Hardware Engineer (Tactical Network - CANES) | Active Secret clearance

Transform technology into opportunity as a Hardware Engineer with GDIT. A career in Tactical Networks hardware engineering means architecting, integrating, and sustaining the physical infrastructure that warfighters rely on. At GDIT you’ll be at the forefront of innovation—advancing Consolidated Afloat Networks and Enterprise Services (CANES) and related Navy tactical network capabilities with NIWC Pacific (Codes 55131/55132/55133) in support of PMW-160 Tactical Networks.

At GDIT, people are our differentiator. Our work depends on a Hardware Engineer who can lead shipboard/ashore design, integration, and installation of compute, storage, transport, and encryption hardware—and keep complex systems reliable in demanding fleet environments.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

• Architect, build, and integrate CANES hardware stacks (server/blade/storage, GPON OLT/ONT, routing/switching, KVMs/PDUs, fiber/copper plants) across ashore, afloat, subsurface, airborne, and mobile environments.

• Lead site surveys and produce Installation Design Packages (IDPs): rack elevations, power/HVAC calculations, block diagrams, cable running sheets, BOMs, and final as-builts; prepare FRCB, BESEP, and SHIPALT submittals.

• Execute installations and System Operational Verification Tests (SOVTs); coordinate cutovers to minimize operational impact; document test results and corrective actions.

• Perform Tier III troubleshooting on optical/electrical transport (DWDM/SONET/TDM/TDMoIP), GPON, and platform LANs; isolate card/port faults; drive root-cause and repair actions.

• Provision and sustain Type-1 encryption hardware (e.g., TACLANE, KIV-7M) in coordination with Communications Security Material System (CMS) and program cyber stakeholders.

• Ensure environmental and electromagnetic compliance (MIL-STD-810, MIL-S-901D, MIL-STD-461); support TEMPEST coordination and lab/field test readiness.

• Maintain lab configurations within NIWC Pacific facilities; support Developmental Test & Evaluation (DT&E) and readiness events (TRRs).

• Collaborate with PMW-160, NIWC engineers, shipyards, and platform IPTs; align hardware baselines with CMPro/CCB processes and program schedules.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED (Required):

• Security Clearance: Active Secret clearance.

• Experience:

• 2+ years in hardware/system integration for enterprise or tactical networks, including rack-level integration and shipboard or DoD fielding.

• 2+ years with Navy C4I or CANES-like programs (compute/storage, routing/switching, fiber/copper cabling, GPON).

• Hands-on with optical/electrical test gear (OTDR, optical power meter, BERT, cable certifiers), and creation of IDPs/as-builts/BOMs/wiring diagrams (Visio/CAD).

• Demonstrated troubleshooting of DWDM/SONET/TDM/TDMoIP and platform LANs; power/HVAC sizing and grounding/bonding best practices.

• Willing/able to embark on ships and travel CONUS/OCONUS; work in labs/shipyards and secure spaces.

• Certifications (DoD 8140/8570): IAT II baseline (e.g., Security+ CE) or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire.

• Education: BS/BA in Electrical/Computer/Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; equivalent military training/experience considered.

• Work Location: Onsite NIWC Pacific, San Diego, CA (labs/shipyards/fleet concentration areas). Limited CONUS/OCONUS travel as tasking requires; ability to work in classified labs and onboard ships/submarines/airborne ground sites.

• Position Availability: Position is pending final contract award.

• US Citizenship Required

WHAT WE’D LOVE FOR YOU TO HAVE (Desired):

• Prior PMW-160/NIWC Pacific experience; familiarity with CANES baselines and Navy installation standards.

• Vendor certifications: CCNP Enterprise or JNCIP; VMware VCTA/VCP-DCV; FOI/CFOT (fiber).

• Knowledge of Cisco/Juniper enterprise switching/routing, GPON design/QoS, and optical transport; familiarity with TACLANE operations and COMSEC handling.

• Experience with CMPro, DOORS, Jira/Confluence, and monitoring tools (SolarWinds, Splunk).

• Exposure to CCRI prep, RMF awareness, SOVT planning/execution, and shipboard EMI/EMC/TEMPEST testing.

• OSHA 10/30 or equivalent safety training.

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities

• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals

• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off

• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your ambition to deliver your best work.