Job Title: Network Engineer (Mid-Level)
Location: Middle River, MD (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Hybrid). 3 days per week on-site, plus on-site presence for projects, experimentation, and testing events. Includes occasional outdoor work in varying terrain and weather, and travel 2–3 times per year for up to two weeks.
Salary: $91,000- $136,000 DOE + Bonus
Position Overview:
MCFA is partnering with a defense research organization and leading their search for a Robotics Engineer to support intelligent robotics research. You’ll focus on software and hardware integration for proof-of-concept demonstrations and performance evaluation of autonomous behaviors on individual robots and teams of ground and aerial platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and maintain wired and wireless network infrastructure including Wi-Fi, wired LAN, point-to-point radios, tactical mesh radios, and 5G cellular networks.
Gather requirements from researchers, design practical network solutions, and present findings and recommendations to colleagues and leadership.
Support high-bandwidth data transfer using command-line tools, live analytics, and modeling systems.· Configure, troubleshoot, and support Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, or equivalent network equipment.
Support related system administration work on lab and field systems as assigned.
Implement and maintain network monitoring using SNMP, NetFlow, syslog, and related tools for proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance analysis.
Develop and maintain operating policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), user guides, network architecture diagrams, and usage/performance reports.
Collaborate with robotics researchers to integrate networks for autonomous platform operation, communications, telemetry, and real-world experimentation.
Administer Linux-based network services, servers, and robotic platforms operating in laboratory and field environments (Ubuntu and/or RHEL derivatives).
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, Systems Administration, Network Engineering, or a related technical field
3–5 years of network engineering and/or systems administration experience
U.S. citizenship and an active U.S. SECRET clearance, or the ability to obtain one
DoD 8140-aligned certification (minimum CompTIA Security+ CE or equivalent; legacy DoD 8570 IAT II acceptable), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
Linux+ or RHCSA (or equivalent), or the ability to obtain one within 3 months of start
Hands-on Linux system administration (Ubuntu and/or RHEL), including shell scripting, command-line tools, and troubleshooting
Solid networking fundamentals: TCP/IP, routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, segmentation, traffic analysis, performance monitoring, and common protocols including multicast/broadcast
Proficiency with troubleshooting tools (ping, traceroute, SSH, SCP, tcpdump, Wireshark) and network device CLI (Cisco IOS, Juniper JUNOS, or equivalent)
Working understanding of network security standards (STIGs, CIS benchmarks, firmware and patch management)
Bonus Points:
Cisco CCNA certification or Cisco training
Configuration management and automation tools (Ansible, Puppet, Chef)
Experience supporting autonomous vehicles, robotic platforms, or field experimentation environments
Tactical, mesh radio, or 5G network experience
Strong communication, presentation, and customer-service skills
Total Rewards:
Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the combination of education, certifications, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, internal and external equity, location, clearance level, as well as contract-specific affordability, and applicable employment laws. The estimated salary range for this position is based on full-time status.
About MCFA:
MCFA is a trusted talent acquisition and advisory firm supporting construction, real estate, infrastructure, and public sector clients nationwide. We specialize in helping our partners attract high-impact talent to achieve operational excellence and long-term growth.