Principal Protocol & Signals Analyst

Nyla Technology Solutions • Annapolis Junction, MD

2d

About The Position

The Protocol and Signals Analyst provides specialized technical expertise focused on PROFORMA and protocol analysis. The role evaluates signal characteristics to deconstruct signal structures, define technical parameters, and model signal behavior across complex Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) operational technology (OT) environments. The analyst combines networking and protocol analysis skills with hands-on RF signal analysis to translate physical- and network-layer signal discoveries into actionable intelligence and operational capabilities for USCC cyber missions. An active TS/SCI clearance with polygraph is required.

The annual base salary range is $215,000–$249,000 USD. This range excludes discretionary bonus compensation and the benefits package. Actual compensation may vary based on geographic location, work experience, education, skill level, and other factors.

Requirements

• Active security clearance at the TS/SCI polygraph level.
• A bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline, plus 11 or more years of professional experience in data science, NLP, or software engineering; or a high school diploma/GED plus 15 or more years of specialized technical experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong PROFORMA and signal behavior modeling expertise.
• Protocol and network analysis expertise, including industrial automation networks and ICS/SCADA protocols.
• Hands-on RF signal analysis experience.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience in one or more specialized SIGINT disciplines: COMINT, ELINT, or FISINT.
• Familiarity with industrial control network protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, IEC 60870-5, BACnet, or PROFINET.
• Experience using Software Defined Radios (SDR), custom protocol decoders, or advanced signal processing platforms.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex signal characteristics to deconstruct signal structures, define parameter sets, and model signal behavior across non-standard data streams and telemetry.
• Perform in-depth protocol analysis across network layers, with a focus on industrial automation networks, ICS/SCADA protocols, and enterprise/OT communication paths.
• Evaluate RF signals, including modulation schemes, transmission parameters, and physical-layer attributes, to support signal collection, identification, and mapping.
• Conduct technical signals analysis on critical-infrastructure control systems, mapping operational pathways, telemetry flows, and command structures to support USCC target development.
• Integrate signal insights with other intelligence disciplines and produce technical characterization profiles, signal documentation, and analytical briefings for joint cyber operational teams.

What This Job Offers

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