Are you passionate about solving real-world network engineering challenges?

Do you want to perform advanced research, development, and test & evaluation of ground breaking communications systems and technologies?

If so, we want you to join our innovative team of engineers solving some of the most complex and evolving networking challenges.

We’re looking for a versatile Networking Orchestration Engineer who thrives in a mission-driven environment and is excited to contribute to the development of operational prototypes and specialized network capabilities.

As a Network Orchestration Engineer, you will...

• Research and experiment with emerging networking technologies to implement real-world, practical communications systems and capabilities to address a variety of evolving operational needs.
• Design, build, and orchestrate large scale virtualized networking environments using both on-prem and cloud services in order to implement threat-representative network environments tailored for unique missions.
• Collaborate directly with sponsors and collaborators to understand their toughest networking challenges and craft effective solutions.

You meet the minimum qualifications for this position if you...

• Have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Network Engineering, Information Systems, or a closely related technical field.
• Have at least five years of relevant experience in advanced network engineering and software automation, including software-defined networking, cloud infrastructure, observability, and modern routing/virtualization technologies.
• The ability to obtain an Interim Top Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You’ll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have the ability to be a creative networking guide who flourishes with solving tough, undefined problems by applying unique and innovative approaches.
• Are able to design, build, and test practical, working solutions from the ground up using your deep knowledge and experience in:
  • Building software solutions that enhance network orchestration, automate complex workflows, and provide deep insight through traffic analysis
  • IP networking fundamentals (layers 2 and above)
  • Linux networking (IP stack, routing, iptables, network namespaces, etc.)
  • Hybrid Cloud infrastructure automation (Terraform, Packer)
  • Configuration management and automation(Ansible, Puppet, Chef, Salt)
  • Containers, and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes)
  • GitOps workflows and CI/CD pipelines (GitLab CI, Jenkins)
  • Python or languages applied to network automation and tool development
  • Software Defined Network (SDN) and/or Software Defined WAN (SD-WAN) technologies
  • Network virtualization and overlay technologies (VXLAN, EVPN, MPLS, segment routing)
  • Routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, STP, etc.)
  • Network telemetry and observability (NetFlow, SNMP, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK)
  • Design and Integration of Network APIs and interfaces (NETCONF, RESTCONF, gRPC)
  • Virtual networking and NFV concepts (vRouters, vSwitches, service chaining, CORE, GNS3)
  • Network Traffic generation and analytics
• Take initiative and thrive in a collaborative, problem-solving environment.
• Are passionate about national security, networking innovation, and making a real-world mission impact.

#LI-AG1

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at  .

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact  Accommodations@jhuapl.edu .

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.