Communications Network Systems Engineer

Job Title: Communications Network Systems Engineer

Location: Norman, OK

Clearance: Public Trust

Program: RMSS

Company Description:

Centuria, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), has been delivering IT, Engineering, and Scientific solutions to the Federal Government since 2002. During our two decades of service we have earned the trust and respect of our government clients for the simple reason that we have great people who are experts in their fields and take pride and ownership in everything they do. 

The Washington Post has recognized Centuria Corporation as one of the top workplaces in the DC Metro area for 2024. This award celebrates nationally recognized companies that make the world a better place to work together by prioritizing a people-centered culture and giving employees a voice. The Top Workplaces USA award is based entirely on feedback from an employee engagement survey completed by the employees of participating workplaces. Centuria is honored to have been awarded this distinction.  

Program Description:

Centuria is seeking a Communications & Network Systems Engineer to join our team in Norman, OK, supporting the National Weather Service (NWS) Radar Operations Center (ROC). Supporting the Engineering Branch, you will serve as a technical authority responsible for modernizing, maintaining, and integrating the telecommunications, computer hardware, and signal/data transport infrastructure across the tri-agency NEXRAD (WSR-88D) network.

This hybrid role bridges Electrical Engineering, Network Engineering, and Linux System Administration. You will lead technical evaluations for primary and backup communication paths (LEO Satcom, 4G/5G, Terrestrial Fiber, VSAT), perform Tier 3 hardware/network troubleshooting in a hands-on lab environment, and assist in transitioning radar telemetry across federal infrastructure contracts (GSA EIS).

Job Responsibilities:

• Evaluate, architect, and test resilient network communications across diverse transport mediums, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite systems (e.g., Starlink), 4G/5G cellular backhaul, MPLS, point-to-point microwave, and terrestrial fiber while supporting the transition of radar site telecommunications under GSA Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS).
• Perform hands-on assembly, troubleshooting, and testing of rack-mounted servers, power management units (RDA Power Administrators), Master System Control Function  (MSCF) hardware, and interface cabling using standard electronics test equipment such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and spectrum analyzers to diagnose physical-layer signal and power anomalies.
• Configure, harden, and maintain Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) and embedded Linux environments across radar subsystems, writing functional scripts in Python, Bash, or Expect to automate system configuration, network monitoring, and diagnostic procedures.
• Develop system specifications, lead Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), and draft test plans and reports for NEXRAD hardware refreshes and modifications, ensuring all design implementations comply with federal Information System security policies (NIST SP 800-53, FISMA) while maintaining >96% operational uptime.
• Perform project management duties leading Integrated Project Teams from requirement validation, designing solutions, planning procurement requirements, testing and verification, and managing field-wide deployments.
• Provide direct Tier 3 technical escalation support to field personnel and operational radar sites experiencing complex hardware, operating system, or transport network failures.

Job Requirements: 

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE), Computer Engineering (BSCE), Computer Science (BSCS), or a related technical discipline with equivalent practical engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting RHEL or Embedded Linux systems.
• Practical experience with IP routing and switching protocols (TCP/IP, Ethernet, BGP/OSPF) combined with exposure to non-terrestrial or remote transport mediums (LEO/GEO satellite, 4G/5G, microwave, or VSAT).
• Demonstrated proficiency with physical rack gear, power distribution systems, server cabling, and operating standard electronics lab equipment including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, and signal generators.
• Demonstrated scripting capability in Python, Bash, or Expect for network automation, system diagnostic tools, or routine administrative tasks.
• Proven ability to read schematic and wiring diagrams, author formal technical documentation and test procedures, and travel periodically to support site visits or technical reviews.
• Must demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively using oral and written communication skills. Responsibilities will include leading project meetings, communicating with key stakeholders, and coordinating with budgetary and Tri-Agency personnel.
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Great-to-Have Experience:

• Familiarity with RF communication fundamentals, radar signal paths, or high-availability and real-time processing architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco IOS hardware configuration and enterprise network boundary defense.
• Exposure to embedded hardware systems, MATLAB/Simulink modeling, or technical drafting tools such as AutoCAD and Visio.
• Experience navigating NOAA/NWS or tri-agency engineering change management frameworks and gitlab software repositories
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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.