Okay, I've searched for Principal Network Systems Engineer roles in Westminster, CO, requiring 10+ years of experience in space or ground-based network architecture, full-time positions, and U.S. citizenship eligibility. I have found several relevant positions matching these criteria for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Principal Network Systems Engineer I role at CesiumAstro is fundamentally designed to lead the architecture, design, and validation of advanced network systems specifically tailored for space-based and airborne communication platforms. This is a highly specialized position requiring a unique blend of deep systems engineering expertise—10+ years overall with significant experience in space and ground network architectures—and hands-on technical acumen in wireless communications, networking protocols, and hardware/software integration. The candidate will be expected to translate complex customer needs into robust network architectures, collaborate closely across interdisciplinary teams, and drive the development and testing of cutting-edge router and switch technologies within phased array communication systems. The emphasis on packet network modeling, modern protocols (IPv4/v6, MPLS, SNMP, NETCONF/YANG), and MBSE tools illustrates the complexity and innovation in the company's communication stacks. Success in this role means effectively balancing rigorous technical design and compliance requirements (including export control regulations), problem-solving emergent networking challenges in dynamic hardware-software environments, and delivering scalable, testable solutions. The role demands autonomy in decision-making, strategic vision to anticipate network subsystem interactions, and the soft skills to navigate cross-functional collaboration within a fast-paced, startup-like environment driven by rapid innovation and precision engineering.

Company Analysis:

CesiumAstro operates at the forefront of aerospace communications, occupying a niche market focused on highly innovative communication modules for space and airborne platforms. The company sits between traditional aerospace contractors and agile technology startups, fostering an entrepreneurial and cross-disciplinary culture that prizes hands-on innovation and technical mastery. With multiple offices globally and a diverse engineering team, CesiumAstro offers a dynamic environment that values collaboration, technical depth, and mission-driven innovation to meet both commercial and defense needs. Its positioning as an emerging leader in phased array and satellite communication technology creates significant strategic growth potential, meaning that this Principal Engineer role is not just technical but pivotal for scaling product architectures and advancing company offerings. The culture likely demands adaptability, proactive communication, and a willingness to engage intensely across technical and operational domains. This role will be prominent in shaping next-generation space communication capabilities, giving the successful candidate high visibility and influence within a company that balances startup agility with aerospace-grade rigor.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to define or redesign a network architecture under ambiguous or rapidly changing requirements. How did you manage stakeholder expectations and technical constraints?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you collaborated with a cross-functional engineering team to develop a complex hardware/software integration. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example of when you had to troubleshoot a difficult network subsystem issue during testing? What approach did you take to diagnose and resolve it?
• Behavioral: Talk about a time when you had to advocate for a design decision that conflicted with customer or management expectations. How did you handle the situation?
• Technical: How do you approach the design and verification of network elements such as routers and switches within a constrained aerospace environment?
• Technical: Explain the significance of MBSE tools and SysML in developing communication system architectures. How have you utilized them in previous roles?
• Technical: Discuss your experience with networking protocols like MPLS, NETCONF/YANG, or gNMI, and how you have applied them in designing scalable space communication networks.
• Technical: What strategies do you use for developing requirements allocation and verification frameworks in complex communication subsystems?
• Situational: Imagine you identify a performance bottleneck in the packet routing layer of a satellite communication payload during integration testing. How would you investigate and address this?
• Situational: If a customer requests a last-minute change to the network operational concept that risks schedule delays, how would you balance technical feasibility with customer demands?
• Situational: Suppose you need to integrate cyber security controls compliant with NIST RMF for a space-ground network system. What considerations would guide your approach?
• Company Fit: What draws you to CesiumAstro’s mission of advancing space communication systems, and how does this align with your professional goals?
• Company Fit: CesiumAstro operates in a fast-paced, innovative environment with cross-functional teams. How do you ensure effective communication and teamwork in such settings?
• Company Fit: Given CesiumAstro’s dual commercial and defense focus, how do you view the importance of compliance and regulatory constraints in your engineering work?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does CesiumAstro prioritize and balance innovation with adherence to stringent aerospace and government regulations in network system development?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the typical cross-functional interactions this role engages in, and what the collaboration dynamic looks like between hardware, software, and systems engineering teams?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are the immediate technical challenges this position is expected to address within the first six months, and how will success be measured?