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Network Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

Research and recommend advanced technologies such as software defined networking and infrastructure as code. * Provides technical expertise in the management of a public and/or private network such ...

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Network Research information

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$37.5K

$80.1K

$115.5K

How much do network research jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for network research in the United States is $80,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is network research?

A Network Research job involves studying, analyzing, and improving computer networks to enhance performance, security, and efficiency. Professionals in this field conduct experiments, develop new networking protocols, and evaluate emerging technologies. They often work with academic institutions, research labs, or tech companies to innovate in areas like cybersecurity, data transmission, and wireless communication. The role requires strong analytical skills, programming knowledge, and familiarity with networking concepts.

What are the typical responsibilities of someone working in network research?

Network Research professionals are responsible for investigating and developing new networking technologies, protocols, and security solutions through experiments, simulations, and data analysis. Their daily tasks might include designing test networks, analyzing network performance, publishing technical reports, and collaborating with software engineers or network architects. Many roles involve both independent research and cross-functional teamwork, as findings often drive improvements in products or infrastructure. Staying current with industry trends is also a key part of the job, ensuring solutions remain innovative and effective.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in network research, and why are they important?

To thrive in Network Research, you need a solid understanding of computer networking principles, data analysis, and research methodologies, often supported by a relevant degree such as computer science or electrical engineering. Familiarity with network analyzers, simulation tools, programming languages (like Python or C++), and certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+ is valuable. Analytical thinking, curiosity, effective communication, and collaboration skills help researchers both interpret complex data and present findings clearly. These skills and qualities are crucial for driving innovation and solving real-world networking challenges in dynamic, team-oriented environments.

How do I become a network researcher?

To become a network researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Skills in network protocols, data analysis, programming, and familiarity with network analysis tools are essential, along with experience in research methodologies and problem-solving. Certifications like Cisco's CCNA or CompTIA Network+ can also enhance qualifications.

Is networking a high paying job?

Network research jobs can offer competitive salaries, especially for roles requiring specialized skills in network analysis, security, and infrastructure. Salaries vary based on experience, certifications, and location, but generally, network research positions are considered well-paying within the IT industry.
More about Network Research jobs
Infographic showing various Network Research 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 $80,093 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer with Security Clearance

MITRE Corporation

Bedford, MA • On-site

$106K - $147K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 453 rated engineering


Job description

At MITRE, your passion fuels work that impacts our nation and improves lives. This is where your skills strengthen national security, cybersecurity, health, transportation, and citizen services. We're a nonprofit engineering, applied research, and advanced technology organization working in the public interest. With objectivity and integrity at our core, we lead federally funded research and development centers for U.S. government agencies - collaborating with industry and academia to deliver integrated, high-impact solutions that advance our nation's health, security, and prosperity. Our people tackle the toughest technical challenges, supported by competitive benefits, meaningful career development, and a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. Choose MITRE for a career with purpose - and help shape the future. Department Summary: As an operator of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), MITRE staff are tasked with applying their skills to impact programmatic and technical decisions of highest importance to the nation. The Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department which is part of the MITRE Technology and Engineering Infrastructure, Networking, and Communications Division, has as its mission to provide premier communications network engineering services for our customers at all classification levels. Our engineers have expertise in research, design, analysis, modeling and simulation, lab experimentation, field testing, and implementation of networks across a diverse set of networked communication environments including virtual, wired, and wireless. We are adept at combining networking research and innovation with practical hands-on experience to provide risk reduction and deployable solutions for our customers. We seek to expand our department with staff capable of leading and performing communications network engineering research and analysis tasks. They should have a solid understanding of and interest in networking protocols and principles, as well as the desire to learn more and focus in this area. Roles & Responsibilities: Specific duties will vary by project but will generally include a combination of research, design, analysis, testing, experimentation, and modeling & simulation of communications networks to solve our nation's most complex problems. Those activities will include one or more of following: * Build lab-based testbeds and conduct proof-of-concept experiments
* Model the performance and behavior of networks in tactical environments
* Work with cyber and infrastructure automation technologies
* Research emerging technologies and assess applicability to sponsor missions
* Assist sponsors in analyzing, modernizing, and advancing their programs If a specific project requires skills or knowledge of technologies with which you are unfamiliar, your responsibilities will also include reaching back to fellow network research engineers across the MITRE corporation to bring their expertise to bear. To be clear, these openings are for research, design, and analysis positions that are focused in the area of networking. They do not involve administering, operating, troubleshooting, or otherwise maintaining a production communications network. Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree with 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree with 6 related years; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
* Demonstrated expertise and leadership in one or more of the department's focus areas:
* Wireless and tactical networks, including 5G
* Network security and management
* Emerging network technologies including cloud networking, SDN, and NFV
* Network modeling, simulation, emulation, and analysis
* Proficiency in one or more scripting or programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python
* Knowledge of modern networking technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), cloud networking
* Strong foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and OSI stack, including wireless networking and modern network security
* Possess excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
* Work well in a collaborative team environment with inter-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams
* Willingness to expand into and master network protocol, technology and skill areas listed above with which the candidate may not yet have experience
* Must have an active Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
* Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S Government issued Security Clearance. Per the U.S. Government's eligibility requirements, you must be a U.S Citizen to be considered for a security clearance.
* This position requires a minimum of 3 days a week on-site. Preferred Qualifications: * MS or PhD in engineering discipline with 7+ years relevant experience
* Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively lead collaboration efforts across multiple organizations and engineering disciplines
* Proficiency in one or more network configuration and orchestrations frameworks such as Ansible, NETCONF, and YANG
* Experience with modeling and simulation of communications and networking, utilizing tools such as: EMANE, OPNET/Riverbed, and Exata
* Expertise in tactical network architectures, designs, and challenges; including familiarity with Naval or other DoD tactical networks
* Knowledge of DoD smart routing technologies such as DyNAMO, CaaS, etc.
* Foundational knowledge of network and cyber security, including recent concepts such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
* Experience with systems engineering processes for networking systems, e.g., requirements development & review, V&V, etc.
* Active DoD Top Secret Clearance This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Secret This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$147,200 - $184,000 - $220,800 Annual Work Location Type:
Onsite It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Commitment to Non-Discrimination All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local or international law. MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply. Benefits information may be found here . Copyright © 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

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About MITRE

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Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

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