Network Systems Engineer

At Stoke, we believe a thriving space economy will enable a vibrant, sustainable, and equitable future here on Earth. That is why we’re building Nova, our fully and rapidly reusable launch vehicle. Designed for daily flight, Nova tackles the core challenges of space transportation by reducing cost, increasing availability, and improving reliability. By radically lowering launch costs and increasing flight cadence, we’re helping create a truly scalable space industry. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and empowered to take ownership of their work. If you want to work alongside some of the most dedicated and talented people on Earth, we’d love to have you join us. Description Reusable launch systems are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. Reusable systems with frequent launch cadence are the key to seamlessly connecting Earth and space. A highly operable, reliable, and robust network infrastructure is an integral part of a fully reusable launch system. As a Network Systems Engineer on Stoke Space’s Information Technology team, you’ll deploy, document and maintain robust network architectures, cloud infrastructure integration and related network services (DNS, DHCP, VPN, etc.) that meet our rapidly growing needs while facilitating a successful startup culture as we race towards our first launch of Nova. We are a small and motivated team, and you will work across the entire Stoke organization and bring expertise in networking technologies, security best practices, and performance optimization. This is a hands-on role in a fast-paced startup environment — ideal for someone who thrives on autonomy, technical depth, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will have experience working within NIST frameworks and ensuring network security compliance. You must be ready to stay focused, move fast, self-direct, and learn on the fly. Responsibilities • Design, implement, and manage enterprise network infrastructure with a strong focus on Juniper Networks switching, routing, campus access, aggregation, and management platforms • Own hands-on Junos configuration, validation, troubleshooting, upgrade planning, and lifecycle management for Juniper EX Series switches and related network infrastructure • Build resilient LAN/WAN designs across Stoke facilities, including redundant access and aggregation layers, structured VLAN design, routing boundaries, uplink strategy, and standards-based interconnects • Integrate Juniper campus networks with Fortinet or other firewall platforms, VPNs, cloud connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and critical network services such as DNS, DHCP, NTP, and monitoring • Ensure network security through proper segmentation, firewall filters/ACLs, management-plane protections, logging, monitoring, and adherence to security policies and NIST-aligned control expectations • Collaborate with IT, security, software, avionics, operations, and facilities teams to develop and maintain secure, reliable network access policies and site connectivity standards • Lead network upgrades, migrations, and system integrations, including replacing legacy equipment with scalable enterprise Juniper-based infrastructure • Implement automation, monitoring, telemetry, and configuration- management practices to proactively detect, diagnose, and resolve network issues • Document network architectures, configurations, diagrams, standards, processes, and standard operating procedures in a way that supports operational continuity and audit readiness • Assist remote teams including IT, software, and avionics with on-site support of equipment and software tools as we build and operate our launch complex at Cape Canaveral • Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational goals and objectives • Occasional travel to other Stoke facilities Qualifications • Exceptional understanding of the OSI model, IP networking standards, packet flow, and enterprise network design fundamentals • 5+ years of experience in network engineering, including designing, monitoring, and troubleshooting LAN/WAN networks in enterprise/campus environments • Hands-on experience with Juniper Networks devices and Junos OS, particularly EX Series switching platforms • Expert knowledge of switching and routing technologies, including VLANs, trunks, LACP, LLDP, RSTP/MSTP, ARP, VRRP, OSPF, BGP, and route redistribution • Experience designing resilient campus/access-layer architectures using Juniper features such as Virtual Chassis, MC-LAG/ESI-LAG, redundant uplinks, and structured aggregation/access designs • Hands-on experience integrating enterprise switching with firewalls and VPN platforms, especially Fortinet, Palo Alto, Cisco, Juniper SRX, or comparable security appliances • Ability to configure, validate, and troubleshoot Junos routing, switching, ACL/firewall filters, interface behavior, optics, PoE, DHCP relay, and management-plane access • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills with the ability to isolate complex network issues using packet captures, telemetry, logs, CLI diagnostics, and structured test plans • Experience with enterprise WiFi technologies, including design, implementation, troubleshooting, and optimization of wireless networks for high-density environments • Strong technical acumen with the ability to perform hands-on support and troubleshooting across a broad range of IT systems, including networking, hardware, software, and end-user support • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to document designs, standards, runbooks, and operational procedures clearly • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, a related STEM field, or equivalent experience Preferred Qualifications • Advanced Juniper campus networking experience, including Mist Wired Assurance, Marvis, configuration templates, switch adoption, telemetry, and fleet lifecycle management • Experience with Junos automation and observability using tools such as NETCONF, RESTCONF, gNMI, Ansible, Git-based configuration management, or similar workflows • Experience with network access control and segmentation technologies such as 802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+, role-based access, MACsec, private VLANs, and policy-driven ACLs • Experience with AWS network infrastructure, including VPC networking, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, VPN, routing, and hybrid connectivity • Experience migrating from Ubiquiti, MikroTik, or other lower-end network platforms into enterprise Juniper-based designs • Familiarity with Microsoft Windows Server, Linux, DNS, DHCP, identity platforms, and core infrastructure services • Experience in aerospace systems, launch operations, mission or ground control environments, industrial networks, or other safety-critical network environments • Experience working in regulated industries with compliance standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, CMMC, ITAR, or similar frameworks Benefits • Equity – We know that our employees are the reason we succeed. To give everyone a stake in our future, we are pleased to offer equity in the form of stock options to all regular, full-time employees. • Comprehensive benefits program including subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance • Company-paid life and disability insurance • 401(k) plan with employer match • 4 weeks’ Paid Time Off • Holidays – 10 days (including an end-of-year closure) • Paid Family/Parental Leave • On-site gym or monthly wellness stipend (depending on location) Compensation Target Levels: • Level 3 range: $133,560 - $200,340 • Level 4 range: $160,230 - $240,450 Our job posts are intentionally written to attract a wide variety of experience levels, and we make decisions about the right fit on a per-candidate basis. Your actual level and base salary will be decided based on your specific experience and skill level. #LI-CP1 ITAR Requirements To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Equal Opportunity The Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including with respect to disability and veteran status. It is committed to compliance with all equal opportunity laws, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and Title VII. It does not discriminate on the basis of nationality, race, citizenship, immigration status, or any other protected class when it comes to employment practices, including hiring. Employment at the Company is contingent upon satisfactory completion of reference and background checks, and on your ability to prove your identity and authorization to work in the U.S. for the Company. Employees must comply with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services employment verification requirements, and, therefore, they must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 at the start of employment and re-verify authorization to work periodically. Separate from this I-9 process, this position entails access to certain technology and technical data that is restricted under U.S. export control laws and regulations. Employment or continued employment may be conditioned on your legal authorization to work with or have access to export control materials as necessary to perform your job. Candidate Rights & Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or participate in the interview process, please contact careers@stokespace.com. Requests will be handled in accordance with applicable laws. Please do not include medical or other confidential information in your initial request. For more information about your rights, please refer to the "Know Your Rights" notice here. E-Verify Stoke Space uses E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires. For more information on the right to work, please refer to the poster here.