Optical Transport Network Engineer at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)

Do you enjoy applying knowledge about the design and operation of networks to solving exciting problems in national security?

Are you searching for meaningful work as a network engineer?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

We are seeking an Optical Transport Network Engineer to help us solve the nation's security challenges.

As a member of our group, you will be working with a small team of APL staff supporting the Government in support of critical mission challenges involving large-scale transport networks. You will work in a fast-paced environment with other technical and mission experts to apply your technical and operational knowledge to understand and articulate impacts of design choices to the mission while collaborating with other APL staff, government sponsors, and external parters to achieve mission success.

Our team is committed to national security and recognizes the value of diversity of thought in the approaches we take. We strive to foster an environment that promotes professional growth and a balanced life.

As an Optical Transport Network Engineer, your primary responsibilities will be to...

• Provide technical expertise and analytical support on the performance and mission use of Optical Transport Networks (OTNs).
• Provide full-time support on-site at Ft. Meade and occasionally at the APL main campus in Laurel, MD.
• Document technical work and recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Quickly adapt to new directions and technical approaches based on internal team decisions, sponsor direction, and external factors.
• Keep pace with advances in global optical networking technologies and apply those to set strategic direction to modernize critical OTNs.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• Have a Bachelor's degree in information science and technology, computer science, computer engineering or another related technical field.
• Have at least ten years of relevant experience in the design and operation of transport networks.
• Have knowledge of key network technologies including SONET, DWDM, Ethernet, and other Layer 2 and 3 protocols.
• Are familiar with network security concepts and are able to apply them to network design and network operation.
• Are well-versed in industry standards from organizations such as the IETF, MEF, or ITU.
• Have strong interpersonal skills and can work effectively independently and in dynamic team environments.
• Have outstanding written and verbal communications skills with the ability to produce documentation that requires little to no rework.
• Are willing to travel domestically and occasionally internationally 10-25%

• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain a TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Have a Master's degree or higher in information science and technology, computer science, computer engineering or another related technical field.
• Have at least fifteen years of experience in the design and operation of optical transport networks.
• Have demonstrated project leadership in design of architecture or recapitalization of global OTNs.
• Have a deep understanding of DoD network architectures, technologies, policies, and acquisition.
• Have been exposed to the development processes for one or more industry standards bodies.
• Have vendor or industry certifications in the operation and management of varied vendor communications technologies.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

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APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.