Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

Peraton; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A government research contractor is seeking a motivated individual to develop both classified and unclassified network research prototypes. The ideal candidate will have a background in software development and automation, a strong understanding of network protocols, and a desire to work closely with government PMs. This role requires on-site work in College Park, MD or Laurel, MD and necessitates a current TS/SCI security clearance. Successful candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment and be willing to learn new technologies.

Qualifications

• Required degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related fields.
• 12+ years of experience for BS candidates, 10+ for MS, 7+ for PhD.
• Current security clearance (TS/SCI) required.
• Experience with network and system automation tools such as Ansible, Helm, Puppet.
• Virtualization and container tech experience: Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop network-based prototypes.
• Provide technical leadership to government PMs.
• Demonstrate capabilities in new network technology areas.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment, prototype solutions and adapt to new technologies.

Skills

Software development in Python, Go, Java

DevOps experience

Network and system automation (e.g., Ansible, Helm)

Virtualization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)

Understanding of network protocols

Reverse engineering tools (e.g., Ghidra, IDA Pro)

Ability to document research clearly

Experience in IC and DOD environments

Current/Active TS/SCI w/ Poly

Education

BS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 12 years of experience

MS in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 10 years of experience

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 7 years of experience

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

Vagrant

Ansible

Helm

Puppet

Python

Go

Java

Job description

Additional Helpful Skills

• Experience with embedded systems development, Linux kernel or device driver development, or the desire and drive to acquire skills in this area.
• Familiarity with machine learning, neural networks or advanced AI techniques, or the motivation to acquire and apply these skills, is a plus.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and develop network-based prototypes including the creation of software, scripts and documentation to demonstrate capabilities in new network technology areas (e.g., high speed networking, wireless networks).
• Research and develop state-of-the-art large-scale prototypes involving virtualized environments, including but not limited to cloud infrastructure, containers, and network function virtualization (NFV).
• Provide technical leadership working with government PMs to help shape and guide their research program, explain technical details to customer stakeholders, and work alongside other contractors to create prototypes.
• Work in a fast-paced dynamic environment acquiring expertise as needed and demonstrating capabilities in software development, networking, data collection/monitoring, reverse engineering, etc.

Requires BS w/ 12 YOE, MS w/ 10 YOE, or Ph.D. w/ 7 YOE to satisfy government contractor requirements. Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field is preferred.

Candidates should have proficiency in skills in the following list, which outline the breadth of work available (expertise in all areas is not required):

• Software development skills in one or more languages (Python, Go, Java), DevOps experience for team development, CICD and version management.
• Experience with network and system automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Helm, Puppet).
• Virtualization and container technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, etc.) experience.
• Ability to quickly acquire knowledge in new technologies, redirect research, quickly prototype solutions, suggest new lines of research and help shape the customer’s research programs.
• Experience and understanding of network protocols, automation and devices (e.g., routers, switches, firewalls).
• Experience with reverse engineering tools, such as Ghidra, IDA Pro, for system and malware analysis when needed.
• Ability to clearly document and describe research to the government customer and their stakeholders so that you can demonstrate expertise and expand roles with the customer.
• Experience working with members of the IC and related DOD customers.
• Desire to work at customer research sites (primarily located in College Park, Md.) collaborating with government PMs and contractors to design working research prototypes.
• Current/Active TS/SCI w/ Poly required for this role

#MDPM

Peraton Labs is seeking a highly motivated individual to support and enhance development of classified and unclassified network research prototypes for a government research customer. Candidates will work in a dynamically changing environment and expected to be able to acquire and adapt new technologies to create state-of-the-art prototypes. We are seeking an individual with a combination of skills and flexibility to help make a difference in mission-oriented research prototypes. Not all of the skills listed below are required, but the candidate should be motivated, willing, and excited about learning and adopting new technologies. Self-starters who have the drive to acquire expertise on their own and who thrive in a dynamic environment will excel in this position. Network expertise is part of the heritage of Peraton Labs, with its lineage stretching back to Bell Labs, Bellcore and Telcordia. We are seeking motivated individuals to join the team who want to move forward with the next generation of network research.

This role requires on-site work out of College Park, MD or Laurel, MD