Principal Network and Protocol Architect

As a Principal Network and Protocol Architect, you will be responsible for creating and evaluating innovative network concepts across multiple domains, including Wireline, RF, and Free Space Optics. This role requires deep technical expertise in network protocols, security, and cloud technologies, combined with leadership and communication skills. You will operate in a dynamic, high-impact environment where state-of-the-art solutions intersect with emerging technologies such as quantum communications.

**Ability and willingness to work onsite in either San Diego California or Arlington Virginia is highly preferred.**

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop novel networking approaches and protocol concepts that integrate traditional solutions with emerging technologies.
• Design and prototype new versions of networking protocols (e.g., extending BGP to incorporate quantum sensing for link security evaluation).
• Define, simulate, and evaluate new networking protocols and extensions to address next-generation performance and security requirements.
• Research, assess, and recommend emerging network infrastructure technologies.
• Plan, design, and optimize network systems using both novel and existing protocols.
• Produce technical documentation, mentor junior engineers, and lead knowledge transfer initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field; Minimum of 12 years of professional experience in networking; Master’s degree with 6–10 years of relevant experience; Doctorate in a technical domain may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting networks.
• Proficiency in simulating and assessing networking protocols and architectures.
• Comprehensive knowledge of networking protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, VPNs, and routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP.
• In-depth understanding of network security principles, architectures, and best practices.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills; proven ability to work independently and lead technical initiatives.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret clearance (U.S. Citizenship required).

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience designing new networking protocols or protocol extensions, not only architecting networks with existing ones.
• Experience conceptualizing, defining, and simulating novel approaches to networking, particularly in areas like secure routing and adaptive protocols.
• Experience developing software implementations of novel or extended protocols.
• Familiarity with quantum networking and integration of quantum sensing into traditional network architectures.
• Active DoD Secret clearance.
• Ability and willingness to work onsite in either San Diego California or Arlington Virginia is highly preferred.

Key Differentiator

This role goes beyond traditional network design and implementation. The focus is on defining and validating the next generation of networking protocols, leveraging advancements such as quantum communications and sensing. Candidates with backgrounds limited to applying pre-existing protocols are not the right fit — this position is for innovators who can invent, extend, and rigorously evaluate new protocols that will shape the future of secure, resilient, and adaptive networking.

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.