SAIC

Technology integrator delivering defense IT solutions

Network Protocol Subject Matter Expert

Network Engineering & AdministrationConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeArlington County, Arlington, VA, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's or master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
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, and WLAN network architectures.
Analytical and debugging skills to trace data packets and analyze network behavior, with familiarity with traffic analysis tools such as Wireshark.
Fourteen or more years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, twelve or more years with a master's degree, or nine or more years with a PhD or JD.
U.S. citizenship, an active Department of Defense Secret clearance, and the ability to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

Responsibilities

Create, execute, and analyze high-fidelity discrete-event simulations in Riverbed Modeler to evaluate network performance, reliability, and scalability.
Act as a subject matter expert in routing, switching, and transport protocols; modify existing models or develop custom models using C or C++ to simulate proprietary or emerging protocols.
Analyze Physical Layer (signal propagation, modulation, and bit error rate), Data Link Layer (MAC protocols, switching, and VLANs), Network Layer (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and IPv6), and physical medium modeling (Layer 0).
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.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with Riverbed SteelCentral AppResponse or NetPlanner.
Experience with radio frequency modeling or satellite communication simulations (Layer 0/1).

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 onsite in Arlington, VA

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.

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 Qualifications
Experience 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.

About the Company

SAIC

Technology integrator delivering defense IT solutions

SAIC is a technology integrator that supports the U.S. government with engineering and IT services for defense, space, and intelligence missions. Its offerings include integrating complex systems, software, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital engineering to help national security programs run smoothly. The company operates by combining technical expertise with large-scale government contracts, delivering end-to-end solutions from planning and development to deployment and support. Unlike many firms that focus on a single product, SAIC differentiates itself through a long history of government work, its origins as an employee-owned company, and its growth through strategic acquisitions to broaden capabilities in digital engineering, mission IT, and related services. SAIC’s goal is to enable national defense and intelligence operations by providing the technology and services needed to design, build, and maintain critical systems at scale.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Reston, VA
Founded: 1969

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