Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

Peraton; Maryland; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology research firm is seeking motivated individuals to develop classified and unclassified network research prototypes in Maryland. Candidates must possess a degree in a related field along with a strong background in software development, networking, and secure prototyping. This role involves technical leadership and collaboration with government PMs, where flexibility and a passion for learning new technologies are essential. Active TS/SCI clearance is required, and the position demands on-site work in College Park or Laurel, MD.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in Computer Science or related field.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance required.
• Experience with DevOps and network protocols is essential.

Responsibilities

• Research and develop network-based prototypes.
• Create documentation to demonstrate capabilities in new network technology.
• Provide technical leadership to shape research programs.

Skills

Python

Go

Java

DevOps

Ansible

Docker

Kubernetes

network protocols

reverse engineering

embedded systems

Education

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

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

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

Tools

Ghidra

IDA Pro

Kubernetes

Vagrant

Job description

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

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.

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.

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.