1536 - Network Engineer - Navy WAN Lead at Sigma Defense

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer - Navy WAN Lead
Company: Sigma Defense
Location: San Diego, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Network Engineering
Date Posted: 2025-06-19
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead strategic operations and modernization of the Navy's Automated Digital Networking System (ADNS), ensuring secure, high-performance connectivity across fleet, shore-based, and joint force networks.
Manage system upgrades and operational readiness, maintaining secure, resilient, mission-critical communications in dynamic and contested environments.
Collaborate with key stakeholders to align network strategies with Navy goals and enhance the Navy's digital warfighting capabilities and real-time communications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in Navy/DoD WAN operations, network protocols, and cybersecurity to ensure secure, high-performance connectivity across diverse networks.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Systems: Oversee the modernization of ADNS/WAN in partnership with PMW 160, ensuring secure, interoperable Navy communications across shipboard, shore, and satellite platforms. Manage network hardware tasks, including configuring, deploying, and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and satellite terminals. Apply project management principles and Navy CVN scheduling expertise to drive effective planning and execution.
Cybersecurity & Compliance: Enforce RMF-compliant cybersecurity standards and manage key security measures such as firewalls, IDS, and ACLs. Perform vulnerability assessments and lead remediation efforts to protect network integrity.
Operations & Maintenance: Utilize monitoring tools to maintain network performance and minimize downtime. Lead incident response and troubleshooting efforts, while executing testing and validation for hardware and software updates.
Strategic Upgrades: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven automation, SDN) to enhance network resilience and efficiency. Provide technical guidance on the modernization of ADNS CVN systems, including next-generation tactical links, 5G, and satellite communications, as well as cloud and advanced network architecture solutions.
Collaboration & Training: Coordinate with key stakeholders (NAVWAR, DISA, Fleet Cyber Command) to align network strategies with Navy goals. Develop and deliver training programs for IT teams and support interoperability testing environments during DT/OT events.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related field of study. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in Navy/DoD WAN operations, including ADNS, SATCOM, and tactical networking environments.

Required Skills:

Strong knowledge of network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS), encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks.
Proficiency with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).
Familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls.
Ability to work in classified, secure environments in strict adherence to Navy operational security protocols.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with AI-driven network automation and SDN technologies.
Knowledge of Navy C4ISR systems, JADC2 integration, and Joint Tactical Networks.
Understanding of SATCOM principles and RF transmission fundamentals.

Mandatory Certifications:

DoD 8570 IAT Level II - Security+ (or equivalent)
CCNP
CISSP

Personnel Clearance Level: Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain an active Secret security clearance or higher. Clearance will be sponsored for the right candidate.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in Navy/DoD WAN operations, including ADNS, SATCOM, and tactical networking environments.
Showcase proficiency with network protocols, encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks.
Highlight experience with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper) and familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls.

Technical Documentation:

Provide case studies or project documentation showcasing network modernization, system upgrades, and operational readiness maintenance.
Include details on incident response, troubleshooting, and testing/validation processes for hardware and software updates.
Demonstrate understanding of emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven automation, SDN) and their potential integration into network systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 annually

Benefits:

Dental and Vision Insurance
Medical Insurance to Include HSA, FSA, and DFSA Plans
Life and AD&D Coverage
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
401(k) Plan with Company Matching Contributions
160 Hours of Paid Time Off (PTO)
12 (Floating) Holidays
Educational Assistance
Highly Competitive Salary

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense and Aerospace

Company Size: Medium (100-249 employees)

Founded: 2001

Team Structure:

The Navy WAN Lead will work closely with the UCA Program Office (PMA-268) and collaborate with key stakeholders such as NAVWAR, DISA, and Fleet Cyber Command.
This role will report directly to the Program Manager for the MQ-25 and Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control Systems (UMCS) program.

Development Methodology:

The Navy WAN Lead will follow project management principles and Navy CVN scheduling expertise to drive effective planning and execution.
This role will enforce RMF-compliant cybersecurity standards and manage key security measures, ensuring network integrity and resilience.

Company Website: Sigma Defense Systems

📝 Enhancement Note: Sigma Defense Systems is a medium-sized defense and aerospace company with a strong focus on innovation and technology. The company's culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and a commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to its clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: This role is a senior-level position within the network engineering career path, focusing on strategic leadership, operation, and modernization of the Navy's Automated Digital Networking System (ADNS).

Reporting Structure: The Navy WAN Lead will report directly to the Program Manager for the MQ-25 and Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control Systems (UMCS) program.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on the Navy's digital warfighting capabilities and real-time communications by ensuring secure, high-performance connectivity across fleet, shore-based, and joint force networks.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in emerging technologies such as AI-driven network automation and SDN, as well as knowledge of Navy C4ISR systems, JADC2 integration, and Joint Tactical Networks.
Leadership Development: Gain experience in strategic leadership, project management, and collaboration with key stakeholders to align network strategies with Navy goals.
Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to the modernization of ADNS CVN systems, including next-generation tactical links, 5G, and satellite communications, as well as cloud and advanced network architecture solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth opportunities in technical expertise, leadership, and architecture decision-making, allowing the right candidate to make a substantial impact on the Navy's digital communications infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The Navy WAN Lead will work primarily on-site at NIWC-Pacific in San Diego, California.

Office Location(s): San Diego, California, United States

Workspace Context:

The Navy WAN Lead will work in a collaborative environment with the UCA Program Office (PMA-268) and key stakeholders such as NAVWAR, DISA, and Fleet Cyber Command.
This role will require access to classified, secure environments and adherence to strict Navy operational security protocols.

Work Schedule: The Navy WAN Lead will work a standard 40-hour workweek, with the possibility of extended hours or on-call duties to support fleet operations exercises and testing.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a flexible work schedule, with the potential for extended hours or on-call duties to support fleet operations exercises and testing. The Navy WAN Lead will need to be adaptable and responsive to the dynamic nature of the Navy's operational requirements.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment (1 hour): Evaluate the candidate's understanding of network protocols, encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks. Assess proficiency with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper) and familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls.
Behavioral & Situational Questions (30 minutes): Assess the candidate's problem-solving skills, adaptability, and ability to work in a collaborative environment with key stakeholders.
Final Interview & Decision (30 minutes): Evaluate the candidate's cultural fit, motivation, and long-term goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in Navy/DoD WAN operations, including ADNS, SATCOM, and tactical networking environments.
Showcase proficiency with network protocols, encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks.
Demonstrate experience with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper) and familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls.
Include case studies or project documentation showcasing network modernization, system upgrades, and operational readiness maintenance.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS), encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks.
Familiarize yourself with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper) and DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls.
Prepare for behavioral and situational questions that assess your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and collaboration abilities.

ATS Keywords:

Networking: TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS, encryption standards, cybersecurity frameworks, networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper), DoD RMF, STIGs, IA controls, ADNS, SATCOM, tactical networking environments.
Leadership & Management: Strategic leadership, project management, Navy CVN scheduling, collaboration with key stakeholders, alignment of network strategies with Navy goals.
Security & Compliance: RMF-compliant cybersecurity standards, key security measures (firewalls, IDS, ACLs), vulnerability assessments, incident response, testing/validation processes.
Emerging Technologies: AI-driven network automation, SDN, next-generation tactical links, 5G, satellite communications, cloud, advanced network architecture solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the ATS keywords relevant to this role, as they will help you optimize your resume and portfolio for the application process.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Networking Technologies:

TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS, encryption standards, cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., RMF, STIGs, IA controls)
Networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)
ADNS, SATCOM, tactical networking environments

Emerging Technologies:

AI-driven network automation, SDN, next-generation tactical links, 5G, satellite communications, cloud, advanced network architecture solutions

Collaboration & Project Management Tools:

Microsoft Office Suite, project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, JIRA)

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the networking technologies, emerging technologies, and collaboration/project management tools relevant to this role, as they will be essential for success in the position.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Security & Resilience: Prioritize network security and resilience, ensuring secure, high-performance connectivity across diverse networks.
Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholders (NAVWAR, DISA, Fleet Cyber Command) to align network strategies with Navy goals and enhance the Navy's digital warfighting capabilities and real-time communications.
Innovation: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven automation, SDN) to enhance network resilience and efficiency.
Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date with the latest network protocols, encryption standards, and cybersecurity best practices to maintain a strong technical foundation.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Work closely with the UCA Program Office (PMA-268) and key stakeholders such as NAVWAR, DISA, and Fleet Cyber Command to align network strategies with Navy goals.
Code Review & Knowledge Sharing: Collaborate with team members to review network configurations, share knowledge, and improve overall network performance and security.
Peer Programming & Mentoring: Work alongside other network engineers to troubleshoot issues, optimize network performance, and develop technical skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The network engineering team at Sigma Defense Systems values security, resilience, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. The team works closely with key stakeholders to align network strategies with Navy goals and enhance the Navy's digital warfighting capabilities and real-time communications.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Modernization: Oversee the modernization of ADNS/WAN in partnership with PMW 160, ensuring secure, interoperable Navy communications across shipboard, shore, and satellite platforms.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven automation, SDN) to enhance network resilience and efficiency.
Dynamic Environments: Maintain secure, resilient, mission-critical communications in dynamic and contested environments, ensuring network performance and minimizing downtime.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in emerging technologies such as AI-driven network automation and SDN, as well as knowledge of Navy C4ISR systems, JADC2 integration, and Joint Tactical Networks.
Leadership Development: Gain experience in strategic leadership, project management, and collaboration with key stakeholders to align network strategies with Navy goals.
Architecture Decision-Making: Contribute to the modernization of ADNS CVN systems, including next-generation tactical links, 5G, and satellite communications, as well as cloud and advanced network architecture solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant technical challenges and learning opportunities, allowing the right candidate to grow their skills, enhance their leadership abilities, and make a substantial impact on the Navy's digital communications infrastructure.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Protocols & Standards: Describe your experience with network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS), encryption standards, and cybersecurity frameworks. Explain how you have applied these concepts in previous roles.
Network Hardware & Configuration: Discuss your proficiency with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper) and familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls. Provide examples of network configurations you have implemented and maintained.
Cybersecurity & Compliance: Explain your approach to enforcing RMF-compliant cybersecurity standards and managing key security measures such as firewalls, IDS, and ACLs. Describe your experience with vulnerability assessments and incident response.

Behavioral & Situational Questions:

Adaptability: Describe a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment or project scope. How did you handle the situation, and what was the outcome?
Collaboration: Explain how you have worked effectively with key stakeholders in previous roles. Describe a successful collaboration project and the steps you took to ensure its success.
Problem-Solving: Describe a complex technical challenge you faced in a previous role and how you approached it. What was the outcome, and what did you learn from the experience?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Deep Dive: Prepare a detailed walkthrough of your most relevant network engineering projects, highlighting your role in network modernization, system upgrades, and operational readiness maintenance.
Collaboration & Stakeholder Management: Include examples of successful collaboration with key stakeholders, demonstrating your ability to align network strategies with Navy goals and enhance the Navy's digital warfighting capabilities and real-time communications.
Emerging Technologies: Showcase your understanding of emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven network automation, SDN) and their potential integration into network systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly for technical and behavioral/situational questions, focusing on your relevant network engineering experience, collaboration skills, and adaptability. Tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight your most relevant projects and demonstrate your understanding of emerging technologies.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer - Navy WAN Lead position at Sigma Defense Systems:

Submit your application through the application link.
Tailor your resume to highlight your relevant network engineering experience, including proficiency with networking hardware platforms (e.g., Cisco, Juniper), familiarity with DoD RMF, STIGs, and IA controls, and experience with emerging technologies (e.g., AI-driven network automation, SDN).
Prepare a comprehensive portfolio showcasing your network engineering projects, including network modernization, system upgrades, and operational readiness maintenance. Highlight your collaboration skills and ability to work with key stakeholders to align network strategies with Navy goals.
Research Sigma Defense Systems and the MQ-25 and Unmanned Carrier Aviation (UCA) Mission Control Systems (UMCS) program to demonstrate your understanding of the company and its mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and network engineering industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Sigma Defense Systems before making application decisions.

1536 - Network Engineer - Navy WAN Lead