Software Engineer - Networking and Time Synchronization

** Due to the sensitive nature of our work, candidate must be a US Citizen. 

Location: Mukilteo, WA  

Pacific Defense is designed to support the DoD’s disciplined movement to modular open standards. The company’s approach inherently enables what it refers to as a rapid prototyping paradigm – embedding a commercial mentality into the defense industry. Products are designed from the outset for modern, AI-driven autonomy and CMOSS and SOSA-aligned hardware and software solutions. This includes state-of-the-art processing that can readily follow the evolution of commercial technology with complete data sharing across networks and platforms. 

Who are we looking for? 
We are seeking a Software Engineer – Networking and Time Synchronization to design, implement, and maintain secure, high-performance network infrastructures that support our defense programs. This role involves working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of classified and unclassified networks in compliance with Department of Defense (DoD) standards.  The ideal candidate possesses a strong understanding of Ethernet MAC layers, 802.11 protocols, switching concepts, and precision time protocols like PTP/NTP. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Design, configure, and manage enterprise network infrastructure (LAN/WAN, VPN, VoIP, and secure wireless). 

• Develop and debug embedded software for networking devices, potentially including firmware development. 

• Analyze network traffic and performance to identify and resolve bottlenecks. 

• Contribute to the development of system architectures and design specifications. 

• Implement and maintain precision time protocols (PTP/NTP) for accurate time synchronization across systems. 

• Implement and maintain network security measures including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and encryption technologies. 

• Support and optimize network performance through proactive monitoring, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis. 

• Investigate and resolve complex software defects and performance issues. 

• Maintain compliance with DoD cybersecurity policies (e.g., RMF, STIGs, NIST 800-53). 

• Collaborate with system engineers, cybersecurity teams, and program managers to integrate networking solutions into defense systems. 

• Provide technical documentation, network diagrams, and configuration standards. 

• Support the setup and maintenance of both classified and unclassified networks. 

• Participate in network modernization projects, technology refresh initiatives, and system migrations. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience). 

• Active [Secret/Top Secret/TS-SCI] clearance (or ability to obtain). 

• 3+ years of experience in network engineering, preferably in a defense or government contracting environment. 

• Proficiency in C/C++ programming. 

• Experience with Linux development environments. 

• Familiarity with network debugging tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump). 

• Knowledge of network security protocols (e.g., TLS/SSL). 

• Proficiency in configuring and managing Cisco, Juniper, or similar network hardware. 

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), timing protocols (PTP, NTP), VLANs, and VPN technologies. 

• Experience with network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, PRTG, or equivalent). 

• Knowledge of DoD security standards and hardening guides (STIGs). 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with embedded systems development. 

• CCNA, CCNP, or similar industry certifications. 

• Familiarity with DISA networks and DoD Information Network (DoDIN) operations. 

• Experience supporting mission-critical, high-security environments. 

• Understanding of RF communications or SATCOM integration in defense networks. 

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage options for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest. 

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.