SD-WAN Solutions Research and Development Engineer

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree - Engineering or Science
• 14+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Senior Professional
• 5+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Advanced Professional
• 2+ years of relevant experience for Research and Development Engineer - Intermediate Professional

Skills

• 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

Benefits

• Salary range: $91,488.00 - $202,464.00
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Robust retirement plans
• Substantial paid time off including holidays, vacation, and sick time
• 75% tuition discount for employees, spouses, and children

Pay

$91,488.00 - $202,464.00

Schedule

Full-time, on-site location in State College, PA, with options for hybrid work arrangements based on project-dependent ability. Periodic travel to locations including Europe, Asia, San Diego CA, and other CONUS locations may be required.

Application Instructions

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.