📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Engineer 3 - COBRA
Company: HII's Mission Technologies division
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Network Infrastructure
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Design and implement secure network communications systems adhering to Zero Trust principles.
Conduct cost/benefit analysis and Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) for hardware and software selection.
Integrate Cloud-based network and IT solutions into designs for enhanced flexibility, efficiency, and security.
Collaborate on the integration of advanced digital, RF, and antenna technologies.
Evaluate and report on emerging communication technologies, including 5G and 6G systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role focuses on network architecture and security, with a strong emphasis on Zero Trust principles and Cloud integration. It requires a solid understanding of network hardware, software, and emerging communication technologies.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Network Design & Planning: Design and plan network communications systems while adhering to Zero Trust principles and RMF compliance requirements.
Hardware & Software Selection: Conduct cost/benefit analysis and AoA to recommend hardware and software solutions that meet business needs and ensure scalability.
Cloud Integration: Integrate Cloud-based network and IT solutions into designs to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and security.
Network Testing: Conduct rigorous testing of network designs to validate system integrity and secure configurations.
Network Monitoring: Monitor network/platform hardware operations to ensure proper setup of configuration options and adherence to RMF security protocols.
Network Enhancements: Plan and implement network enhancements and upgrades, ensuring seamless integration with Cloud environments and next-generation technologies.
Technical Expertise: Maintain technical expertise across all areas of network and computer hardware/software interconnection and interfacing.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and report on emerging communication technologies, including 5G and 6G systems, and integrate these advancements into network systems alongside IoT applications.
Network Hardening: Perform required network hardening processes, utilizing Zero Trust principles and RMF guidelines to protect against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities within Cloud-connected and on-premises environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a wide range of technical responsibilities, from network design and planning to hardware selection, Cloud integration, and emerging technology evaluation. It requires a strong technical background and a deep understanding of network security principles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or Information Technology)

Experience: 5-10 years of relevant experience in network engineering or a related field

Required Skills:

Strong understanding of system development lifecycle (SDLC)
Ability to analyze complex technical problems and propose effective solutions
Proficiency in network design, hardware, and software selection
Familiarity with Zero Trust principles and RMF compliance requirements
Experience with Cloud-based network and IT solutions
Knowledge of emerging communication technologies, such as 5G and 6G systems

Preferred Skills:

Experience with DoD systems and acquisition lifecycle
Proficiency with systems modeling or simulation tools
Familiarity with Agile development methodologies

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role requires a bachelor's degree, a master's degree or relevant certifications could provide a competitive advantage. Additionally, experience with DoD systems and Agile methodologies would be beneficial for this role.

📊 Network Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Detailed network diagrams showcasing your design and planning skills
Case studies demonstrating your ability to conduct cost/benefit analysis and AoA
Examples of Cloud integration projects, highlighting your proficiency in enhancing flexibility, efficiency, and security
Documentation of network testing processes and results, showcasing your ability to validate system integrity and secure configurations
Examples of network enhancements and upgrades, demonstrating your ability to integrate with Cloud environments and next-generation technologies
Technical documentation showcasing your expertise in network hardware, software, and emerging communication technologies

Technical Documentation:

Detailed network diagrams and schematics, including hardware and software specifications
Results of cost/benefit analysis and AoA, justifying hardware and software selections
Cloud integration plans and strategies, outlining enhancements to flexibility, efficiency, and security
Network testing protocols and results, demonstrating your ability to validate system integrity and secure configurations
Network hardening processes and procedures, utilizing Zero Trust principles and RMF guidelines to protect against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on network design and security, your portfolio should emphasize your technical expertise in these areas. Include case studies, diagrams, and documentation that demonstrate your ability to design, plan, and secure complex network systems.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $82,192 - $117,417 per year (based on the provided range and regional cost of living in Washington, D.C.)

Benefits: (Not specified in the job listing, but typical benefits for a mid-level network engineering role may include)

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Retirement savings plans (401k, pension, etc.)
Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
Employee assistance programs
Professional development opportunities
Tuition reimbursement or education assistance

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential on-call or overtime requirements for network maintenance and support

📝 Enhancement Note: While the salary range is provided, specific benefits information is not available. Research typical benefits packages for mid-level network engineering roles in the Washington, D.C. area to make an informed decision.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense and Aerospace

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1938 (as Newport News Shipbuilding; merged with Northrop Grumman in 2020 to form Huntington Ingalls Industries)

Team Structure:

The Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role is part of the Warfare Systems business group within HII's Mission Technologies division.
This role works closely with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts, to modernize communications and ensure seamless information exchange for the DoD and its allies.
The team follows Agile development methodologies and focuses on rapid acquisition and fielding of critical and emerging technologies.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum methodologies for software development and project management
Systems engineering processes for network design and integration
Cybersecurity best practices and RMF compliance for network hardening and security

Company Website: Huntington Ingalls Industries

📝 Enhancement Note: HII's Mission Technologies division focuses on national security solutions, with a strong emphasis on rapid acquisition and fielding of critical and emerging technologies. This role plays a crucial part in modernizing communications and ensuring seamless information exchange for the DoD and its allies.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Network Engineering Career Level: Mid-level (5-10 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports to a Senior Network Engineer or Network Manager within the Warfare Systems business group.

Technical Impact: The Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role has a significant impact on network architecture, security, and performance. The work directly contributes to the modernization of communications and ensures seamless information exchange for the DoD and its allies.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies through hands-on experience and professional development opportunities.
Leadership Development: Demonstrate strong technical leadership and mentoring skills to advance to senior network engineering or management roles.
Architecture Decisions: Gain experience in making strategic architecture decisions that drive network performance, security, and scalability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for network engineers looking to advance their careers in the defense and aerospace industry. By gaining experience in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies, professionals can progress to senior roles or specialize in specific areas, such as Cloud architecture or 5G/6G integration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a collaborative and dynamic work environment focused on rapid acquisition and fielding of critical and emerging technologies.

Office Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Workspace Context:

Collaborative workspace with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts
Access to multiple monitors, testing devices, and development tools for network design, testing, and integration
Opportunities for knowledge sharing, technical mentoring, and continuous learning

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential on-call or overtime requirements for network maintenance and support

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at HII's Mission Technologies division fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing, providing network engineers with opportunities to work closely with cross-functional teams and expand their expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone/Video Screen: A brief conversation to assess your technical background, experience, and cultural fit.
Technical Assessment: A hands-on assessment of your network design, hardware/software selection, and Cloud integration skills. This may include case studies, scenario-based questions, and live coding exercises.
On-site Interview: A face-to-face meeting with the hiring manager and other team members to discuss your technical approach, problem-solving skills, and cultural fit. This may include additional technical assessments and behavioral questions.
Final Evaluation: A review of your technical assessment and interview performance to determine your fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your network design, hardware/software selection, and Cloud integration projects, demonstrating your ability to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and security.
Include case studies and documentation that showcase your understanding of Zero Trust principles, RMF compliance, and emerging communication technologies.
Prepare for questions about your approach to network testing, monitoring, and hardening processes.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of network design, hardware/software selection, and Cloud integration best practices.
Familiarize yourself with emerging communication technologies, such as 5G and 6G systems.
Practice explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.

ATS Keywords: (Relevant keywords for network engineering roles, organized by category)

Network Technologies: Ethernet, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VPN, MPLS, WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, Cloud networking, 5G, 6G, IoT, RF, antenna technologies
Hardware & Software: Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN optimization controllers, network management systems, Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), virtualization, containerization, SDN, NFV
Protocols & Standards: TCP, UDP, IP, ICMP, ARP, NAT, QoS, QOS, RMF, NIST, FIPS, DoD 5015, DoD 8540, Zero Trust, ZTNA, SASE, SAE
Network Security: Firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC, NTA, DLP, CASB, encryption, authentication, authorization, access control, network segmentation, microsegmentation, SD-WAN security, 5G/6G security
Network Services: DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPN, QoS, QOS, load balancing, WAN optimization, SD-WAN, Cloud networking, network management, network monitoring, network automation, AIOps
Network Architecture: Network design, network planning, network optimization, network virtualization, network segmentation, network slicing, network functions virtualization, network service chaining, network automation, AIOps
Emerging Technologies: 5G, 6G, IoT, edge computing, network slicing, virtualization, containerization, microservices, AI/ML, AIOps, SDN, NFV, SD-WAN, Cloud networking
Network Management: Network management systems, network monitoring, network automation, AIOps, NetOps, DevOps, ITIL, COBIT, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, CISA, CISSP
Network Testing: Network testing tools, network simulation, network emulation, network performance testing, network security testing, network compliance testing, network certification testing
Network Troubleshooting: Network diagnostics, network troubleshooting tools, network protocol analysis, network packet capture, network traffic analysis, network performance analysis, network security analysis
Network Deployment: Network deployment tools, network automation, network orchestration, network provisioning, network configuration management, network service chaining, network functions virtualization, network service insertion, network service chaining

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with relevant network engineering keywords to optimize your resume and prepare for technical interviews. Tailor your resume and interview responses to highlight your proficiency in the required network technologies, hardware, and software.

🛠 Technology Stack & Network Infrastructure

Network Technologies:

Ethernet, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLAN, VPN, MPLS, WAN, LAN, SD-WAN, Cloud networking, 5G, 6G, IoT, RF, antenna technologies

Hardware & Software:

Routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN optimization controllers, network management systems, Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), virtualization, containerization, SDN, NFV

Network Services:

DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPN, QoS, QOS, load balancing, WAN optimization, SD-WAN, Cloud networking, network management, network monitoring, network automation, AIOps

Network Architecture:

Network design, network planning, network optimization, network virtualization, network segmentation, network slicing, network functions virtualization, network service chaining, network automation, AIOps

Emerging Technologies:

5G, 6G, IoT, edge computing, network slicing, virtualization, containerization, microservices, AI/ML, AIOps, SDN, NFV, SD-WAN, Cloud networking

Network Management:

Network management systems, network monitoring, network automation, AIOps, NetOps, DevOps, ITIL, COBIT, ISO 20000, ISO 27001, NIST, CIS, CISA, CISSP

Network Testing:

Network testing tools, network simulation, network emulation, network performance testing, network security testing, network compliance testing, network certification testing

Network Troubleshooting:

Network diagnostics, network troubleshooting tools, network protocol analysis, network packet capture, network traffic analysis, network performance analysis, network security analysis

Network Deployment:

Network deployment tools, network automation, network orchestration, network provisioning, network configuration management, network service chaining, network functions virtualization, network service insertion, network service chaining

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the required network technologies, hardware, and software for the Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role. Highlight your proficiency in these areas on your resume and be prepared to discuss them during your technical interview.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Network Engineering Values:

Technical Expertise: Demonstrate a deep understanding of network design, hardware, software, and emerging communication technologies.
Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams, including systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts, to modernize communications and ensure seamless information exchange for the DoD and its allies.
Innovation: Stay up-to-date with emerging communication technologies, such as 5G and 6G systems, and integrate these advancements into network systems alongside IoT applications.
Security Focus: Prioritize network security, adhering to Zero Trust principles, RMF compliance, and best practices for protecting against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.
Performance Optimization: Continuously optimize network performance, scalability, and efficiency through rigorous testing, monitoring, and enhancement processes.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with systems engineers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts to ensure seamless information exchange and modernize communications for the DoD and its allies.
Code Review Culture: Participate in code reviews and technical mentoring to maintain high-quality network designs and ensure compliance with security standards.
Knowledge Sharing: Share your expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies with team members to foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role requires strong technical expertise, collaboration, and a focus on innovation and security. By demonstrating these values, network engineers can contribute to the modernization of communications and ensure seamless information exchange for the DoD and its allies.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Network Design & Planning: Design and plan network communications systems while adhering to Zero Trust principles and RMF compliance requirements, ensuring alignment with business needs and scalability for present/future capacity requirements.
Hardware & Software Selection: Conduct cost/benefit analysis and AoA to recommend hardware and software solutions that meet business needs, including scalability for present/future capacity requirements, while ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and emerging communication technologies.
Cloud Integration: Integrate Cloud-based network and IT solutions into designs to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and security, while ensuring seamless integration with on-premises environments and next-generation technologies.
Network Testing & Hardening: Conduct rigorous testing of network designs and perform network hardening processes, utilizing Zero Trust principles and RMF guidelines to validate system integrity and secure configurations, protecting against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities within Cloud-connected and on-premises environments.
Emerging Technologies: Evaluate and report on emerging communication technologies, including 5G and 6G systems, and integrate these advancements into network systems alongside IoT applications, while ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and adherence to security standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand your expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies through hands-on experience, professional development opportunities, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Conference Attendance & Certification: Attend industry conferences and obtain relevant certifications, such as Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), to enhance your knowledge and credibility in the network engineering field.
Technical Mentorship & Leadership: Seek mentorship opportunities from senior network engineers and team leaders to gain insights into network architecture, security, and emerging communication technologies. Develop your leadership skills to advance to senior roles or specialize in specific areas, such as Cloud architecture or 5G/6G integration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role presents numerous technical challenges and growth opportunities for network engineers looking to advance their careers in the defense and aerospace industry. By tackling these challenges and pursuing continuous learning and development opportunities, professionals can expand their expertise and make a significant impact on network architecture, security, and performance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Network Design & Planning: Describe your approach to designing and planning network communications systems while adhering to Zero Trust principles and RMF compliance requirements. Provide an example of a complex network design project you've worked on and the challenges you faced.
Hardware & Software Selection: Explain your process for conducting cost/benefit analysis and AoA to recommend hardware and software solutions that meet business needs and ensure scalability for present/future capacity requirements. Describe a time when you had to balance cost, performance, and compatibility considerations in your hardware and software selection.
Cloud Integration: Discuss your experience with integrating Cloud-based network and IT solutions into designs to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and security. Describe a Cloud integration project you've worked on and the challenges you faced in ensuring seamless integration with on-premises environments and next-generation technologies.
Network Testing & Hardening: Explain your approach to conducting rigorous testing of network designs and performing network hardening processes, utilizing Zero Trust principles and RMF guidelines to validate system integrity and secure configurations. Describe a network testing or hardening project you've worked on and the challenges you faced in protecting against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities.
Emerging Technologies: Discuss your knowledge of emerging communication technologies, such as 5G and 6G systems, and how you've integrated these advancements into network systems alongside IoT applications. Describe a project that involved working with emerging communication technologies and the challenges you faced in ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and adherence to security standards.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Culture: Research HII's Mission Technologies division and discuss how your technical expertise, collaboration, and innovation-focused approach align with the company's values and culture. Describe how you've demonstrated these values in your previous roles.
Technical Culture: Discuss your experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional team environment and how you've contributed to a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Describe a time when you shared your expertise with team members to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and technical growth.
Technical Challenges: Describe a significant technical challenge you've faced in a previous role and how you approached it. Explain the steps you took to identify the root cause, develop a solution, and implement it successfully.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Network Design & Planning: Present a detailed network design or planning project that demonstrates your ability to adhere to Zero Trust principles and RMF compliance requirements. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure alignment with business needs and scalability for present/future capacity requirements.
Hardware & Software Selection: Showcase a project that involved conducting cost/benefit analysis and AoA to recommend hardware and software solutions. Explain your approach to balancing cost, performance, and compatibility considerations, and the outcome of your recommendations.
Cloud Integration: Present a Cloud integration project that demonstrates your ability to enhance flexibility, efficiency, and security while ensuring seamless integration with on-premises environments and next-generation technologies. Highlight the challenges you faced and how you addressed them to achieve successful integration.
Network Testing & Hardening: Present a network testing or hardening project that showcases your ability to validate system integrity, secure configurations, and protect against unauthorized access and vulnerabilities. Explain your approach to network testing and hardening, and the outcome of your efforts.
Emerging Technologies: Present a project that involved working with emerging communication technologies, such as 5G and 6G systems, and how you integrated these advancements into network systems alongside IoT applications. Highlight the challenges you faced in ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and adherence to security standards, and the outcome of your project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare thoroughly for technical and company/culture questions, and tailor your portfolio presentation to highlight your expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies. By demonstrating your technical proficiency and cultural fit, you'll increase your chances of success in the Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Engineer 3 - COBRA position:

Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your technical expertise in network design, security, and emerging communication technologies. Include relevant keywords and emphasize your experience with network hardware, software, and Cloud integration.
Customize Your Cover Letter: Explain how your technical background, experience, and skills make you an excellent fit for the Network Engineer 3 - COBRA role at HII's Mission Technologies division. Emphasize your ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment and your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a portfolio showcasing your network design, hardware/software selection, Cloud integration, network testing, and emerging technology projects. Include detailed case studies, diagrams, and documentation that demonstrate your technical expertise and problem-solving skills.
Practice Technical Interview Questions: Familiarize yourself with the technical interview questions outlined in the previous section and practice your responses using the provided guidance. Focus on explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner.
Research the Company: Learn about HII's Mission Technologies division, its focus on national security solutions, and its commitment to rapid acquisition and fielding of critical and emerging technologies. Prepare questions to ask the hiring manager about the team, company culture, and growth opportunities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Network Engineer 3 - COBRA