SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

Position specifics

We are searching for an innovative and technically skilled SD‑WAN Solutions Development Engineer to join our Cloud Technology Advancement Department within the Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department advances cutting‑edge networking solutions for DoD, 4th estate, and IC communities. In this role you will design, develop, and implement next‑generation Software‑Defined Wide Area Networking (SD‑WAN) solutions that directly impact national security through network modernization and technology innovation.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

• Design and develop next‑generation SD‑WAN architectures and solutions for DoD and IC environments.
• Research, prototype, and advance emerging SD‑WAN technologies including SASE, zero‑trust architectures, and cloud‑integrated networking.
• Implement network automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, and infrastructure‑as‑code tools.
• Deploy and test SD‑WAN solutions in both connected and internet‑disconnected (Dark Cloud) environments.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to transition R&D innovations from concept through prototype to operational solutions.
• Document technical specifications, research findings, and architecture designs.
• Support solution deployments and troubleshooting in classified environments.

• Lead technical architecture design, discovery, and validation for complex SD‑WAN implementations.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on advanced networking concepts.
• Take responsibility and accountability for program outcomes and research deliverables.
• Present technical concepts and innovations to senior leadership including General Officers, SES, or Presidential appointees.
• Drive strategic technical discussions supporting technology adoption and modernization initiatives.

• Hands‑on experience designing and implementing SD‑WAN solutions using hardware‑based or software‑based platforms (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Fortinet, Palo Alto Prisma, VMware Velo Cloud, Juniper Session Smart Router, or DISA APL‑listed solutions).
• Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), overlay technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPsec), and WAN optimization.
• Experience with network automation and programmability using scripting languages (Python, Ansible) and APIs.
• Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security concepts including zero‑trust architectures, encryption, and secure network segmentation.
• Active DoD Secret clearance (minimum requirement).
• DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification (Security+, GSEC, or SSCP).

• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance or TS/SCI with Polygraph (highly preferred; clearance upgrades may be required based on program needs).
• Experience with Rapid Prototype and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement in networking domain.
• SASE architecture implementation and multi‑cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Dell enterprise switching (OS10, Power Switch) or Juniper platforms (SRX, MX Series, Junos OS).
• Software development experience for network automation and Dev Sec Ops  integration.
• Network Function Virtualization (NFV), SDN controllers, and containerized networking (Kubernetes, service meshes).
• Industry certifications: CCNA/CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet NSE, Palo Alto PCNSE, Juniper JNCIS/JNCIP, VMware VCP‑NV, DoD 8140/8570 IAT III (CISSP/CASP), or vendor‑specific SD‑WAN certifications.
• Publication record or patent portfolio in networking domain.
• U.S. Military Veterans & U.S. Military Reservists.

The position is fully on‑site in State College, PA, but hybrid options exist based on project‑dependent ability. This role requires periodic travel with limited notice (potentially less than 3 days) to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego, CA, and other CONUS locations.

If filled as Research and Development Engineer – Senior…