Network Protocol SME

Job ID 2618120 Location Arlington, VA, US Date Posted 2026-10-19 Category Engineering and Sciences Subcategory Modeling/Sim Engr Schedule Full-Time Shift Day Job Travel Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance Required Secret Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain TS/SCI Potential for Remote Work ORA_HYBRID Description We are seeking a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Network Protocols SME to join our Advanced Engineering Group. The successful candidate will act as the technical lead for designing, modeling, and analyzing high-fidelity network architectures. Using Riverbed Modeler (OPNET), you will simulate, troubleshoot, and optimize complex network scenarios, focusing on Physical (L1), Data Link (L2), and Network (L3) layers, including physical medium modeling (L0). This position is remote with travel. Key Responsibilities Network Simulation (OPNET/Riverbed) Create, execute, and analyze high-fidelity discrete-event simulations in Riverbed Modeler to evaluate network performance, reliability, and scalability.Protocol Development & Analysis Act as an SME in routing, switching, and transport protocols. Modify existing models or develop custom models using C/C++ to simulate proprietary or emerging protocols.OSI Layers 0-3 Focus Deep dive into Physical Layer (signal propagation, modulation, BER), Data Link (MAC protocols, switching, VLANs), and Network Layer (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, IPv6) functionalities.Performance Optimization Analyze simulation results to identify bottlenecks, packet loss, latency issues, and capacity constraints, proposing "what-if" scenarios to improve production network design.Architecture Modeling Develop detailed network topologies, including LAN, WAN, and Wireless scenarios to validate architecture before hardware deployment.Technical Reporting Document simulation methodologies, scenarios, and results in detailed technical reports for stakeholder review. Qualifications TYPICAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more of related experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience. Required Skills And Qualifications Experience with Riverbed/OPNET Expert-level proficiency in Riverbed Modeler (OPNET), including Discrete Event Simulation (DES), simulation execution, and results analysis.Protocol Expertise (L1-L3) In-depth understanding of OSI Layer 0-3 technologies, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), and WAN technologies (MPLS).Programming Skills Strong programming skills in C or C++ for model customization, scripting, and protocol modeling.Network Design Experience designing and testing complex WAN/LAN/WLAN network architecture.Analytical Skills Strong analytical and debugging skills to trace data packets and analyze network behavior, familiar with traffic analysis tools like Wireshark.Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field.Preferred QualificationsExperience with Riverbed SteelCentral AppResponse or NetPlanner.Experience with radio frequency (RF) modeling or satellite communication simulations (Layer 0/1).U.S. citizenship, and an active DOD Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain a TS/SCI. Target salary range $180,001 - $220,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.