Network Software Engineer

Job Description

Requirements
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### Must have:

### - We require a bachelors degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field. - We look for at least 10 years of relevant software system development experience, preferably in a Linux environment. - We need a solid grasp of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS. - We expect hands-on software development experience using modern engineering practices and one or more of these languages: C, C++, Python, Rust, and BASH. - We value experience with diagnosing networked systems using tools such as tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, and ss. - We require excellent people skills and the ability to work both independently and within a multi-organization team. - We need a willingness and ability to travel as needed. - We require an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to ultimately obtain TS/SCI access, plus U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security investigation. - Preferred qualifications include a masters degree or PhD in a related technical field. - Preferred qualifications include 20+ years of relevant software systems development experience. - Preferred qualifications include experience leading software projects and managing engineering teams. - Preferred qualifications include exposure to U.S. Government or military communications systems, network technologies, voice/video streaming, or conferencing software. - Preferred qualifications include experience implementing or adapting network protocols across application, transport, routing, or custom layers. - Preferred qualifications include deep knowledge of Linux networking internals such as the kernel stack, netfilter, eBPF, and XDP. - Preferred qualifications include experience building and troubleshooting real-time, low-latency, or high-bandwidth systems. - Preferred qualifications include experience with container networking and orchestration, including Kubernetes, CNI plugins, and service meshes. - Preferred qualifications include familiarity with software-defined networking and network function virtualization. - Preferred qualifications include strong interest in DevOps practices, processes, and tools. - Preferred qualifications include experience supporting the full software lifecycle, from requirements analysis through design, implementation, and testing. - Preferred qualifications include an active Top Secret clearance with SSBI and recent adjudication for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.

Responsibilities:
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- We provide technical contribution and leadership in developing software systems for critical government communications programs. - We offer thought leadership in communications systems and application software by collaborating on creative approaches and new ideas to solve difficult problems. - We architect, build, integrate, and test software-based command and control, secure communications, and networking systems in realistic operational environments. - We work closely with sponsors to support mission success. - We collaborate with technical specialists across other disciplines as part of a multidisciplinary team. - We document our work in technical reports and memoranda and present results to sponsors and the technical community. - We focus on designing, developing, integrating, and testing communications and network software, including protocol implementation, network services, and distributed systems. - We create solutions that can operate reliably and in a timely manner in degraded or contested environments.
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Company:
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We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and we tackle the nations most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges with world-class expertise. Our culture is welcoming, collaborative, and innovative, with a strong emphasis on professional growth, creativity, and work/life balance. We offer generous benefits, including education assistance, robust retirement contributions, and a comprehensive package with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and development opportunities. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and we accept applications on a rolling basis. We are committed to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals of all abilities.
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