Network Protocol SME

SAIC • Washington, DC

16h • Hybrid

About The Position

SAIC is seeking a Network Protocol Subject Matter Expert to join its Advanced Engineering Group. The successful candidate will serve as the technical lead for designing, modeling, and analyzing high-fidelity network architectures. The role uses Riverbed Modeler (OPNET) to simulate, troubleshoot, and optimize complex network scenarios, with a focus on physical medium modeling (Layer 0) and OSI Layers 1–3. The position is described as remote with travel; the posting also identifies the work arrangement as hybrid and states that travel is expected 25% of the time.

The role includes creating and analyzing discrete-event simulations, developing or modifying protocol models in C or C++, evaluating network performance and architecture, and documenting methods and results for stakeholders. The work covers LAN, WAN, and wireless scenarios, and protocols and technologies such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and IPv6. The target salary range is $180,001–$220,000. SAIC accepts applications on an ongoing basis with no deadline.

Requirements

• Expert-level proficiency in Riverbed Modeler (OPNET), including discrete-event simulation, simulation execution, and results analysis.
• In-depth understanding of OSI Layer 0–3 technologies, including Ethernet, TCP/IP, routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF, and WAN technologies such as MPLS.
• Strong programming skills in C or C++ for model customization, scripting, and protocol modeling.
• Experience designing and testing complex WAN/LAN/WLAN network architectures.
• Strong analytical and debugging skills to trace data packets and analyze network behavior.
• Familiarity with traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Typical education and experience: Bachelor’s degree and 14 or more years of related experience; Master’s degree and 12 or more years of experience; or PhD or JD and 9 or more years of experience.
• Minimum Secret clearance is required; the candidate must be able to obtain TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with Riverbed SteelCentral AppResponse or NetPlanner.
• Experience with radio frequency (RF) modeling or satellite communication simulations (Layer 0/1).
• U.S. citizenship.
• Active Department of Defense Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain TS/SCI.

Responsibilities

• Create, execute, and analyze high-fidelity discrete-event simulations in Riverbed Modeler to evaluate network performance, reliability, and scalability.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in routing, switching, and transport protocols.
• Modify existing models or develop custom models using C/C++ to simulate proprietary or emerging protocols.
• Model and analyze Physical Layer signal propagation, modulation, and bit error rate; Data Link Layer MAC protocols, switching, and VLANs; and Network Layer technologies including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and IPv6.
• Analyze simulation results to identify bottlenecks, packet loss, latency issues, and capacity constraints, and propose what-if scenarios to improve production network design.
• Develop detailed LAN, WAN, and wireless network topologies to validate architecture before hardware deployment.
• Document simulation methodologies, scenarios, and results in technical reports for stakeholder review.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior