ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Protocol Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

eClerx

Senior AI Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$100K - $120K/yr

... protocol. Engineer robust guardrails for safety, compliance, and least-privilege access ... Productionize LLMs: Build evaluation framework for open-source and foundational LLMs; implement ...

eClercx

Senior AI Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

... protocol. Engineer robust guardrails for safety, compliance, and least-privilege access ... Productionize LLMs: Build evaluation framework for open-source and foundational LLMs; implement ...

eClercx

Senior AI Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$180K - $200K/yr

... protocol. Engineer robust guardrails for safety, compliance, and least-privilege access ... Productionize LLMs: Build evaluation framework for open-source and foundational LLMs; implement ...

eClerx

Senior AI Engineer

Dallas, TX

$105K - $150K/yr

... protocol. Engineer robust guardrails for safety, compliance, and least-privilege access ... Productionize LLMs: Build evaluation framework for open-source and foundational LLMs; implement ...

eClercx

Senior AI Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$105K - $150K/yr

... protocol. Engineer robust guardrails for safety, compliance, and least-privilege access ... Productionize LLMs: Build evaluation framework for open-source and foundational LLMs; implement ...

LayerZero Labs

Staff Solutions Architect

New York, NY · On-site

$69 - $90.75/hr

We partner closely with Business Development, Forward Deployed Engineering, and core Product/Protocol teams to help customers design and adopt crosschain architectures built on LayerZero. We engage ...

LayerZero Labs

Staff Solutions Architect

New York, NY · On-site

$69 - $90.75/hr

We partner closely with Business Development, Forward Deployed Engineering, and core Product/Protocol teams to help customers design and adopt cross-chain architectures built on LayerZero. We engage ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProtocol Engineer Jobs

Protocol Engineer information

See salary details

$102.5K

$154.2K

$212.5K

How much do protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for protocol engineer in the United States is $154,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,500.00 and $175,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Protocol Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Protocol Engineer, you need strong expertise in network protocols, distributed systems, and computer science fundamentals, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with programming languages such as C++, Rust, or Go, as well as experience with network analyzers, protocol testing tools, and relevant industry certifications are preferred. Excellent problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and the ability to work independently or in cross-functional teams are valuable soft skills. These capabilities are vital for designing robust protocols, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring seamless integration within large-scale systems.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or systems engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology companies or industries with high demand for technical expertise.

What does a protocol engineer do?

A protocol engineer designs, develops, and tests communication protocols used in networking and telecommunications systems. They ensure data is transmitted accurately and efficiently between devices, often working with network hardware, software, and security standards. Strong knowledge of networking concepts, programming skills, and familiarity with industry tools are essential for this role.

What does a Protocol Engineer do?

A Protocol Engineer designs, develops, and maintains communication protocols that enable data exchange between systems, devices, or networks. They work on low-level networking, blockchain protocols, or distributed systems, ensuring efficiency, security, and scalability. Their role involves researching new technologies, optimizing protocol performance, and troubleshooting interoperability issues. Strong knowledge of networking fundamentals, cryptography, and programming is essential for success in this role.

What are some common projects or tasks a Protocol Engineer typically works on?

Protocol Engineers typically design, implement, and optimize communication protocols for high-performance networks or blockchain systems. On a day-to-day basis, you may work on developing new protocol features, analyzing packet flows, debugging interoperability issues, or collaborating with security teams to ensure protocol robustness. Tasks also often include writing technical documentation, participating in architecture reviews, and contributing to open-source initiatives. The role often requires close collaboration with software engineers, QA specialists, and product managers to deliver solutions that meet both technical and business requirements.

Can I make 200K as an electrical engineer?

As a Protocol Engineer, earning $200,000 annually is possible with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in high-paying industries such as telecommunications or networking. Salaries vary based on location, certifications, and company size, with senior roles and specialized expertise often commanding higher compensation.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, and network engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. Roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, or working in competitive markets like technology or finance.
More about Protocol Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Protocol Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Protocol Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Protocol Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Protocol Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Protocol Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Protocol Engineer jobs are:
Protocol Engineer jobs near you

Network Protocol / Software Engineer

SG2 Recruiting

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

SG2 Recruiting is supporting Wind RiverX in the search for a Senior Network Protocol / Software Engineer to support a classified aerospace and defense program in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This customer-facing technical leadership role combines hands-on protocol development with solution architecture, customer engagement, system integration, and deployment support. Candidates must possess an active Secret clearance, have 5+ years of network protocol and engineering experience.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Designing, developing, and testing networking software and protocols for mission-critical aerospace and defense systems.

  • Supporting customer engagements including requirements gathering, solution architecture, implementation, testing, and deployment.

  • Developing and maintaining Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking capabilities for routers, gateways, and secure communications platforms.

  • Implementing and supporting protocols including IPv4, IPv6, ARP, ICMP, IGMP, DHCP, TCP, UDP, NTP, IPsec, and IKE.

  • Analyzing and optimizing Ethernet traffic, network performance, and protocol functionality.

  • Collaborating with engineering teams, mentoring developers, and creating technical documentation.

What You Need:

  • Active Secret security clearance.

  • 5+ years of experience developing networking protocols, networking software, or embedded networking solutions.

  • Strong knowledge of OSI Layers 2–7, with expertise in Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking.

  • Experience with network routers, gateways, Ethernet networking, and network security protocols.

  • Proficiency in C/C++ development within Linux or embedded environments.

  • Experience implementing or integrating IPv4, IPv6, and IPsec-based solutions.

  • Excellent communication skills and ability to interact directly with customers and technical stakeholders.

It's a Plus If You Have:

  • Experience supporting classified defense, aerospace, or military programs.

  • Familiarity with Neighbor Discovery (ND), VLANs, and advanced routing technologies.

  • Experience with real time operating systems (RTOS), embedded systems, or secure communications platforms.

What's In It For You:

  • Work on advanced aerospace and defense technologies supporting national security missions.

  • Influence the design and development of next-generation networking solutions.

  • Join a collaborative team focused on innovation, technical excellence, and customer success.

About the Company

Wind RiverX delivers advanced software and engineering solutions for mission-critical aerospace, defense, and intelligent edge systems, supporting some of the world's most demanding operational environments.


Apply