Network Administrator

About CFD Research:  Since its inception in 1987, CFD Research has delivered innovative technology solutions within the Aerospace & Defense, Biomedical & Life Sciences, Intelligence & Sensing, and Energy & Materials industries. CFD Research has earned multiple national awards for successful application and commercialization of innovative component/system technology prototypes, multi-physics simulation software, multi-disciplinary analyses, and expert support services. Based in Huntsville, Alabama where laboratory facilities and headquarters are located, CFD Research also has office and laboratory facilities in Dayton, Ohio, prototyping test and evaluation facilities in Hollywood, Alabama, and office facilities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. CFD Research is an ISO9001:AS9100D registered company and is appraised at CMMI Level II for Services.  CFD Research is a 100% ESOP (employee-owned company) recognized in Inc. Magazine's Inc5000 as a top growing company for four of the last five years. Learn more at www.cfd-research.com

Job Description:

The ideal candidate will have strong experience in designing, operating, troubleshooting, and securing enterprise networks, with expertise in Cisco, Palo Alto, Aruba, automation, and compliance.

This role requires a highly capable engineer who can serve as a technical lead for network modernization, resolve advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 issues, support Zero Trust initiatives.

Essential Functions:

• Design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure across classified and unclassified environments.
• Administer and optimize network deployments.
• Support routing and switching operations, including OSPF, VLANs, STP, and enterprise segmentation.
• Perform advanced root cause analysis and resolution of complex network incidents affecting mission-critical operations.
• Plan and execute network upgrades, patching, and lifecycle refresh efforts with minimal operational impact.
• Develop and maintain network diagrams, SOPs, implementation plans, and technical documentation.
• Automate network configuration, compliance, and deployment tasks using scripting and templating tools.
• Implement and maintain CMMC compliant network configurations across enterprise devices.
• Support Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) initiatives through posture assessment, profiling, policy enforcement, and access control.
• Manage enterprise-scale switch provisioning and configuration standardization efforts.
• Monitor network health, availability, and performance using enterprise management tools.
• Coordinate with cybersecurity, systems, and external organizations to support network changes and vulnerability remediation.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in network engineering, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related field, and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, there is a minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
• 6+ years of experience supporting enterprise network infrastructure in a DoD, federal, or similarly regulated environment.
• Strong hands-on experience configuring, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting lifecycle management for Juniper and Cisco network devices.
• Experience applying and maintaining CMMC compliance across network devices.
• Experience leading technical training, mentoring junior staff, or serving as a team SME.
• Experience with network automation using scripting, templates, or similar tools.

Candidate must be a U.S. Citizen and possess the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to troubleshoot complex network issues across multi-site or large-scale environments.
• Experience producing technical documentation, including diagrams, SOPs, and engineering procedures.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in operationally sensitive, mission-critical environments.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting on-premises and off-premises fiber optic infrastructure, including fiber patching.
• Experience implementing Zero Trust Architecture.
• Experience supporting classified network environments.
• Experience with network audits, IP space analysis, traffic shaping and address management.

Location:  This role is based in the Huntsville, ALarea, and is 100% onsite.

Benefits: CFD Research offers competitive salaries and excellent employee benefits, including an employer matching 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). CFD Research offers our Full-Time, permanent employee-owners a highly competitive insurance package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we offer company paid leave, compensation time, parental leave, long-term and short-term disability, accidental death and dismemberment, and life insurance. Part-Time and Temporary employee-owners may receive partial or reduced benefits and leave time based on their employment status level. Performance appraisals occur twice a year and annual pay increases are based upon corporate goals, personal development, performance, and outstanding achievements. In addition, group and individual bonuses are awarded for exceptional performance.

CFD Research is an EO employer - Veterans/Disabled and other protected categories