Edtech.com's Summary

The Pennsylvania State University is hiring an SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer. The role involves designing, developing, and implementing advanced Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions for Department of Defense (DoD) and Intel Community (IC) environments, supporting national security. The engineer will also research emerging technologies, build automation frameworks, deploy and test in various environments, and collaborate with teams to transition innovations from prototypes to operational use.

Highlights

Design and develop next-generation SD-WAN architectures and solutions for DoD and IC.
Research and prototype SD-WAN technologies including SASE, zero-trust, and cloud-integrated networking.
Implement network automation using Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code tools.
Deploy and test SD-WAN solutions in connected and internet-disconnected (Dark Cloud) environments.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams and document technical findings.
Support solution deployment and troubleshooting in classified environments.
Hands-on experience with platforms like Cisco Viptela, Fortinet, Palo Alto Prisma, VMware VeloCloud, and Juniper devices.
Strong knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), overlay technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPsec), and WAN optimization.
Required active DoD Secret clearance and DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification.
Salary range from $86,300 to $191,000; full benefits including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and 75% tuition discount for employee and dependents.

SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer Full Description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

POSITION SPECIFICS

We are searching for an innovative and technically skilled SD-WAN Solutions Development Engineer to join our Cloud Technology Advancement Department within the Cyber, Modeling and Simulation (CMS) Division at the Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) at Penn State. Our department advances cutting-edge networking solutions for DoD, 4th estate, and IC communities. In this role, you will design, develop, and implement next-generation Software Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) solutions that directly impact national security through network modernization and technology innovation.

ARL is an authorized DoD SkillBridge partner and welcomes all transitioning military members to apply.

You will:

Design and develop next-generation SD-WAN architectures and solutions for DoD and IC environments
Research, prototype, and advance emerging SD-WAN technologies including SASE, zero-trust architectures, and cloud-integrated networking
Implement network automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code tools
Deploy and test SD-WAN solutions in both connected and internet-disconnected (Dark Cloud) environments
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to transition R&D innovations from concept through prototype to operational solutions
Document technical specifications, research findings, and architecture designs
Support solution deployments and troubleshooting in classified environments

Additional responsibilities for higher level positions include:

Lead technical architecture design, discovery, and validation for complex SD-WAN implementations
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance on advanced networking concepts
Take responsibility and accountability for program outcomes and research deliverables
Present technical concepts and innovations to senior leadership including General Officers, SES, or Presidential appointees
Drive strategic technical discussions supporting technology adoption and modernization initiatives

Required skills/experience areas include:

Hands-on experience designing and implementing SD-WAN solutions using hardware-based or software-based platforms (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Fortinet, Palo Alto Prisma, VMware VeloCloud, Juniper Session Smart Router, or DISA APL-listed solutions)
Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), overlay technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPsec), and WAN optimization
Experience with network automation and programmability using scripting languages (Python, Ansible) and APIs
Deep knowledge of DoD/IC security concepts including zero-trust architectures, encryption, and secure network segmentation
Active DoD Secret clearance (minimum requirement)
DoD 8140/8570 IAT II baseline certification (Security+ce, GSEC, or SSCP)

Preferred skills/experience areas include:

Active DoD TS/SCI clearance or TS/SCI with Polygraph (highly preferred; clearance upgrades may be required based on program needs)
Experience with Rapid Prototype and Technology Readiness Level (TRL) advancement in networking domain
SASE architecture implementation and multi-cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Dell enterprise switching (OS10, PowerSwitch) or Juniper platforms (SRX, MX Series, Junos OS)
Software development experience for network automation and DevSecOps integration
Network Function Virtualization (NFV), SDN controllers, and containerized networking (Kubernetes, service meshes)
Industry certifications: CCNA/CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet NSE, Palo Alto PCNSE, Juniper JNCIS/JNCIP, VMware VCP-NV, DoD 8140/8570 IAT III (CISSP/CASP), or vendor-specific SD-WAN certifications
Publication record or patent portfolio in networking domain
U.S. Military Veterans & U.S. Military Reservists

Your working location fully on-site located in State College, PA, but options exist for hybrid of on-site/work from home based on project-dependent ability. This position will require periodic travel with limited notice (potentially less than 3 days) in support of solution deployments, testing, or troubleshooting to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego CA, and other CONUS locations.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONSIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional, this position

requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science14+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science5+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:NoneIf filled as Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional, this position requires:Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science2+ years of relevant experienceRequired Certifications:None

ARL's purpose is to research and develop innovative solutions to challenging scientific, engineering, and technology problems in support of the Navy, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Intel Community (IC). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on ARL, visit our website at www.arl.psu.edu.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

All positions at ARL require candidates to possess the ability to obtain a government security clearance; you will be notified during the interview process if this position is subject to a government background investigation. You must be a U.S. citizen to apply. Employment with the ARL will require successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen.

SALARY & BENEFITSThe salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $86,300.00 - $191,000.00.**THE PROPOSED SALARY RANGE MAY BE IMPACTED BY GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENTIAL**

Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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Original Job Description