Principal Network Engineer Security Clearance

Position: Principal Network Engineer with Security Clearance
Principal Network Engineer Senior Level (9+ Years) | Kirtland AFB, NM | Top Secret (TS) with TS/SCI Eligibility Engineer the networks that connect space to ground. Secure mission-critical systems. Enable uninterrupted satellite operations. A Day in the Life - What You'll Do
• Engineer, configure, and sustain multi-vendor network infrastructure (Cisco, Palo Alto, Dell, HPE, Juniper) supporting Space Systems Command satellite communications and ground systems.
• Analyze network performance metrics including traffic flow, packet size, throughput, transmission speed, and latency to optimize mission reliability.
• Deploy, upgrade, and troubleshoot routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, UPS systems, and network hardware in operational and lab environments.
• Administer and support Linux and Unix systems along with VMware-based virtual server environments and storage area networks (SAN).
• Utilize enterprise monitoring and analysis tools such as Solar Winds and Wire Shark to detect, diagnose, and resolve network anomalies.
• Develop and maintain detailed network diagrams and topologies using Visio and enterprise documentation standards.
• Support cybersecurity operations approximately 50% of the time, ensuring compliance, secure configurations, and mission assurance.
• Provide occasional after-hours operational support for mission-critical systems.

Required Qualifications
• Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility; ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related STEM discipline and 9+ years of relevant experience OR Master's degree with 7+ years of experience OR 4 additional years of experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree
• DoD 8570 baseline certification (e.g., Security+, CISSP, CASP+, or equivalent)
• Experience configuring and troubleshooting enterprise network infrastructure across multi-vendor environments
• Experience administering Linux and Unix operating systems
• Experience with VMware, virtual servers, and storage area networks (SAN)
• Experience using network monitoring and management tools (Solar Winds, Wire Shark, or similar)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Visio
• Ability to independently determine technical requirements and execute solutions while collaborating effectively with engineering teams
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret network data and make technical recommendations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting satellite communications or space systems environments
• Experience supporting Space Systems Command or similar DoD space programs
• Experience supporting cloud migration efforts using AWS
• Cloud certifications such as CompTIA Cloud+, AWS Solutions Architect - Associate, Google Professional Cloud Architect, CCSP, or CCSK
• Ability to provide executive-level summaries and high-level interpretations of complex technical data Who is Caribou Thunder? Caribou Thunder is a HUBZone-certified small business providing advanced technical and engineering services to the U.S. Department of War and its mission partners. 35+ states and 20+ countries. We've delivered trusted solutions for over two decades - strengthening national readiness across missions on land, undersea, in the air, and throughout LEO, MEO, GEO, and deep space.

Why Caribou Thunder? TEAM THUNDER - Mission Focused. Delivery Proven. Ready to Serve. Employee Advocacy Mission Proven Global Reach Skilled Teams Modern Tools Empowering Culture Our engineers and innovators ensure capability from sea floor to space frontier - delivering on time, maintaining compliance, and performing with precision in high-consequence environments. We specialize in Engineering Services, Cybersecurity, Software Development, Modeling & Simulation, Digital Engineering, and Artificial Intelligence - disciplines powering the nation's most complex technical missions.

Employee Advocacy + Benefits Our people are the heart of Caribou Thunder. We invest in their growth, flexibility, and well-being - knowing their success drives ours. Benefits include:
Premium Health, Dental & Vision Insurance 401(k) with 6% Company Match Flexible PTO & Work Schedule Education & Certification Reimbursement Support for Military Leave Work-Life Balance & Traditional Family Values Your future, your flexibility, your well-being - we invest in you. Apply and let's connect.