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Entry Level Protocol Engineer Jobs in Rochester, NY

Entry Level Protocol Engineer information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$29.6K

$68.4K

$116.4K

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

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level protocol engineer in Rochester, NY is $68,437.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,800.00 and $77,500.00 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, petroleum engineering, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive or managerial roles in engineering firms may also reach this compensation level, often combined with bonuses and stock options.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most entry-level protocol engineers do not earn that level of salary, highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as network security, cloud infrastructure, or senior technical leadership can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and stock options. Achieving this typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and many years of experience in high-demand environments.

Do entry-level engineering jobs exist?

Yes, entry-level engineering jobs are widely available across various fields such as software, electrical, and mechanical engineering. These positions typically require minimal professional experience and often involve on-the-job training, internships, or certifications to develop foundational skills.

How to become a protocol engineer?

To become a protocol engineer, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with networking protocols, programming languages like C or Python, and understanding network architecture is essential. Certifications such as Cisco's CCNA or CCNP can also enhance job prospects in this field.

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 cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Entry Level Protocol Engineer jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Entry Level Protocol Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Protocol Engineer job openings in Rochester, NY as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,437 per year, or $32.9 per hour.
Battery Engineer I

$62K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Rochester Institute Of Technology rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

113th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Consults or leads engineering projects, programs, or services
  • Assists in problem definition, planning, design, development, consultation, and analysis
  • Documents research results. Drafts and writes reports to sponsors, technical articles, white papers, publications, and presentations
  • Drafts, writes, and advises on grants and project proposals to generate funding
  • Supports senior researchers/engineers in execution of their projects
  • Promotes research activities
  • Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of engineering principles, system design, and applied technologies across relevant domains
  • Knowledge of safety standards, compliance requirements, and quality assurance protocols in technical environments
  • Skill in applying analytical methods to evaluate system performance and solve engineering problems
  • Skill in documenting technical specifications, project updates, and operational procedures
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement technical solutions
  • Ability to support planning, execution, and continuous improvement of engineering projects and processes

Minimum Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
  • No experience required
  • Equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered

Job Level Overview
Specialized Contributor Level 1 - A developing, entry-level role focused on acquiring skills and knowledge to perform more advanced work. Responsibilities are well defined and limited in scope. Identifies, defines, and addresses problems and issues which are not immediately evident but are of limited complexity. Problems are typically solved through drawing from standard procedures and analysis.
Additional Details
Key Responsibilities:
  • Support battery research, development, and prototype manufacturing activities, including slurry mixing, electrode coating, drying, calendaring, pouch and cylindrical cell assembly, electrochemical testing, process development, and laboratory process optimization.
  • Contribute to sponsored research programs and client-focused prototype manufacturing projects by executing technical work plans, supporting externally funded initiatives, and advancing laboratory-scale innovations toward scalable manufacturing solutions.
  • Design, execute, analyze, and document experiments to evaluate materials, manufacturing processes, equipment parameters, and battery cell performance, recommending process improvements based on data-driven findings.
  • Troubleshoot process and equipment issues, perform root-cause analysis, implement corrective actions, and support the design of tooling, fixtures, and workflow enhancements to improve quality, repeatability, safety, and operational efficiency.
  • Develop, refine, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), technical workflows, and laboratory documentation to support consistent, safe, and efficient operations.
  • Prepare technical reports, sponsor deliverables, white papers, presentations, publications, and other project documentation to communicate research findings and project outcomes.
  • Support and maintain laboratory readiness within dry room and automated prototyping environments, ensuring equipment, processes, and workspaces meet operational, safety, and quality standards.
  • Assist with training and mentoring students, technicians, and laboratory users on equipment operation, laboratory procedures, and best practices.
  • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements, quality standards, documentation practices, and project-specific protocols.
  • Apply standard engineering and scientific methods to solve complex technical challenges, independently analyzing results and implementing practical solutions under limited supervision.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support research programs, sponsored projects, and prototype manufacturing efforts focused on advancing emerging battery technologies.

FLSA Category
Exempt
Work Location
On Campus
Compensation
$62,353 - $95,800
Application Materials
When you are ready to complete an application for this position please be prepared to submit the below requested information. This will be required to ensure your application is processed in a timely manner.
Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae or Resume
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.
Additional Details
In compliance with NYS's Pay Transparency Act, the salary range for this position is listed above. Rochester Institute of Technology considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The hiring process for this position may require a criminal background check and/or motor vehicle records check. Any verbal or written offer made is contingent on satisfactory results, as determined by Human Resources. RIT provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, marital status, sex, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, veteran status or disability in its hiring, admissions, educational programs and activities. RIT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law, or similar applicable law.
If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact the Human Resources office at 585-475-2424 or email your request to careers@rit.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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About Rochester Institute of Technology

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is a preeminent institution in the education services industry, located in Rochester, NY, US. Renowned globally for its innovative and industry-aligned education, RIT was established in 1829 and has since then been committed to offering academic rigor in fields of study with an emphasis on applied learning. This is evidenced by their broad spectrum of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, science, business, and fine arts. RIT's mission centers on providing technology-based educational programs for career-minded students.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, NY, US

Year founded

1829

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