Network Engineer (TS/SCI + Poly)

Description

The DarkStar Group is seeking a Network Engineer with a TS/SCI Poly clearance (applicable to this customer) to join one of our top projects in Reston, VA.  Below is an overview of the project, as well as information on our company, our benefits, and our $25,000 referral program.

THE PROJECT

The DarkStar Group's team is charged with taking commercial and academic innovation high-side, in domains of Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning (AI / ML) such as Computer Vision (Image and Video Processing), Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Audio Modeling.  We also bring the best ideas, tools, and approaches in technology infrastructure (AWS, DevOps, etc.) to the IC.  The tech stack used is extremely broad - anything cutting edge in the commercial market, the open source community, or the academic research community is likely involved: and if something isn't being looked at yet, you can make that happen.

This effort supports ALL missions of the Intelligence Community, including cyber-related data science missions.  A seamless group of contractor and customer personnel work to create innovations that supply customer groups with the data sets, models, algorithms, software, and infrastructure they need to increase their mission success.  Management is hands off, gives the team the freedom to explore new approaches, and markets the best ideas and results to all the other IC customers.  

This project regularly needs various types of people - Data Scientists, Data / ETL Engineers, Analytic Software Engineers, Full Stack Developers, UI/UX Developers, and AWS/DevOps experts.  We're particularly interested in people with any of the following experience:

• developing AI / ML models (neural networks, tree based algorithms, etc.);
• conducting data analysis in the fields of Computer Vision, NLP, or audio signal processing;
• doing data ingest and ETL into sponsor environments; or
• building data-analytic software systems.

Work on this program takes place throughout the Reston/Herndon/Chantilly, VA area (we cannot support remote work) and requires a TS/SCI Poly clearance (acceptable to this customer).

THE ROLE

We’re looking for a friendly and skilled Network Engineer with virtualization experience to join our
team! In this role, you will play a crucial part in designing, implementing, and building our low side
network services that support the program. The successful candidate will possess a strong
understanding of network architecture, networking protocols, virtualization technologies and security
measures essential for maintaining high availability and performance in hybrid cloud environments
and will collaborate with various teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud services, optimizing
network infrastructure to support application performance and reliability. You will troubleshoot and
resolve network-related issues, leveraging your expertise to enhance operational efficiency and
support business objectives. This position requires a proactive individual who can stay current with
network industry trends and emerging technologies. We value collaboration and innovation, and
we're excited to have someone who enjoys problem-solving and is eager to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a secure networking solution currently on-prem to a hybrid version built on AWS.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
• Configure and maintain routers, switches, and other networking hardware.
• Ensure network security through effective management of firewalls and VPNs.
• Collaborate with the “in house” development teams to integrate new technologies into the existing
• network.
• Collaborate with ISSEs to establish best practices for network security.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot connectivity issues across the environment.
• Implement robust security measures to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
• Prepare documentation for network configurations and procedures.
• Conduct regular assessments, audits and scans of network systems to enhance security and performance.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, including diagrams and operational procedures.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in cloud & networking.
• Champion automated solutions for network monitoring and management.

Required Skills

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Proven experience working with hybrid networks, commercial cloud platforms, or similar role, particularly in the Defense & Intelligence Communities.
• Experience with scripting languages such as Python or Bash for automation.
• Strong knowledge of at least one of the providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, etc)
• Familiarity with networking protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, VPNs, VPCs and firewall technologies, both on-prem and virtual.
• Excellent troubleshooting, problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently

Desired Skills (Optional)

• Experience with network monitoring tools.
• Familiarity with virtualization technologies and SDN concepts.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect, CompTIA Network , or equivalent certification is highly desirable.
• Just want to build cool stuff!

About The DarkStar Group

Our Company

The DarkStar Group is a small business that solves BIG problems. We're one of the Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the US, and our engineers and scientists support the most critical national security missions in Virginia, Maryland, and elsewhere. Data Science, Software Engineering, Cloud/AWS Infrastructure, and Cyber/CNO are our core areas of expertise. We offer interesting and important work, job security, some of the best and most flexible benefits you'll find in the IC, and salaries so strong that they'll likely surprise you. 

Our Benefits

The DarkStar Group offers exceptional compensation and benefits:

• very strong salaries;
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and all dependents;
• the ability to get increased salary if you don't need medical/dental/vision;
• 100% company-paid disability and life insurance benefits;
• a generously-funded HSA;
• an 8% 401(k) contribution; 
• 31 days of PTO/holidays to start (more with tenure);
• the ability to flex time across pay periods without using your PTO;
• a generous training budget;
• $25,000 employee referral bonuses;
• business development / growth incentives; and
• top notch company swag.

** We have a huge growth opportunity, so we are offering up to a $25,000 reward for anyone new you refer whom we hire. **

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.