Staff Network Architect

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Network Architects are responsible for developing, maintaining, and innovating the enterprise network systems. They make sure all computers communicate safely and seamlessly, manage wireless access points, cloud, data storage and retrieval, and other emerging areas such as AI, analytics, Internet of Things, Information Technology/Operational Technology (IT/OT) and cloud-to-edge technology.  Network architects ensure that the enterprise communications infrastructure is mission capable through the deployment and maintenance of LAN/WAN networks, routers, modems and computer systems. 

The architect will lead technical teams of engineers, other architects and technical subject matter experts, and also briefs executives, customers and stakeholders related to the Network Architecture strategy, design and implementation. 

This position will be primarily located in Falls Church, VA, however, we will consider a fulltime telecommuter

Additional Duties include:

• Maintains smooth operation of local area, world-wide and virtual private networks (VPN).

• Plans, evaluates, and coordinates installation and/or reconfiguration of hardware and software elements of data and/or voice communication network. Maintains technical expertise in all areas of networks and computer hardware and software interconnection and interfacing, such as routers, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc.

• May propose solutions to management to ensure all communications requirements based on future needs and current usage, configuring such solutions to optimize cost savings.

• Prepares or ensures that appropriate network documentation exists, including operational instructions.

• Provides regular monitoring and network analysis regarding short- and long-range planning for in-house systems.

• May coordinate third-party maintenance for network equipment.

• May design network or portion of network that include selection of hardware and software packages

Key Responsibilities:

• In this role the candidate will work for Chief Information Office (CIO, reporting to into the Architecture and Engineering organization, and will serve as a design authority and consultant for a future IT and enterprise network architecture.

• The candidate will be responsible for architecting a solution that meets technical requirements, including present and future capacity requirements.

• In addition to architecting the overall IT/enterprise network, the candidate will perform requirements analysis, technical trade studies, formally manage risks, independently develop interface control documents, recommending down selections, and participate in Supplier Management Team overseeing vendor selection, procurement, and vendor oversight.

• The candidate maintains technical expertise in all areas of network and computer hardware, software interconnection and interfacing, routers, multi-level security, multiplexers, firewalls, hubs, bridges, gateways, etc.

• A firm understanding of existing architectures underlying the various layers and piece parts: including networking architecture (to include emerging 5G systems), computing and cloud architectures (to include emerging edge data approaches) as well as artificial intelligence architectures.

• A firm understanding of architecture development approaches: including USDOD approaches and DODAF frameworks. Ideally this will also include current state of the art in development of systems-of-systems architecture approaches being used across commercial and USDOD efforts. Ideally this will also include the ability to define and use relevant metrics that can be used to evaluate and trade architectural constructs (in addition to compliance of standards and interface, open systems etc.)

• Designing and implementing new network solutions and/or improving the efficiency of current networks, including the responsibilities for installing, configuring and supporting network equipment including routers, proxy servers, switches, WAN accelerators, DNS and DHCP

• Procuring network equipment and managing subcontractors involved with network installation

• Configuring firewalls, routing and switching to maximize network efficiency and security

• Maximizing network performance through ongoing monitoring and troubleshooting

• Arranging scheduled upgrades

• Investigating faults in the network

• Updating network equipment to the latest firmware releases

• Reporting network status to key stakeholders

• Managing suppliers who provide hardware and software solutions and will independently evaluate the technical trade space.

Basic Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or Electrical Engineering or related field with a focus on networking, digital communication systems or equivalent with 14 years of experience; 12 years of experience with a Master's; 9 years of experience with PhD

• Active DoD Secret Clearance, ability to obtain DoD Top Secret and Special Program Access (SAP) Clearance

• Experience leading architecture development teams that may have to work within shifting requirements and unclear data sets.

• Recent experience in requirements allocation & derivation and verification traceability

• Experience using tools needed & that are available for architecture development, modeling, simulation, analysis and execution.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Masters or Ph.D in Computer Science/Engineering or Electrical Engineering with a focus on networking, digital communication systems or equivalent

• A High proficiency with tools required for communication system and network modeling and simulation

• Background in digital communications theory and commercial and military wireless networking technologies

• Demonstrated depth and breadth in the physical through application layers and how the aggregation of these partitioned capabilities accomplished the required missions

• Demonstrated skills in bridging the gap between theoretical and practical and in performing associated trade off analysis

• Experience collaborating with DoD and other related US government agencies

• Recent experience in Model-Based System Engineering and Enterprise Architecture

• Ability and willingness to travel

• Ability to obtain Sensitive Compartmentalized Information (SCI) Clearance

Salary Range: $129,000 USD - $212,800 USD

Employees may be eligible for a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.