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Entry Level Protocol Engineer Jobs in Albuquerque, NM

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Entry Level Protocol Engineer information

See Albuquerque, NM salary details

$29.1K

$67.2K

$114.4K

How much do entry level protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level protocol engineer in Albuquerque, NM is $67,234.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,900.00 and $76,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an entry level protocol engineer?

As an Entry Level Protocol Engineer, you can expect to spend your days assisting in the design, implementation, and testing of network protocols. You'll likely work closely with senior engineers to troubleshoot issues, write and review code, and participate in team meetings to discuss protocol specifications and improvements. Collaboration with QA teams and developers is common to ensure interoperability and performance. Over time, you'll gain exposure to documentation, debugging tools, and the latest industry standards, helping you build a strong foundation in protocol engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level protocol engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Protocol Engineer, you need a strong understanding of computer networking, programming (often in languages like C/C++ or Python), and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with networking tools, packet analyzers (like Wireshark), and foundational knowledge of protocols such as TCP/IP, HTTP, or newer blockchain protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart. These competencies are essential for designing, testing, and maintaining reliable network or blockchain protocols that support robust and secure digital communication.

What is an entry level protocol engineer?

An Entry Level Protocol Engineer is a professional who assists in designing, implementing, and maintaining communication protocols for computer networks and distributed systems. These protocols are sets of rules that enable devices to communicate efficiently and securely. In this role, engineers collaborate with senior team members to troubleshoot issues, write code, perform testing, and ensure interoperability between systems. The position typically requires knowledge of networking concepts, programming languages, and an understanding of protocol standards. Entry level engineers gain practical experience and foundational skills needed for more advanced engineering roles.

What is the difference between Entry Level Protocol Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectEntry Level Protocol EngineerNetwork Technician
Required CredentialsAssociate degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNA)Associate degree or certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+)
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and troubleshooting network protocols and systemsInstalling, maintaining, and repairing network hardware and connections
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, IT services, networking companiesCorporate IT departments, internet service providers, telecom firms
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level networking roles involving protocolsMore hardware-focused, but overlaps in troubleshooting skills

While both roles require foundational networking knowledge and certifications, Entry Level Protocol Engineers focus on designing and testing network protocols, whereas Network Technicians primarily handle hardware installation and maintenance. Both roles are essential in networking environments and often share similar entry requirements, making them common points of comparison for those starting their IT careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM? For Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs in Albuquerque, NM are:
Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Protocol Engineer job openings in Albuquerque, NM as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 85% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,234 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

HPC Systems Splst 1

University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, NM • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

University Of New Mexico rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 616 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Provides entry-level systems programming and systems management support in high-performance research computing environment. Responsibilities include working as member of systems team on the administration, integration and maintenance of parallel high performance computing systems, clusters, as well as other systems and peripherals, including advanced filesystems, enterprise storage systems, visualization environments, and networks. Participates in system integration, deployment, and administration projects, system performance analyses, problem resolution, and system security initiatives. Works with senior staff on the development of system management tools and architectural assessments for production systems. Works with senior staff to provide technical assistance and consultation for faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff on the use of the high-performance computing platforms. Works closely with other staff and departmental entities to provide a comprehensive support infrastructure for academic, commercial, and government users, from a broad range of research disciplines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

  • Fundamental understanding of high-performance computing technology.
  • Ability to execute tasks within specific and well-defined projects.
  • Ability to build and network servers.
  • General understanding of computer systems configurations.
  • Knowledge of high performance computing systems; scalable, parallel architectures; and basic aspects of the UNIX operating system.
  • Ability to contribute to the development of technical design decisions involving software or hardware implementation strategies.
  • Ability to monitor system usage and performance statistics and to understand the impacts of operating system tuning parameters.
  • Experience with one or more high-level programming languages such as C, C++, or Fortran.
  • Good working knowledge of one or more scripting languages such as csh, Bash, Awk, perl, Python, etc.
  • Skill in the installation and configuration of operating systems and application software.
  • Familiarity with network security procedures and protocols.
  • Ability to understand and follow established methods and procedures for the integration, testing, and installation of system modifications.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
  • Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
  • Ability to analyze requirements and determine computational resource impacts.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.

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