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

Senior Network Engineer

Springfield, VA · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Job Title: Senior Network Engineer Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time ... Demonstrated experience modernizing complex enterprise network systems deploying routing protocols ...

Senior Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$108 - $195/hr

The Senior Network Engineer will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for ... Perform packet-level and protocol analysis to identify network performance, connectivity, routing ...

Senior Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for ... Perform packet-level and protocol analysis to identify network performance, connectivity, routing ...

Senior Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$105K - $144K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for ... Perform packet-level and protocol analysis to identify network performance, connectivity, routing ...

Senior Network Engineer

Lorton, VA · On-site

$107K - $195K/yr

The Senior Network Engineer will serve as a senior technical contributor responsible for ... Perform packet-level and protocol analysis to identify network performance, connectivity, routing ...

Senior Network Engineer

Quantico, VA

$110K - $150K/yr

Senior Network Engineer ID: 1000000082 Location: Quantico,VA Clearance Level: Active Top Secret ... Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues involving various protocols, topologies, networking ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Protocol Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$67.4K

$143.3K

$207.8K

How much do senior protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protocol engineer in Washington, DC is $143,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,400.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a senior protocol engineer?

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.

How does a senior protocol engineer 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 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 most commonly searched types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

For Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Protocol Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Senior Network Engineer

CACI

Springfield, VA • On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Support the design, development, implementation, operations, and sustainment of transport services.

  • Conduct research, analysis, and design studies to modernize existing transport solutions and infrastructures.

  • Provide technical guidance and analysis on complex network systems, including evaluation of technical solutions and authoring white papers.


Job description

Job Title: Senior Network Engineer Job Category: Information Technology Time Type: Full time Minimum Clearance Required to Start: TS/SCI Employee Type: Regular Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 10% Type of Travel: Local * * * The Opportunity: The Senior Network Engineer supports leadership on the program to develop, modernize, enhance, operate, and sustain transport services for NGA. The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for supporting the PMO with transport engineering requirements and supporting design studies, analysis of alternatives (AoA), white papers, etc. Responsibilities: Provide engineering expertise and guidance for the design, development, implementation, operations, and sustainment of transport services that enhance overall system performance and availability.

Support research, analysis, solution design, and implementation planning of solutions for the modernization of existing transport solutions and infrastructures. Drive strategic technological innovation, demonstrating a breadth and depth of knowledge in all things related to the complex operations of transport services. Provide technical knowledge and analysis of high-level functional systems analysis, design, and integration advice on complex matters that require expert-level knowledge of the subject matter for effective implementation.

Work on Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) studies to evaluate different technical solutions. Conduct design studies to assess the feasibility and impact of proposed network changes. Author white papers on emerging network technologies and best practices.

Qualifications: Required: Bachelor's degree, or higher, in Computer Science, Communications, Engineering, or IT-related discipline. Demonstrated specialized experience with implementing, engineering, designing, or operating network technologies with an emphasis on DoD capabilities. Demonstrated leadership experience serving as a senior engineer, functional manager, or team lead for a minimum of 10 years.

Demonstrated experience modernizing complex enterprise network systems deploying routing protocols and technologies such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS), Layer 3 Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Layer VPNs, and Mobile-VPN. Demonstrated experience presenting briefings to senior customer management and customer stakeholders. Demonstrated specialized experience with implementing, engineering, designing network Quality of Service and Traffic Engineering models.

Demonstrated specialized experience with implementing, engineering, designing virtual private networks using Layer 2 and Layer 3 methodologies to include next-generation multicast VPN. Certified as a Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), CompTIA Network+, or Juniper Network Certified Expert - Enterprise (JNCIE-ENT) or 15+ years of experience in design, implementation, and configuration with Cisco, Juniper, and KG family cryptographic equipment product lines. Desired: Demonstrated experience in network design, engineering, and operations with an emphasis on NGA capabilities.

Demonstrated 5 or more years of experience supporting an IC or DoD agency in adopting and transitioning systems and services to cloud environments, including hybrid cloud environments. Demonstrated specialized experience applying ICD 503 or Director of Central Intelligence Directive (DCID) 6/3 requirements to secure information systems. Demonstrated 5 or more years of experience supporting an IC or DoD agency in adopting and transitioning systems and services to cloud environments.

Demonstrated 5 or more years of experience working with the IC Network Requirement Environment (NRE) working groups. - What You Can Expect: A culture of integrity. At CACI, we place character and innovation at the center of everything we do.

As a valued team member, you'll be part of a high-performing group dedicated to our customer's missions and driven by a higher purpose - to ensure the safety of our nation. An environment of trust. CACI values the unique contributions that every employee brings to our company and our customers - every day.

You'll have the autonomy to take the time you need through a unique flexible time off benefit and have access to robust learning resources to make your ambitions a reality. A focus on continuous growth. Together, we will advance our nation's most critical missions, build on our lengthy track record of business success, and find opportunities to break new ground - in your career and in our legacy.

Pay Range: There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities.

Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. At CACI, you will receive comprehensive benefits such as; healthcare, wellness, financial, retirement, family support, continuing education, and time off benefits. The proposed salary range for this position is: $120,800 - $265,800 CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic.