, remote, or expeditionary environments such as tactical communications, WISP field networking, or industrial and SCADA remote site networking.
• Experience supporting non-technical operators in troubleshooting network issues, with a focus on simplification and enabling self-service capabilities.
• Hands-on experience securing field-deployed, tactical, aerospace, or defense networks, including VPNs, firewalls, encrypted communications, network segmentation, and secure remote access.
• Familiarity with Department of Defense cybersecurity practices such as Risk Management Framework (RMF) and NIST SP 800-53 as they relate to network infrastructure and system hardening.
• Experience supporting vulnerability assessments, security configuration reviews, patching, and remediation for network and operating system security findings.
• CompTIA Network+ or Security+ certification, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
• Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification, or equivalent vendor-specific networking credentials.
• Relevant military communications or signal corps training or certification.
• Advanced network or cybersecurity certifications such as Security+, CCNP Security, CISSP, or equivalent practical experience.
• Demonstrated track record of reducing recurring operational issues through thorough root cause analysis and implementation of durable solutions.
• Ability to balance competing constraints of security, reliability, usability, and field practicality when designing and operating networks.
• Self-directed learning mindset, with the ability to quickly understand and integrate new hardware, radios, and link technologies as the architecture evolves.
• Understanding of RF and satellite communications principles, including link budget basics, latency and packet loss behavior, and interference troubleshooting.

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Work Environment

This is a fully onsite role based in Bingen, Washington. The position involves working primarily at a computer, reading screens, technical documents, and engineering drawings on a daily basis. Most troubleshooting is performed remotely, with occasional in-field support for complex network or communications issues in remote or operational environments. Travel requirements are approximately 5% and may include both domestic and international trips. The role includes walking through office and production areas, which may feature uneven surfaces, and carrying or lifting items up to 30 pounds as needed. The work environment emphasizes collaboration with engineering and operations teams, exposure to advanced UAS and communications technologies, and participation in a high-visibility initiative within a well-established organization.

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Skip the wait

Book 15 minutes with me and I'll walk you through whether this is worth your time. Book a quick call

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This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $140000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Below is a highlight summary, i have benefits PDF's available. $10k relocation available. Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance: The monthly premium for the low deductible plan for a family is $142 per month, $71 per pay period. Very reasonable. Employees can choose from three plans. No waiting period; coverage is effective on the hire date. Dental-Covered at no cost, unless they want the enhanced plan which is $22 per month, for a family. No waiting period; coverage is effective on the hire date. Vision-Covered. No waiting period; coverage is effective on the hire date. Retirement- Airbus offers matching contributions on your pre-tax and Roth contributions: 100% on the first 5% of your contribution. Company matching contributions begin immediately with your first contribution to the plan. 100% vested on your contributions and company matching contributions. Airbus offers a Non-Elective contribution with a target of 5% after two years of service, regardless of your participation in the 401(k). Contributions are made annually. Time Off- The company provides 13 paid holidays per year (determined annually) Full-time employees will receive seven days (maximum 56 hours) of personal time, pro-rated based on hire date. For full-time employees: Hire Date to 3 years of service: 15 days (120 hours) annually 3 to 9 years of service: 20 days (160 hours) annually 10 and over years of service: 25 days (200 hours) annually, Note: Vacation/PTO days are non-negotiable so please manage your candidate expectations. Airbus also shuts down, globally (for non-essential employees) between the Christmas/New Year break. This time is not charged to the employee's PTO or vacation. ESOP- Annually (Feb-Mar), employees are allowed to purchase Airbus stock at a 40% decrease in share price. Employees must hold shares for 36 months. Life and Disability- The company pays the full cost of the Group Life and Disability premium for the employee. 3 times your annual salary up to $1,000,000 Annual Company Performance Bonus- this is fluid, depending on company performance, and is paid in Dec and Jan.

This is a Permanent position based out of Bingen, WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Bingen,WA.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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