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Network Research Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist ... We are also very proud of our Women's Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate ...

... R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations. For nearly three decades, we have operated at the ... Job Overview We are looking for a Network Engineer seeking to apply their technical skills in a ...

New

As a Network Engineer, you will support and optimize the enterprise network infrastructure by ... Research and evaluate new products and recommend innovative solutions in order to improve existing ...

As a Network Engineer, you will support and optimize the enterprise network infrastructure by ... Research and evaluate new products and recommend innovative solutions in order to improve existing ...

New

As a Network Engineer, you will support and optimize the enterprise network infrastructure by ... Research and evaluate new products and recommend innovative solutions in order to improve existing ...

As a Network Engineer, you will support and optimize the enterprise network infrastructure by ... Research and evaluate new products and recommend innovative solutions in order to improve existing ...

Network Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$94K - $117K/yr

... R&D, manufacturing, and sales locations. For nearly three decades, we have operated at the ... Job Overview We are looking for a Network Engineer seeking to apply their technical skills in a ...

As a Network Engineer, you will support and optimize the enterprise network infrastructure by ... Research and evaluate new products and recommend innovative solutions in order to improve existing ...

Network Security Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Network Security Engineer Job Details Overall Purpose: Design and implement network security ... Research attempted or successful efforts to compromise systems security and design countermeasures.

Network Security Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Network Security Engineer Job Details Overall Purpose: Design and implement network security ... Research attempted or successful efforts to compromise systems security and design countermeasures.

Network Security Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site

$101K - $138K/yr

Network Security Engineer Job Details Overall Purpose: Design and implement network security ... Research attempted or successful efforts to compromise systems security and design countermeasures.

Senior Network Engineer-Cloud Platforms

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$91K - $126K/yr

You will be part of our employee-owned international research and engineering company. ARA is ... Network equipment installation and configuration (Routers, Switches, encryption devices, etc.

Network Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Title: Network Security Engineer Location: Raleigh, NC Duration: Long Term Required Skills ... Conduct threat research to determine how Clients are affected by threats Additional Information All ...

Network Security Engineer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

Network Security Engineer Location: Raleigh, NC Duration: Long Term Required Skills: * Detailed ... Conduct threat research to determine how Clients are affected by threats Qualifications Additional ...

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Network Research Engineer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$30.1K

$106K

$153.6K

How much do network research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for network research engineer in Raleigh, NC is $105,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network research engineer?

A Network Research Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and tests new network technologies and protocols. They work on improving network performance, security, scalability, and reliability, often collaborating with academic, industry, or government research teams. Their responsibilities may include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and publishing findings to advance the field of networking. They typically have a strong background in computer science or electrical engineering and stay updated on the latest advancements in networking technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network research engineer?

To thrive as a Network Research Engineer, you need a strong background in computer networking, network protocols, and advanced problem-solving skills, usually supported by a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with network simulation tools (such as NS-3 or GNS3), programming languages (like Python or C++), and relevant certifications (such as CCNA or CCNP) is often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help set professionals apart in collaborative research environments. These skills are vital for innovating and developing cutting-edge network solutions that address complex technical challenges.

What are some typical challenges faced by network research engineers when working on experimental networking projects?

Network Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating novel protocols with existing network infrastructure, balancing innovation with stability, and validating experimental solutions in real-world environments. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including software developers, hardware engineers, and academic researchers—can also present coordination hurdles, especially when timelines and goals differ. Overcoming these challenges requires strong troubleshooting skills, adaptability, and effective communication to ensure research outcomes are both practical and scalable.

What is the difference between Network Research Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork Research EngineerNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNPBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic settings, or corporate innovation teamsNetwork operation centers, IT departments, or enterprise network teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, research institutions, universities, and R&D divisions of telecom firmsTelecom providers, large corporations, IT service providers, and enterprise networks

While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications, a Network Research Engineer focuses on developing new networking technologies and conducting research, often in labs or academic settings. In contrast, a Network Engineer implements, maintains, and troubleshoots existing network infrastructure within organizations. The roles are complementary but differ mainly in their focus on innovation versus operational support.

Infographic showing various Network Research Engineer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,995 per year, or $51 per hour.

Research Engineer-Data & Analytics

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Applied Research Associates, Inc. (ARA) is actively seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist for the development of data analytic tools and techniques for the Intelligence and Defense communities. Application areas involve data analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, intelligent systems, and software systems supporting these methods. The engineer/scientist will join a multi-disciplinary collaborative team of engineers and scientists.

We are seeking a highly qualified engineer/scientist to join our team. The ideal candidate will have active interest in applying software development and math/statistics/engineering concepts to solve multi-disciplinary problems. Candidate will have strong analytical skills and will be capable of translating ideas and proposed solutions into software tools and algorithms. The candidate should be familiar with improving/optimizing/tuning existing algorithms as well as development of new algorithms from scratch. This will include software design, software development, and debugging / issue resolution. The candidate should demonstrate a hands-on approach to problem solving and must be willing to actively participate in evaluation of algorithm and system performance. Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and debugging skills are required.

Scientists/engineers who are passionate about applying their expertise to solve problems of national importance, have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and are seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth in a stable environment are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements:

  • The nature of work (i.e. interactions with the intelligence community and DoD programs) requires eligibility to apply for and hold a US security clearance; selected applicants will undergo a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements at the time of employment
  • BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field with 5+ years of experience
  • Strong software development skills and proficiency in Python
  • Solid mathematical foundation (e.g., linear algebra, probability)
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas: data modeling and analytics, machine learning, probabilistic modeling, or intelligent agents
  • Ability to work with data: preprocessing, transformation, and basic SQL or data storage concepts
  • Proficiency in modern Python data and ML libraries (e.g., PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas/Polars)
  • Familiarity with software engineering best practices, including testing, version control, and code review
  • Experience going from problem statement to prototype to production-ready algorithms
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.

      Preferences:

      Above all, we value passion, a continuous desire to learn, and teamwork. We are confident that if you possess the right attitude, work ethic, and skill set, you will succeed in the role. In addition to the experience and skills above, if you have any of the following, you will be able to accelerate your effectiveness and impact.

      • PhD or MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field
      • Experience in cloud-based, parallel, or distributed computing
      • Ability and desire to quickly learn new domains
      • Experience working on intelligence and DoD programs
      • Prior / existing DoD security clearance

        Who is ARA?  

        Do you want to work for a purpose? Applied Research Associates, Inc. (aka ARA) is an employee-owned international research and engineering company. We have been providing technically superior solutions to complex and challenging problems in the physical sciences since 1979. ARA has over 2,112 employee-owners and continues to grow rapidly. Together, our offices throughout the U.S. and Canada provide a broad range of technical expertise in defense, civil, and health technologies, computer software and simulation, systems analysis, environmental technologies, and testing and measurement. 

        ARA also prides itself, on having a challenging culture where innovation & experimentation are the norm. The motto, “Engineering and Science for Fun and Profit” sums up the ARA experience. Employee ownership ensures you have a voice in what happens in the company. We are also very proud of our Women’s Initiative Network (WIN), whose purpose is to motivate, support, and encourage professional career development for women to maximize career and professional accomplishments.  

        To find out more about what the Software Enterprise Division has to offer, visit our website at: https://www.ara.com/benefits/Â