Senior Network Engineer

A Senior Network Engineer position in Frisco, TX is currently available at Belcan. We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, deployment, and optimization of robust network systems supporting real-time applications, autonomous platforms, and mission-critical systems. This role is responsible for architecting scalable network infrastructure, driving network security strategies, optimizing network protocol performance across layers 1-4 of the OSI model, and ensuring high-availability communications throughout the software and systems development lifecycle. The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader across multidisciplinary engineering teams, providing technical oversight, mentoring junior engineers, and driving complex network integration and field deployment efforts. This position requires strong expertise in routing/switching protocols, Linux environments, network programming, and network performance analysis. Key Responsibilities

• Network System Architecture & Strategy: Lead the design, architecture, implementation, and deployment of complex network systems supporting real-time applications and critical platforms. Define and execute end-to-end network architecture strategies across system, subsystem, and integration levels.
• Protocol & Traffic Configuration: Develop, configure, and maintain routing and switching protocols, VLANs, QoS policies, VPNs, and overlay networks (DNS, DHCP, GRE, IPsec, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, QUIC).
• Network Automation & Scripting: Utilize network programming, automation scripts (Python, Bash/Shell, C/C++), and CLI tools to automate network configuration, testing, and monitoring.
• Packet Analysis & Performance Troubleshooting: Conduct deep-packet analysis, network simulations, and performance troubleshooting using tools such as Wireshark and TCPDump. Lead root-cause investigations for complex network, system integration, security, and hardware performance issues.
• Continuous Integration & Security: Integrate network validation and simulation workflows into continuous deployment and software validation pipelines. Evaluate and enforce network security practices, firewalls, and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) standards.
• Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration: Review technical requirements, interface specifications (ICDs), and architecture documents to ensure comprehensive network coverage and traceability. Mentor junior and mid-level engineers and provide technical leadership across network design and deployment activities.
• Lab & Field Integration: Support lab testing, system integration facilities, customer demonstrations, and field events. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance network reliability, security, bandwidth efficiency, and user experience.

Required Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor"s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline with 5+ years of experience, OR Master"s degree with 4+ years, OR PhD with 2+ years of relevant experience.
• Real-Time Systems Experience: Proven track record of successfully designing, implementing, deploying, and shipping network systems supporting real-time applications.
• OSI & Networking Expertise: Strong understanding of networking layers in the OSI model, with expert-level knowledge of layers 1-4. Deep working knowledge of routing and switching concepts/protocols (DNS, DHCP, GRE, IPsec, QoS, VLANs, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VPNs, QUIC).
• Tools & Environment: Proficiency with network simulation, modeling, and packet analysis tools (Wireshark, TCPDump). Strong experience working within Linux environments, command-line tools, and shell scripting.
• Software & Scripting: Experience developing software/scripts in C, C++, and/or Python for network automation or tooling.
• Execution & Communication: Proven track record of navigating full product development cycles and delivering high-quality solutions to meet deadlines in fast-paced environments. Excellent leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and communication skills.
• Due to the nature of the work, U.S. Citizenship is REQUIRED.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing, testing, or deploying networks for aerospace, defense, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Expertise in network security, firewalls, PKI infrastructure, and industry cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience customizing, deploying, and maintaining Linux distributions created with Yocto across custom hardware platforms.
• Experience supporting Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) or Software-in-the-Loop (SITL) network simulation environments.
• Active Secret clearance preferred or ability to obtain one.

Key Skills

• Technical network architecture and leadership
• Real-time network systems design and optimization
• Advanced packet analysis and network debugging
• Systems thinking and root-cause analysis
• Cross-functional collaboration across software, hardware, and systems teams
• Fast-paced problem solving and commitment to project delivery timelines

Work Environment

• Collaborative engineering environment supporting advanced real-time systems and autonomous platforms.
• Onsite with interaction across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Periodic support of integration labs, hardware facilities, and field test sites.
• Occasional travel may be required to support integration activities, field testing, or program reviews.

Compensation: We provide a competitive pay and benefits package. This position is offering a salary rate of $110,000-160,000, however, Belcan considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to education, experience, geographic location, and discipline. Benefits offered may include health care, dental, vision, life insurance; 401(k); education assistance; paid time off including PTO, holidays, and any other paid leave required by law. Belcan is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.