Senior Network Engineer

About the role

Worker Type Regular Job Description The primary role of the Senior Network Engineer is to plan, design, implement, operate, and support secure, enterprise-scale network infrastructures. This role focuses on maintaining high performance, multi platform, multi system networks while proactively diagnosing performance issues and implementing improvements. The Network Engineer ensures network availability, reliability, and security in mission critical environments and provides technical leadership in complex network operations. This position requires strong expertise in both traditional enterprise networking (e.g., Cisco) and Linux-based networking and systems, with the ability to design and integrate complete solutions under tight timelines and minimal oversight. Primary Responsibilities Enterprise / Traditional Networking • Design, implement, configure, and support enterprise network infrastructures, including routers, switches, firewalls, and security appliances. • Install, configure, and maintain Cisco routing and switching platforms (e.g., Cisco 7600, 6500, and 3750 series or equivalent). • Develop and translate network security requirements and policies into detailed device configurations. • Monitor, troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve network performance, connectivity, and security issues. • Manage and support Cisco ASA firewalls, VPN technologies, intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and network management tools. • Design and implement enterprise‑level / ISP‑grade backbone networks to support mission‑critical operations. • Understand and work with Cisco ACI concepts and operations, including fabric concepts and integration with existing network architectures. • Understand basic physical connectivity, including fiber and Ethernet standards, optics, cabling, and patching. Linux Networking & Systems • Design, configure, and troubleshoot Linux-based networking (e.g., routing, bridging, VLANs, iptables/nftables, routing daemons, VPNs, firewalls) in production environments. • Configure and maintain Linux systems used as network infrastructure components (e.g., virtual routers, VPN concentrators, security gateways, monitoring platforms). • Utilize tools and technologies such as KVM, Ansible, Bash, Python, and related automation/orchestration frameworks to deploy and manage networked Linux systems. • Work effectively at the intersection of traditional Cisco-style networking and Linux system administration, with a particular focus on deep Linux networking rather than general-purpose system administration alone. Systems Engineering • Design end‑to‑end systems that integrate Linux hosts, network equipment, and security components to meet defined operational and security requirements. • Develop high‑quality technical documentation, including architecture diagrams, network/system design documents, and implementation plans. • Translate mission and operational requirements into practical, implementable network and system architectures. • Contribute to system integration, test, and validation activities for complex networked solutions. Additional Responsibilities • Lead and guide small technical teams in resolving complex network and infrastructure problems. • Provide technical direction for the operation, configuration, optimization, and maintenance of network devices and Linux-based systems. • Ensure network and system environments meet security, compliance, and operational requirements. • Support cellular/networked communications technologies as required by the mission. • Learn and adapt quickly to new systems and technologies under pressure, with minimal supervision. • Support occasional travel as required. Basic Qualifications • Minimum of 15 years of experience in network engineering, including routing, switching, and network security in enterprise or mission‑critical environments. • Significant hands‑on experience with Cisco networking and security technologies (routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS). • Demonstrated, practical experience with Linux networking and Linux systems in an operational or production environment (beyond basic Linux system administration). • Experience with tools/technologies such as KVM, Ansible, Bash, Python, VPN, and firewall configuration. • Proven ability to design and document networked systems and architectures. • Demonstrated ability to lead technical efforts and resolve complex network and infrastructure issues. • Self‑starter capable of operating independently in small teams with limited ramp‑up time or mentoring resources. • Active TS/SCI security clearance with polygraph. Preferred Qualifications • Prior CNO/TAO or similar offensive/defensive cyber operations experience. • Experience with Cisco ACI design/operations. • Experience with cellular and other non‑traditional communications technologies. • Experience supporting mission‑critical, high‑availability environments with strict security requirements. • Willingness and ability to travel as needed to support operations, testing, or deploy Salary Range: $150k - $265k Clearance Level Top Secret with PolyThe salary range for this role is: $150,000 - $262,500AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits. We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.