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Network Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Research Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$300K/yr

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Research Engineer

Alameda, CA · On-site

$300K/yr

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Research Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$108K - $147K/yr

The Engineer III - Research Software Engineer plays a role in identifying and developing novel and ... Experience with network security, including cryptography, privacy, identification, and ...

Research Engineer

Hayward, CA · On-site

$300K/yr

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Research Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$108K - $147K/yr

We are a trusted provider of internet infrastructure services for the networked world and deliver ... The Engineer III - Research Software Engineer plays a role in identifying and developing novel and ...

Research Engineer

Sonoma, CA · On-site

$300K/yr

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

Founding Research Engineer - AI & Defence 📍 San Francisco | Onsite I'm working with a highly ... Its advisory network includes senior military leaders and former White House advisors. This is an ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Engineer. We are looking for a ... Adapt machine learning and neural network algorithms and architectures to best exploit modern ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Engineer. We are looking for a ... Adapt machine learning and neural network algorithms and architectures to best exploit modern ...

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Research Engineer. We are looking for a ... Adapt machine learning and neural network algorithms and architectures to best exploit modern ...

Research Engineer

Wayzata, MN · On-site

$105K/yr

Because when your skills meet our unrivaled network and breadth of opportunity, your career is ... Research Engineer The Research Engineer will facilitate direct discussions with client subject ...

Showing results 21-40

Network Research Engineer information

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$31K

$109K

$158K

How much do network research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for network research engineer in the United States is $109,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $133,500.00 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.

What cities are hiring for Network Research Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Network Research Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Network Research Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Network Research Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Network Research Engineer jobs?

For Network Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Network Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

College Park, MD • On-site

Peraton
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$97K - $124K/yr

Other

Re-posted 28 days ago


Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Additional Helpful Skills
  • Experience with embedded systems development, Linux kernel or device driver development, or the desire and drive to acquire skills in this area.
  • Familiarity with machine learning, neural networks or advanced AI techniques, or the motivation to acquire and apply these skills, is a plus.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Research and develop network-based prototypes including the creation of software, scripts and documentation to demonstrate capabilities in new network technology areas (e.g., high speed networking, wireless networks).
  • Research and develop state-of-the-art large-scale prototypes involving virtualized environments, including but not limited to cloud infrastructure, containers, and network function virtualization (NFV).
  • Provide technical leadership working with government PMs to help shape and guide their research program, explain technical details to customer stakeholders, and work alongside other contractors to create prototypes.
  • Work in a fast-paced dynamic environment acquiring expertise as needed and demonstrating capabilities in software development, networking, data collection/monitoring, reverse engineering, etc.

Requires BS w/ 12 YOE, MS w/ 10 YOE, or Ph.D. w/ 7 YOE to satisfy government contractor requirements. Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field is preferred.

Candidates should have proficiency in skills in the following list, which outline the breadth of work available (expertise in all areas is not required):

  • Software development skills in one or more languages (Python, Go, Java), DevOps experience for team development, CICD and version management.
  • Experience with network and system automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Helm, Puppet).
  • Virtualization and container technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, etc.) experience.
  • Ability to quickly acquire knowledge in new technologies, redirect research, quickly prototype solutions, suggest new lines of research and help shape the customer’s research programs.
  • Experience and understanding of network protocols, automation and devices (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls).
  • Experience with reverse engineering tools, such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, for system and malware analysis when needed.
  • Ability to clearly document and describe research to the government customer and their stakeholders so that you can demonstrate expertise and expand roles with the customer.
  • Experience working with members of the IC and related DOD customers.
  • Desire to work at customer research sites (primarily located in College Park, Md.) collaborating with government PMs and contractors to design working research prototypes.
  • Current/Active TS/SCI w/ Poly required for this role

#MDPM

Peraton Labs is seeking a highly motivated individual to support and enhance development of classified and unclassified network research prototypes for a government research customer. Candidates will work in a dynamically changing environment and expected to be able to acquire and adapt new technologies to create state-of-the-art prototypes. We are seeking an individual with a combination of skills and flexibility to help make a difference in mission-oriented research prototypes. Not all of the skills listed below are required, but the candidate should be motivated, willing, and excited about learning and adopting new technologies. Self-starters who have the drive to acquire expertise on their own and who thrive in a dynamic environment will excel in this position. Network expertise is part of the heritage of Peraton Labs, with its lineage stretching back to Bell Labs, Bellcore and Telcordia. We are seeking motivated individuals to join the team who want to move forward with the next generation of network research.

This role requires on-site work out of College Park, MD or Laurel, MD

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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017