SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

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** APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:*** ## CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please to complete the. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.* ## If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete .###
** Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see .**###   
** 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.

ARL is an authorized DoD Skill Bridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.
** You will:
*** 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
** Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:
*** 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
** Required skills/experience areas include:
*** 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+ce, GSEC, or SSCP)
** Preferred skills/experience areas include:
*** 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
** Your working location
** fully on-site located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This position will require periodic travel with limited notice (potentially less than 3 days) in support of solution deployments, testing, or troubleshooting to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego CA, and other CONUS locations.
** MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
** If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
14+ years of relevant experience

Required

Certifications:

None If filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:

Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of…