We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Staff Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network infrastructures. This role requires deep expertise across network engineering, cybersecurity protocols, base media development and server room / hardware infrastructure, with a strong ability to architect scalable, secure, and resilient systems.
The ideal candidate will operate at a strategic level while remaining hands-on, serving as a technical expert and key decision-maker across network, base media and infrastructure domains.
Key Responsibilities
Define, decompose, allocate and implement cyber security requirements into system architecture.
Define and enforce network security architecture, ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards and best practices.
Develop documentation for installations and configurations required to obtain Authorizations to Operate (ATOs).
Design and optimize secure network topologies, including segmentation, firewalls, VPNs, and zero-trust models.
Design & oversee server room infrastructure, including rack design, cabling, power, cooling, and hardware layout for high availability.
Develop Base Media solutions that enable execution of Plans of Actions and Milestones (POAMs) to mitigate cyber risks.
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement threat detection, mitigation, and incident response strategies.
Evaluate and select network and hardware technologies, vendors, and solutions.
Develop network standards, documentation, and architectural roadmaps.
Ensure system scalability, reliability, and performance through proactive design and monitoring strategies.
Support troubleshooting and resolution of complex network and infrastructure issues.
Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of enterprise-grade network infrastructure (LAN, WAN, cloud, and hybrid environments).
Required qualifications:
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD government clearance at the Secret level
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related IT field
8+ years of experience in platform engineering, cyber, network engineering and architecture roles
Strong expertise in Cyber best practice security concepts, models, and methods (e.g., zero trust architecture and maturity model, advanced
Hands-on experience with networking hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers)
Proven experience designing and managing server rooms, including physical infrastructure
Working knowledge of containers and securing the infrastructure through the cloud
Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity infrastructures and experience researching new Cybersecurity capabilities and performing trade studies
Experience working in Network Engineering/ Base Media Development for UAV C2 Systems or similar applications
Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance desired.
Preferred qualifications:
Industry certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, or equivalent
Experience designing architectures for classified networks.
Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation
Familiarity with DevOps and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
Experience modeling complex network systems in a modeling tool such as NX or SolidWorks.
Knowledge of compliance requirements (e.g. DoD, or other regulated environments)
Skills Required
- Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret government clearance
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or related IT field
- 8+ years of experience in platform engineering, cyber, network engineering, and architecture roles
- Expertise in cybersecurity best practices and models (e.g., zero trust architecture)
- Hands-on experience with networking hardware: routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers
- Proven experience designing and managing server rooms (rack design, cabling, power, cooling, HA)
- Working knowledge of containers and securing infrastructure in the cloud
- Strong understanding of DoD cybersecurity infrastructures and experience performing trade studies
- Experience in Network Engineering/Base Media Development for UAV C2 Systems or similar applications
- Ability to obtain a S//SAR level security clearance
- Industry certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, or equivalent
- Experience designing architectures for classified networks
- Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and network automation
- Familiarity with DevOps and Infrastructure as Code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible)
- Experience modeling complex network systems in tools such as NX or SolidWorks
- Knowledge of compliance requirements (e.g., DoD or other regulated environments)
What the Team is Saying
Shield AI Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials describe excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage alongside a mental‑health EAP. Site perks such as an onsite gym in DC and a gym discount in San Diego support a health‑focused offering.
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Retirement Support — Careers materials highlight a 401(k) with company match as part of the standard package. A Total Rewards overview emphasizes retirement features within a broader, transparent compensation view.
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Career-Linked Recognition & Rewards — Compensation for in‑demand technical and senior go‑to‑market roles is described as competitive, with visible engineering ranges and top‑end packages. This points to meaningful upside tied to role, level, and scarce skills.
Shield AI Insights
What We Do
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide.
Why Work With Us
What makes Shield AI special is our people. We unlock the power of autonomy, and in the face of overwhelming odds and challenges, we find ways to win and make a difference for our customers. We bring together software, AI, and aerospace engineering disciplines to deploy the most intelligent aviation capabilities in the world.
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Shield AI Offices
Hybrid Workspace
Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work.
