PdL Architecture Lead – Network Architecture

DescriptionJob Title: Network Architecture Subject Matter ExpertJob Location: Ft. Belvoir, VAJob Type: Full time 40 hoursTravel Requirement: Up to 25%Security Clearance: TS SCI (Active)Job DescriptionSherpa 6 is seeking a Network Architecture Subject Matter Expert to serve as the lead network advisor within PdL Architecture under CPE Ground/PM SWAR. This role provides independent technical advisory support on tactical network architecture, transport layer integration, and network performance across the Army's squad-level ecosystem. The position supports government decision-making by offering vendor-neutral assessments of how network infrastructure interacts with radios, sensors, applications, autonomy platforms, and edge compute nodes This is an advisory role focused on enabling informed government decisions—not controlling or approving network configurations.ResponsibilitiesNetwork Architecture AdvisoryAdvise PdL Architecture leadership on tactical network design, transport layer integration, and bandwidth optimization across squad systemsProvide technical recommendations on network topology and configuration impacts across formationsAssess interoperability between tactical radios, waveforms, and soldier-borne applicationsSupport alignment with the Squad Reference Architecture on network-related decisionsIntegration Risk IdentificationIdentify network-related integration risks before fielding or operationsEvaluate network performance under bandwidth constraints, latency limitations, and DDIL (Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, Limited) environmentsAssess data flow saturation risks and recommend mitigation strategiesAnalyze network dependencies across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other PEO initiativesCross-Program CoordinationSupport coordination across SBMC, Nett Warrior, and other programs on network architecture decisionsFacilitate alignment between network transport layers, edge compute nodes, and application requirementsTranslate complex network technical details into actionable insights for government stakeholdersAdvise on open architecture principles to prevent vendor lock-in on network infrastructureEdge Compute & Data Flow SupportCollaborate with the Edge Compute Architecture Lead on network capacity planning for distributed compute workloadsAdvise on optimal data routing strategies across device, edge node, and enterprise tiersSupport evaluation of network requirements for AI/ML and autonomy workloads at the tactical edgeAssess network implications of multi-domain operations and joint interoperability requirementsDocumentation & Baseline SupportDocument network configuration patterns, inconsistencies, and recommended baselinesSupport development of network-related standards within the Squad Reference ArchitectureProvide input to integration labs, field exercises, and operational validation eventsRequirementsQualifications:10+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or tactical communicationsDemonstrated expertise with tactical radio systems (e.g., JTRS, HMS Manpack, PRC-163, Leader Radio)Experience with military waveform integration and network transport protocolsBackground in C5ISR systems integration and soldier-level network architectureFamiliarity with DDIL environments and expeditionary network operationsTechnical SkillsDeep understanding of tactical network topologies, mesh networking, and mobile ad-hoc networks (MANET)Knowledge of IP-based tactical communications and Software Defined Networking (SDN) conceptsExperience with network performance assessment, bandwidth planning, and latency optimizationFamiliarity with TAK ecosystem networking requirements and server architecturesUnderstanding of edge compute networking considerations and distributed data architecturesClearanceActive Top Secret clearance required; TS/SCI preferredEducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, or related fieldAdvanced degree or relevant certifications (CCIE, CCNP, CompTIA Network+, etc.) preferredMust be a US CitizenMust pass a background check and drug screeningPreferred ExperiencePrior military experience (NCO or Officer) with tactical communications or signal unitsExperience supporting PEO Soldier, PEO C3T, or PM Tactical Network programsFamiliarity with Army Network modernization initiatives (Unified Network, JADC2)Experience with software-defined radios and waveform managementBackground in network security, encryption, and COMSEC integrationExperience with integration testing and network validation in operational environmentsBackground Screening/Check/InvestigationSuccessful completion of a background screening/check/investigation will/may be required as a condition of hire.AdaSherpa 6 will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990Eeo/AaSherpa 6 does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, height, weight, or marital status in employment or the provision of services and is an equal access/opportunity/affirmative action employer.BenefitsWe offer a competitive benefits package, covering the cost of medical for you and your family; we also offer dental, vision, health and wellness benefits and a generous retirement savings plan. We believe that our employees can manage their workload and their personal life, therefore we extend a generous PTO policy. This allows our employees to balance their lives as they see fit.About Sherpa 6At Sherpa 6 we love to solve problems and provide the best solutions for our customers. Our approach to a problem is to find a user-focused and design-driven solution that is simple yet functional and effective. We are a group of enthusiastic forward-thinkers who are excited to build amazing solutions with bleeding-edge technology. We hire people who are forward thinkers, passionate about what they do, love to collaborate and want to constantly learn. We enjoy what we do and we're not afraid to put the extra effort in to accomplish the mission; call us Sherpas. As a Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, we know what it means to serve. We have made it our mission to be the leaders in solutions that protect and give our Warfighters the edge they need when put into harm's way.