Network Systems Engineer

Bachelor's degree in Systems Engineering, or a related Science, Engineering or Mathematics field, plus a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience; or Master's degree, plus 6 months of relevant experience.

CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Department of Defense Secret security clearance is obtainable within a reasonable amount of time after hire. Applicants selected will be subject to a U.S. Government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information. Due to the nature of work performed within our facilities, U.S. citizenship is required.

ROLE AND POSITION OBJECTIVE

As an Entry-Level Network Engineer for General Dynamics M&SS Surface Systems, you will help develop, configure, and test secure, reliable network solutions for military surface ships. Working within an agile team and under the guidance of experienced engineers, you will apply foundational networking knowledge, troubleshoot issues in a lab environment, and develop documentation that supports integration and deployment.

Success in this role means completing assigned engineering tasks against defined acceptance criteria, documenting accurate results, and building the skills needed to take on increasingly independent work.

Key Performance Objectives

• Configure networks to approved designs. Assist with configuring switches, routers, and other network components using established procedures. Verify that assigned configurations meet documented requirements and escalate discrepancies for resolution.
• Execute tests and document results. Perform assigned lab tests using approved procedures, compare results with expected outcomes, and record clear, repeatable evidence that supports engineering verification.
• Troubleshoot network issues. Use a structured approach to investigate connectivity and configuration problems, document findings, and work with experienced engineers to implement and verify corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate network documentation. Create and update assigned portions of network topologies, IP addressing plans, installation instructions, and configuration records. Incorporate review feedback so documentation reflects the tested configuration.
• Support secure network implementation. Apply approved security configurations and engineering practices, identify deviations, and seek guidance when requirements or procedures are unclear.
• Contribute to team commitments. Participate in daily team discussions, communicate task progress and obstacles, and complete assigned work within agreed schedules and acceptance criteria.
• Build technical capability. Complete assigned training, apply feedback to subsequent work, and demonstrate increasing independence on routine configuration, testing, and documentation tasks.
• Identify opportunities for improvement. Recommend practical improvements to procedures or documentation, including appropriate use of approved AI tools, and validate proposed changes with the team before implementation.

Foundational Skills That Support Success

We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate foundational networking knowledge through coursework, labs, internships, personal projects, or relevant work experience, including:

• Understanding of TCP/IP, IP addressing, subnetting, switching, routing, and VLANs.
• Familiarity with configuring or troubleshooting network devices in a classroom, lab, or work environment.
• Ability to read or create basic network diagrams and follow technical procedures.
• Ability to document technical work clearly and accurately.
• Willingness to learn network security practices and, as applicable, cross-domain solutions.

What Sets You Apart

• Structured problem-solving: You investigate problems methodically, explain what you tested, and recognize when to ask for help.
• Attention to detail: You check your work against requirements and keep configurations, documentation, and test records consistent.
• Teamwork and communication: You share progress, raise questions early, and incorporate feedback constructively.
• Ownership: You follow through on assigned tasks and communicate risks before they affect team commitments.
• Learning mindset: You apply new knowledge and feedback to improve the quality and independence of your work.
• Responsible innovation: You explore approved tools and methods that can improve engineering efficiency while protecting sensitive information.

Our Commitment to You

• An exciting career path with opportunities for continuous learning and development.
• Research-oriented work alongside award-winning teams developing practical solutions for our nation’s security.
• Flexible schedules with every other Friday off, if desired, through a 9/80 schedule.
• Competitive benefits, including 401(k) matching, flex time off, paid parental leave, healthcare benefits, health and wellness programs, employee resource and social groups, and more.

Learn more at gdmissionsystems.com/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits.

Workplace Options

This position is onsite in Pittsfield, MA, with flexibility as needed

General Dynamics Mission Systems (GDMS) engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of 12,000+ top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defense and scientific arenas. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency. We offer highly competitive benefits and pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose. You will also enjoy a flexible work environment where contributions are recognized and rewarded. If who we are and what we do resonates with you, we invite you to join our high-performance team!

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans