Jr. Network Engineer (Onsite- Aberdeen, Maryland)

Fairwinds Technologies is a U.S. engineering company specializing in Satellite Communications (SATCOM), Radio Frequency Transmission Systems, Network Design, Systems Integration, and Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technologies. We support Command, Control, Communications, and Computer (C4) systems used in austere military environments and provide communications, networking, and information technology solutions for defense and civilian agencies around the world.

About the role

Fairwinds Technologies is seeking a Junior Network Engineer to support laboratory, engineering, and information technology activities for Fairwinds technical teams. This is an early-career role intended for a motivated candidate with strong fundamentals, some hands-on experience, and the ability to learn quickly while supporting lab senior technical staff under the direction of the Chief Information Office IT Network Lead.

The Junior Network Engineer will assist with the setup, configuration, documentation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of IP-connected systems, laboratory networks, test environments, and controlled engineering infrastructure. The position supports both Mixed Signal and xG technical laboratories and teams, helping engineers and technical managers maintain reliable, secure, and well-documented network environments used for prototyping, integration, experimentation, and customer-focused demonstrations.

The ideal candidate will have foundational knowledge of IP networking, switching, VLANs, basic routing, firewalls, endpoint/network security concepts, and disciplined documentation practices. The candidate must be dependable, coachable, cyber-aware, and comfortable working around RF, wireless, lab, and government customer environments where configuration control, information protection, and attention to detail are important.

Responsibilities

• Assist with installation, configuration, labeling, cabling, testing, and routine maintenance of network equipment used in Fairwinds engineering, IT, Mixed Signal, and xG lab environments.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in systems engineering design and development.
• Perform first-level troubleshooting for connectivity, latency, VLAN membership, addressing, cabling, equipment availability, and basic firewall/access issues.
• Work with engineers, developers, program managers, and technical managers to understand network needs for experiments, prototypes, demonstrations, and customer deliverables.
• Brief non-technical Senior Leadership on highly technical matters.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Computer, Software, Electrical, Electronics, Network Science, or Systems Engineering, or a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science.
• 2+ years’ experience with designing integrated networked solutions for rapid prototyping and quick reaction communications systems.
• Understanding of open system interfaces and the challenges involved in integrating systems from different manufacturers.
• Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+/Network+, or VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification.
• Experience with switches, firewalls, and IDS systems.
• Experience with cyber security infrastructure.
• US Citizen with an active Secret or higher DoD Security Clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience in maintaining networks, segregated LAN and WAN systems.
• Experience setting up switches, port forwarding, DHCP, DNS, and network architecture.
• Experience with SATCOM, Terrestrial Wireless/Radio, & SD-WAN Aggregation Systems.

Work Environment

This position is primarily performed in a traditional office environment with some remote/hybrid work possible. The role involves occasional standing, walking, sitting, use of hands to handle objects or controls, typing, reaching with hands and arms, and communication. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position working Monday through Friday, 40 hours per week. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand. Some flexibility in actual work hours may be offered.

Travel

Must be willing to travel up to 25% when required.

Pay

Salary range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually.

Benefits

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and innovative projects.
• Collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.