MAG Aerospace

Network / Communications Engineer

12730 Fair Lakes Cir, Fairfax, VA 22033

On-site · Full-time · $86k–$144k (as posted)

First seen by offpeak October 6, 2026

See your drive time Apply on MAG Aerospace's site

Position Summary

MAG is currently recruiting for a Network/Communications Engineer who will ensure critical data reaches its destination despite jamming, destruction, and cyber attacks. You'll innovate in architecting reimagined but compliant resilient communication systems that maintain connectivity in the world's most challenging environments.

US Citizens Only

Former US Defense Contractor / US Gov / US Military Experience Only

This is a Hybrid Position - Remote mainly - but as well on call to come into a MAG office when requested

We are seeking candidates who live in proximity to our corporate HQ in Fairfax, VA primarily but will entertain persons living near our satellite offices in:

Aberdeen, MD - Titusville, FL - Newport News, VA - Carthage NC

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

Design and implement tactical mesh networks for DDIL environments
Develop multi-path routing protocols for resilient communications
Implement software-defined networking (SDN) solutions
Configure and optimize diverse communication channels (satellite, RF, cellular)
Design quality of service (QoS) for degraded network conditions
Implement store-and-forward architectures for intermittent connectivity
Develop network monitoring and diagnostic tools

Secondary Responsibilities

Implement network security controls (encryption, authentication, segmentation)
Design and configure firewall rules and intrusion detection
Perform network vulnerability assessments
Implement zero-trust network architectures
Support cybersecurity compliance requirements

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

Experience:

Required Qualifications

5+ years network engineering experience
Strong understanding of TCP/IP, UDP, and multicast protocols
Experience with routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, OLSR)
Hands-on experience with mesh networking technologies
Proficiency with network security (IPSec, VPNs, TLS)
Experience with software-defined networking (SDN/NFV)
Familiarity with RF communications and spectrum management
Understanding of satellite communications (VSAT, LEO constellations)
Experience with network simulation and modeling tools

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with military tactical networks
Knowledge of Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs)
Familiarity with cognitive radio and dynamic spectrum access
Experience with network automation tools and principles (e.g., Ansible, Python, Infrastructure-as-Code)
Familiarity with DISA STIGs (Security Technical Implementation Guides) or similar DoD/IC security hardening standards
Experience with TAK servers and Cursor on Target (CoT)
Understanding of CSfC requirements
Amateur radio license
Experience with underwater acoustic networks
CCNA/CCNP or equivalent certification

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Clearance:

Must be eligible for Secret security clearance
US Citizenship required

Special Note

What Makes You Successful Here

You assume every network will fail and design accordingly
You can optimize protocols for 2400 baud or 10 Gbps
You understand both the theory and practical reality of RF propagation
You can explain complex networking to operators simply
You see security as integral to network design, not an add-on

Why Join MAG:

Work on meaningful problems that directly impact national security
Small, elite team where your contributions matter immediately
Access to cutting-edge hardware and technologies
Rapid prototyping environment - see your ideas deployed in weeks
Direct interaction with end users and field deployments
Professional development and conference attendance support
Flexible work arrangements with occasional field exercises
Opportunity to shape the future of tactical edge computing

Benefits and Compensation

At MAG Aerospace, we value your contributions providing our employees with a robust Total Rewards package that supports your total well-being. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in MAG's Total Rewards programs. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits as well as paid leave, professional development, and tuition assistance. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our Total Rewards Program by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site: https://www.magaero.com/benefits/. Salary at MAG Aerospace is determined by various factors including but not limited to location, the particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86250 to $143750 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of MAG's total compensation package for employees.

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