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Senior Protocol Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

ValidaTek, Inc.

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$79K - $132K/yr

Oversee the implementation and deployment of new systems/protocols/hardware/upgrades/ replacements ... senior or lead engineering in planning, designing, and building software defined networks.

ValidaTek, Inc.

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$80K - $130K/hr

Oversee the implementation and deployment of new systems/protocols/hardware/upgrades/ replacements ... senior or lead engineering in planning, designing, and building software defined networks.

ValidaTek

Senior Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$118K - $162K/yr

Oversee the implementation and deployment of new systems/protocols/hardware/upgrades/ replacements ... senior or lead engineering in planning, designing, and building software defined networks.

Tria Federal

Senior Security Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$131K - $180K/yr

As a Senior Security Engineer, you will be responsible for Security Operations Monitoring and ... Thorough understanding of the latest security principles, techniques, and protocols. * Experience ...

REDLattice

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$125K - $165K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Northern Virginia (multiple locations) At REDLattice, we are a ... Wireshark or similar protocol/network analysis tools * Disassemblers and decompilers * Version ...

REDLattice

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Northern Virginia (multiple locations) At REDLattice, we are a ... Wireshark or similar protocol/network analysis tools * Disassemblers and decompilers * Version ...

REDLattice

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Location: Northern Virginia (multiple locations) At REDLattice, we are a ... Wireshark or similar protocol/network analysis tools * Disassemblers and decompilers * Version ...

TAP Engineering

Senior Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Location: Reston, VA Category: Hardware Schedule: Standard Day Shift ... PCIe, USB, and similar protocols * Experience working with MCUs, CPUs, FPGAs, and related ...

REDLattice, Inc.

Senior Software Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

They are seeking a Senior Software Engineer to support vulnerability research and reverse ... IDEs and software debuggers, Logic analyzers and oscilloscopes, Wireshark or similar protocol ...

Freddie Mac

Engineer, Senior (Linux/AWS)

Mclean, VA · On-site

$105K - $145K/yr

Freddie Mac is dedicated to making home possible, and they are seeking a Senior Engineer of ... security protocols and best practices across all infrastructure operations. Qualifications

Perfecta Federal

Senior Network Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$108K - $149K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer at Perfecta is responsible for maintaining the design and integrity of ... Possesses detailed knowledge and is familiar with network and routing protocols: MPLS, TCP/IP, BGP ...

TAP Engineering LLC

Senior Electrical Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$146K - $194K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer Location: Reston, VA Category: Hardware Schedule: Standard Day Shift ... PCIe, USB, and similar protocols * Experience working with MCUs, CPUs, FPGAs, and related ...

Ryde Technologies, LLC

Senior Network Engineer

Quantico, VA

$112K - $153K/yr

Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues involving various protocols, topologies, networking ... Experience providing senior-level engineering support * Large enterprise environment experience

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All JobsProtocol Engineer JobsSenior Protocol Engineer JobsSenior Protocol Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Senior Protocol Engineer information

How does a Senior Protocol Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during the protocol development lifecycle?

As a Senior Protocol Engineer, collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential throughout the protocol development lifecycle. You will work closely with product managers to understand requirements, coordinate with security engineers to ensure protocol robustness, and partner with frontend/backend engineers to support implementation. Regular communication, code reviews, and design discussions are common, as you’ll often serve as a technical lead, guiding architecture decisions and ensuring alignment across teams. This collaborative approach helps ensure the protocol meets both technical and business objectives while maintaining high standards for security and performance.

What does a protocol engineer do?

A protocol engineer designs, develops, and tests communication protocols used in networking and telecommunications systems. They analyze network traffic, troubleshoot issues, and ensure protocols operate efficiently and securely, often using tools like Wi-Fi analyzers and protocol analyzers. Strong knowledge of networking standards and programming skills are essential for this role.

What does a Senior Protocol Engineer do?

A Senior Protocol Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing communication protocols that enable secure and efficient data exchange over networks or within distributed systems. They work on developing new protocols or improving existing ones, often focusing on areas like blockchain, networking, or cryptography. Their role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting protocol-related issues, and ensuring that protocols are robust, scalable, and secure. Additionally, they may mentor junior engineers and contribute to open-source projects or standards bodies.

Are network engineers still in demand?

Network engineers, including senior protocol engineers, are in strong demand due to ongoing needs for reliable and secure network infrastructure. Skills in routing, switching, network security, and familiarity with tools like Cisco or Juniper are highly valued, and the role often requires certifications such as CCNA or CCNP. The demand is expected to remain steady as organizations continue to expand their digital and cloud-based networks.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Protocol Engineers or highly specialized network engineers with extensive experience and advanced certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, and typically requires expertise in network architecture, security, and protocol development.

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

AspectSenior Protocol EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CCNP, CCIEBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and optimizing network protocols, often in R&D or specialized teamsManaging and maintaining network infrastructure, troubleshooting connectivity issues
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, networking hardware companiesIT departments, service providers, enterprise networks

The Senior Protocol Engineer focuses on developing and optimizing network protocols, requiring deep technical expertise. In contrast, a Network Engineer manages and maintains network infrastructure, ensuring connectivity and performance. Both roles require relevant certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Protocol Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Protocol Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of network protocols, distributed systems, cryptography, and strong programming skills, typically backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with protocol design tools, languages like Rust, Go, or C++, and experience with blockchain frameworks or RFC standards are often required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills help in leading teams and navigating complex technical challenges. These abilities are crucial for designing secure, efficient protocols and ensuring reliable communication within advanced technology ecosystems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Protocol Engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills in network security, and certifications like CCNP or CISSP, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large organizations, leadership positions, or those working in high-demand industries such as technology or telecommunications.
What are the most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Senior Protocol Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Senior Protocol Engineer job openings:
Senior Protocol Engineer jobs near you
Senior Network Engineer

Senior Network Engineer

ValidaTek, Inc.

Arlington, VA • On-site

$79K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our employees are building purpose-driven careers, not just filling jobs. We bring together people with many different perspectives, experiences, and talents to drive innovation and achieve more together than we can individually.Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. www.validatek.com

ValidaTek is searching for a Senior Network Engineer to support our customer’s network architecture which is a part of a large telecommunications and networking infrastructure in a secured DoD environment.  The Sr. Network engineer will provide full network support to include design/architecture, planning, security, and troubleshooting of issues. 


In this role, the Sr. Network Engineer will:

  • Provide problem solving and incident resolution including on call troubleshooting as needed.
  • Oversee the implementation and deployment of new systems/protocols/hardware/upgrades/ replacements/modifications and ensure all systems perform as designed with little disruption to the end user.
  • Ensure thorough documentation of all system configurations, issues, and resolutions.
  • As Subject Matter Expert, stay current with best practices and emerging technologies and protocols to make recommendations on system enhancements and improvements.
  • Collaborate with other IT departments to ensure seamless integration of all changes and enhances to the network infrastructure.

To be considered for this role, candidates must have the following:

  • 5+ years in a primary role designing and architecting routed and switched networks as well as operating, troubleshooting, and installing network routers and switches. 3+ of those years must be in DoD environment and 2+ of those years must be as the senior or lead engineering in planning, designing, and building software defined networks.
  • Experience monitoring network performance and resource utilization, trending, and capacity planning.
  • As a Subject Matter Expert, will stay current with best practices and emerging technologies, principles, and protocols.
  • Proven experience with network virtualization technologies as well as with multi-tenant network architectures.
  • Familiarity with a wide variety of network routing and switching equipment devices from multiple vendors.
  • Experience scripting languages and coding for network threshold events.
  • Candidates must have at least one nationally recognized certification for senior network administrations/engineers/architects.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills and the proven ability to influence leadership and stakeholders.
  • All candidates must have IAT Level III certification in accordance with DoD 8570.01-M.
  • All candidates must have an active TS/SCI clearance.
  • All candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent. A master’s degree is preferred.

USD $79,648.00/Yr.
USD $132,746.67/Yr.
Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors including but not limited to experience, geographic location, contract affordability, internal equity, education, and certifications.
The upper end of the salary range may be reserved for individuals who have demonstrated tenure with the company, seniority, and proven excellent performance. This includes factors such as education, certifications, and extensive/unique experience beyond what is required.
ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States.
Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.

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