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Senior Protocol Engineer Jobs in Westerly, RI (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

North Kingstown, RI · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

We're seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to join our team and play a pivotal role in designing ... Experience with IoT-connected embedded systems, including wireless communication protocols (e.g ...

Senior Process Engineer

Coventry, RI · On-site

$104K - $134K/yr

Boston Scientific was recognized by Forbes as one of the Best Workplaces for Engineers in 2026 ... Prepare technical reports, validation protocols and validation reports for EtO sterilization ...

Lead and mentor a team of facilities technicians and engineers, fostering a culture of ... Experience with validation protocols, qualification processes (IQ/OQ/PQ), and change control ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Protocol Engineer information

See Westerly, RI salary details

$59.9K

$127.5K

$184.8K

How much do senior protocol engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior protocol engineer in Westerly, RI is $127,485.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,300.00 and $144,600.00 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.

Infographic showing various Senior Protocol Engineer job openings in Westerly, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $127,485 per year, or $61.3 per hour.

$103K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Senior Computer Engineer (REQ 327)
Overview:
Applied Physical Sciences (APS) is looking for a highly motivated senior-level computer engineer to join our Sensing and Communications Department. Successful candidates will have a BS, MS, or PhD degree in electrical and/or computer engineering with a focus in embedded systems development. Professional experience beyond 7 years is desired but may not be required in all circumstances. Successful applicants will support the design and development of a wide variety of underwater maritime systems including payloads for unmanned underwater vehicles, underwater sensing, tracking, and communication arrays, acoustic communication transceivers, wireless power transfer, high power acoustic transmit arrays, and electromechanical actuators.
Candidates must have a proven track record of designing and implementing state machines and algorithms on prototype R&D embedded systems. Applicants should be familiar with workflows and development on FPGAs, System-on-Chips/System-on-Modules, Digital Signal Processors, as well as Microcontrollers, and should be experienced at writing VHDL as well as C/C++ programming and compilation in a Linux environment. Additionally, experience with userspace driver development, ADCs & DAC interfacing, digital communications bus protocols (RS232/RS422/RS485, I2C, I2S, SPI, McBSP, CAN), high speed signaling (LVDS, LVPECL), and SoC cross-domain interconnect (e.g., AXI), is required. Previous experience with hands-on integration and testing of embedded systems into larger platforms is highly desired, including familiarity with and use of typical electronic laboratory test equipment.
APS works on exciting, technically challenging, cutting-edge technologies that will expose candidates to a wide variety of multidisciplinary fields and allow for unique growth opportunities and learning experiences. At APS you will work in a small company environment where technical excellence is rewarded and an entrepreneurial spirit is encouraged, and you will have the chance to work directly with colleagues and customers that value innovation and creativity.
Job Functions and Responsibilities
  • Design and development of complex data handling infrastructure on embedded systems and implementation of signal processing algorithms on these platforms (50%)
  • Laboratory testing and integration with larger electronic systems, and field testing of these systems (30%)
  • Project leadership (20%)
Required Attributes and Skills:
  • 4 or more years of experience with FPGA development, VHDL programming, and associated workflows
  • 4 or more years of experience with C programming for Microcontroller and/or Digital Signal Processor development and testing
  • 4 or more years of experience with C++ programming and compilation in a Linux environment
  • Basic understanding of signal processing and Matlab data analysis
  • BS in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering
  • Able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret Security Clearance
Preferred Attributes and Skills:
  • Experience in design and development of systems for use with underwater acoustic sensors
  • Experience with System-on-Chip/System-on-Module and their associated workflows
  • Experience creating technical content for new products, ideas, or other business development pursuits
  • Experience with userspace driver development in Linux
  • Experience working with ADCs/DACs and associated clocking and digital interfacing
  • Experience working with digital communication schemes (RS232/422/485, I2C, I2S, SPI, McBSP, CAN)
  • Experience working with high-speed digital signaling (LVDS, LVPECL)
  • Experience with the Xilinx IDE, Vivado, Advanced eXtensible Interface (AXI) protocol, and custom IP Core development
  • Experience working in an electronics laboratory environment, familiarity with common measurement devices (oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, power supplies, etc.), and experience troubleshooting embedded systems
  • Experience working in an R&D environment and working in small multidisciplinary teams
This position is located in the Groton, CT office.
APS, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Dynamics Corporation, offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and comfortable working conditions. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain a DoD security clearance. Please note, obtaining a security clearance is a condition of employment which typically requires US citizenship and a thorough background investigation.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and application online at www.aphysci.com, fax them to 860-448-3075, Attn: Human Resources, or mail to the company address. Please reference the requisition number and title of the position in the subject line of your submission.
EOE: Vet/Disability
Invitation to Self-IdentifyIn keeping with our commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Applied Physical Sciences invites all applicants to self-identify pre-offer as a protected veteran and/or an individual with a disability.
Invitation to Self-Identify as Protected Veteran
Online Form
Invitation to Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability
Online Form
Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full Time
Job Location: Groton CT