Network Software Engineer

Salary: $109000 - 267000 per year Requirements: We require a bachelors degree or higher in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a closely related technical field. We look for at least 10 years of relevant software system development experience, preferably in a Linux environment. We need a solid grasp of networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, UDP, routing, switching, DNS, and HTTP/HTTPS. We expect hands-on software development experience using modern engineering practices and one or more of these languages: C, C++, Python, Rust, and BASH. We value experience with diagnosing networked systems using tools such as tcpdump, Wireshark, netstat, and ss. We require excellent people skills and the ability to work both independently and within a multi-organization team. We need a willingness and ability to travel as needed. We require an active Top Secret clearance with the ability to ultimately obtain TS/SCI access, plus U.S. citizenship and eligibility for a government security investigation. Preferred qualifications include a masters degree or PhD in a related technical field. Preferred qualifications include 20+ years of relevant software systems development experience. Preferred qualifications include experience leading software projects and managing engineering teams. Preferred qualifications include exposure to U.S. Government or military communications systems, network technologies, voice/video streaming, or conferencing software. Preferred qualifications include experience implementing or adapting network protocols across application, transport, routing, or custom layers. Preferred qualifications include deep knowledge of Linux networking internals such as the kernel stack, netfilter, eBPF, and XDP. Preferred qualifications include experience building and troubleshooting real-time, low-latency, or high-bandwidth systems. Preferred qualifications include experience with container networking and orchestration, including Kubernetes, CNI plugins, and service meshes. Preferred qualifications include familiarity with software-defined networking and network function virtualization. Preferred qualifications include strong interest in DevOps practices, processes, and tools. Preferred qualifications include experience supporting the full software lifecycle, from requirements analysis through design, implementation, and testing. Preferred qualifications include an active Top Secret clearance with SSBI and recent adjudication for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information. Responsibilities: We provide technical contribution and leadership in developing software systems for critical government communications programs. We offer thought leadership in communications systems and application software by collaborating on creative approaches and new ideas to solve difficult problems. We architect, build, integrate, and test software-based command and control, secure communications, and networking systems in realistic operational environments. We work closely with sponsors to support mission success. We collaborate with technical specialists across other disciplines as part of a multidisciplinary team. We document our work in technical reports and memoranda and present results to sponsors and the technical community. We focus on designing, developing, integrating, and testing communications and network software, including protocol implementation, network services, and distributed systems. We create solutions that can operate reliably and in a timely manner in degraded or contested environments. Technologies: Architect Bash DevOps HTTP Support Kubernetes Linux Network Python Rust Security TCP/IP Video Streaming LESS More: We are the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and we tackle the nations most critical defense, security, space, and science challenges with world-class expertise. Our culture is welcoming, collaborative, and innovative, with a strong emphasis on professional growth, creativity, and work/life balance. We offer generous benefits, including education assistance, robust retirement contributions, and a comprehensive package with medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and development opportunities. Our campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area, and we accept applications on a rolling basis. We are committed to equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals of all abilities. last updated 28 week of 2026