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Remote Protocol Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Network Security Engineer

Annapolis, MD · Remote

$107K - $146K/yr

... Protocol (BGP). (5) Enterprise Data Center implementing Micro segmentation. (6) Certificate ... Two (2) days remote at a suitable off-site location selected by the Resource. (1) We reserve the ...

Senior Software Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$152K - $205K/yr

... protocols; collaborating with Product and Engineering teams to design, test, and shape Circle ... Excellent communication skills, able to collaborate with remote teams, share ideas and present ...

Staff Software Engineer

Washington, DC · Remote

$195K - $257K/yr

... protocols; collaborating with Product and Engineering teams to design, test, and shape Circle ... Excellent communication skills, able to collaborate with remote teams, share ideas and present ...

Junior Network Engineer 100% remote US Citizenship is required per government contract Must be able ... Protocols (OSPF/BGP), Switching technologies (Spanning Tree, VSS). * Configure Palo Alto firewalls ...

Junior Network Engineer 100% remote US Citizenship is required per government contract Must be able ... Protocols (OSPF/BGP), Switching technologies (Spanning Tree, VSS). * Configure Palo Alto firewalls ...

Junior Network Engineer 100% remote US Citizenship is required per government contract Must be able ... Protocols (OSPF/BGP), Switching technologies (Spanning Tree, VSS). * Configure Palo Alto firewalls ...

Junior Network Engineer 100% remote US Citizenship is required per government contract Must be able ... Protocols (OSPF/BGP), Switching technologies (Spanning Tree, VSS). * Configure Palo Alto firewalls ...

Thorough understanding of the latest security principles, techniques, and protocols. * Problem ... This position is primarily remote; however, on‑site travel will be required for onboarding, team ...

Showing results 41-60

Remote Protocol Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$44.2K

$115.2K

$155.7K

How much do remote protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for remote protocol engineer in Washington, DC is $115,244.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Remote Protocol Engineer vs Remote Network Engineer?

AspectRemote Protocol EngineerRemote Network Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related, certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in CS, Networking, or related, certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDeveloping and testing network protocols, software-focusedDesigning, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, networking firms, telecomsIT departments, service providers, enterprise networks
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on protocol development, software skillsFocus on network setup, hardware, and infrastructure

While both roles involve networking expertise, Remote Protocol Engineers primarily develop and test network protocols and software, whereas Remote Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining network infrastructure. Both require similar certifications and often work in tech or telecom industries, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote protocol engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Remote Protocol Engineer, you need a strong background in computer science, network protocols, and distributed systems, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in protocol design. Familiarity with programming languages such as Rust, Go, or C++, as well as tools like Wireshark, Git, and blockchain technologies, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective remote communication, and collaborative skills set exceptional candidates apart. These skills ensure the engineer can design, implement, and troubleshoot secure and efficient protocols in decentralized and remote work environments.

What is a remote protocol engineer?

A Remote Protocol Engineer is a specialized software engineer who designs, develops, and maintains network communication protocols while working remotely. Their work ensures that different systems and devices can communicate effectively and securely over networks, such as the internet or internal company systems. They often collaborate with distributed teams, troubleshoot protocol-related issues, and may work on protocols for blockchain, IoT, or traditional networking. This role typically requires strong knowledge of networking concepts, programming languages, and security standards.

What are some common challenges remote protocol engineers face when collaborating with distributed teams?

Remote Protocol Engineers often work with global, cross-functional teams, which can make real-time collaboration challenging due to differing time zones and communication styles. Additionally, ensuring clarity in technical specifications and achieving consensus on protocol changes can be more complex without in-person interactions. Successful engineers in this role usually develop strong written communication skills and leverage collaborative tools to bridge these gaps, fostering productive teamwork despite the remote setup.
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:
What job categories do people searching Remote Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Remote Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Senior Deployment Engineer, AppGate ZTNA (Federal)

Gormat

Washington, DC • Remote

$118K - $162K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

*** This is a direct hire for AppGate. 

The Senior Deployment Engineer is the hands-on technical lead for deploying, installing, configuring, and sustaining the AppGate ZTNA platform across U.S. Federal and DoD environments. The work is engineering, not advisory: standing up controllers and gateways, integrating with customer identity and telemetry systems, hardening to STIG and SCAP baselines, and troubleshooting live issues at the protocol, OS, and application level. The Senior Deployment Engineer owns delivery from project kickoff through operational handoff and mentors junior engineers on the team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end AppGate ZTNA deployments: install and configure controllers, gateways, and clients across on-premises, cloud, and disconnected environments.
  • Integrate AppGate with customer identity providers and sources of trust and risk telemetry, including SAML, OIDC, RADIUS, LDAP(s), Active Directory, NGFWs, entitlement automation systems, SIEM/SOAR, and ITSM.
  • Design deployment architectures that meet customer requirements for availability, scale, and least privilege access enforcement.
  • Debug failures using logs, shell access, packet captures, and code inspection down to the protocol, OS, and application level.
  • Write and maintain scripts and automation (Bash, PowerShell, JavaScript, REST APIs) to support deployment and sustainment.
  • Harden deployments to STIG, SCAP, and applicable Federal compliance baselines.
  • Serve as the escalation point for complex deployment and sustainment issues.
  • Sustain and maintain deployed environments: patching, upgrades, health monitoring, and incident response.
  • Produce detailed as-built documentation, runbooks, and operational handoff materials.
  • Mentor Associate and mid-level Delivery Engineers and review their work.

Required Qualifications

  • 8 to 12 years in networking, security, systems, platform, or automation engineering roles, with hands-on delivery experience.
  • Demonstrated mastery of Linux systems administration.
  • Hands-on scripting and automation with Bash, PowerShell, and JavaScript.
  • Working knowledge of REST APIs for integration and automation.
  • Strong experience with identity systems: Active Directory, DNS, PKI, SAML, OIDC, RADIUS, and LDAP.
  • Experience deploying to public cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP) and virtualization platforms (VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V)..
  • Familiarity with networking, transport, and cryptographic protocols such as TLS, IPsec, AES, PKI, and RSA.
  • Experience supporting Federal or other high-assurance environments.
  • Familiarity with STIG and SCAP hardening; process frameworks such as ITIL or ITSM a plus.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication for documentation and customer handoff.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, information technology, or a related discipline, or equivalent related experience.

Desired Qualifications

  • CCNP, CCIE, RHCE, CISSP, CCNA, Security +, MCSE or equivalent certifications.
  • Prior experience deploying ZTNA, software-defined perimeter (SDP), or VPN-replacement technologies.
  • Experience with infrastructure as code and configuration as code (Terraform, Ansible).

Clearance

  • Active U.S. security clearance, or the ability to obtain and maintain one. Top Secret a plus.

Travel

  • Willingness to travel to customer sites as project and customer needs require. Travel can exceed 50% depending on the deployment.
  • This is a remote opportunity, though we are ideally looking for someone from the following locations:
    • Scott Air Force Base, in St. Clair County, Illinois
    • Gunter Air Force Base, Montgomery, Alabama
    • Kirland Air Force Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • Maryland/DC/VA area