External Job Posting Title Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

ResponsibilitiesPeraton Labs is seeking a poly cleared Senior Research Scientist to support cleared research and development efforts for a Maryland-based customer. This role will focus on the research, design, development, and demonstration of advanced network security prototypes across classified and unclassified environments. This position is ideal for a hands-on researcher or senior engineer who can combine software development, networking, automation, virtualization, and cyber systems knowledge to rapidly build mission-focused prototypes. Within this role you will work in a dynamic R&D environment, collaborate directly with government leadership and technical stakeholders, and help shape next-generation research efforts in cyber network defense, secure networking, experimentation platforms, and emerging network technologies.This position requires full-time on-site work at a customer site near College Park, MD.Key responsibilities may includeResearch, design, develop, and demonstrate network security prototypes for government research customersDevelop software, scripts, tools, documentation, and test environments to demonstrate new cyber and networking capabilitiesBuild prototypes involving high-speed networks, wireless networks, cloud infrastructure, containers, virtualized environments, and network function virtualizationDesign and integrate large-scale experimentation environments using technologies such as Docker, Kubernetes, Helm, Ansible, OpenStack, Vagrant, or similar toolsSupport research involving network protocols, traffic analysis, network monitoring, data collection, cyber defense, secure-by-design networking, and cyber operationsApply software development skills in languages such as Python, Go, Java, C/C++, or similarWork with government leadership and technical stakeholders to shape research direction, explain technical approaches, and identify new prototype opportunitiesCollaborate with government, Peraton Labs, and contractor teams to integrate research prototypes into larger experimentation platformsAnalyze, troubleshoot, and refine prototypes in fast-moving R&D environmentsDocument technical designs, prototype capabilities, test results, and research findings for customer briefings and technical reportsQualificationsRequired QualificationsMinimum of 12+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree, 10+ years of experience with a Master's degree, or 8+ years of experience with a PhD in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field. In lieu of a Bachelors, an additional 4 years of experience is required for a total of 16+ years relevant experience.Strong hands-on experience in software development, network security research, cyber systems engineering, or advanced network prototypingProgramming experience in one or more languages such as Python, Go, Java, C/C++, or similarExperience with Linux-based developmentUnderstanding of network protocols, network devices, routing, switching, firewalls, packet analysis, and network troubleshootingExperience with virtualization, containers, or cloud-native infrastructure such as Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, OpenStack or similar toolsExperience with automation or configuration management tools such as Ansible, Helm, Puppet, Terraform, or similarAbility to rapidly learn new technologies, prototype solutions, redirect research as needed, and apply new technical concepts to mission problemsAbility to clearly document and communicate technical concepts, research outcomes, and prototype demonstrations to government customers and stakeholdersAbility to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced classified R&D environmentUS Citizenship is a requirement for this positionThis position requires an active/current TS/SCI w/ PolygraphDesired Additional QualificationsExperience working directly with IC or DoD research customers, government PMs, and multi-contractor technical teamsExperience serving as a technical lead, task lead, principal investigator, or senior technical contributor on government R&D programsExperience with cyber network defense, secure networking, network security research, cyber operations, or cyber experimentation platformsExperience with high-speed networking, wireless networking, software-defined networking, network function virtualization, or cloud-native network functionsExperience building large-scale testbeds, cyber ranges, experimentation environments, or prototype evaluation platformsExperience with CI/CD and team development workflows using tools such as GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, Git, Jira, or similar toolsExperience with network/system monitoring and data collections tools such as Zeek, Suricata, Wireshark, tcpdump, Prometheus, Grafana, ELK/OpenSearch, or similar toolsExperience with reverse engineering or malware analysis tools such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, Binary Ninja, Redare2, or similarExperience with embedded systems development, Linux kernel development, device driver development, or low-level systems programmingFamiliarity with RF, wireless security, SDR, 5G/LTE, tactical networks, or constrained/edge environmentsFamiliarity with AI/ML, neural networks, anomaly detection, traffic classification, or applying machine learning to cyber/network security problemsExperience contributing to proposals, whitepapers, technical reports, customer briefings, or publicationsStrong curiosity, adaptability, and desire to acquire new technical skills in support of emerging mission needsTarget Salary Range$176,000 - $282,000. This represents the typical salary range for this position. Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the individual's experience, education, knowledge, skills, and competencies, as well as geographic location and business and contract considerations. Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay.EEOEqual opportunity employer, including disability and protected veterans, or other characteristics protected by law.J-18808-Ljbffr