Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security

Welcome page Returning candidate? Log back in! Senior Research Scientist - Cyber Network Security Job Locations US-MD-College Park Requisition ID 2026-166540 Position Category Scientific, Research & Analysis Clearance Top Secret/SCI w/Poly Responsibilities Peraton 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 reports*This position may be eligible for an increased sign-on bonus. Eligibility, bonus amount, and applicable terms and conditions will be discussed during the recruiting process* #MDFSP#PLABS26 Qualifications Required 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,...