Cyber Network Security Research Scientist

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.

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 8-10, MS 6-8, or Phd 5-7 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.
• Experience with embedded systems development, Linux kerned 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.
• Ability to work with other contractors as an equal or to assume a leadership or mentoring role.
• 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 with Intelligence Community customers and their interests and capabilities.
• Desire to work at customer research sites (primarily located in College Park, Md.) collaborating with government PMs and contractors to design working research prototypes. Only very limited WFH is possible because of the nature of the work.
• Candidates must be U.S Citizens with an active TS/SCI clearance with FSP. Some local travel may be required for off-site meetings, however, the position is primarily to provide on-site expertise for the customer’s research efforts.

Clearance and Citizenship:

• US Citizenship Required
• Active TS/SCI w/ Poly

Peraton drives missions of consequence spanning the globe and extending to the farthest reaches of the galaxy. As the world’s leading mission capability integrator and transformative enterprise IT provider, we deliver trusted and highly differentiated national security solutions and technologies that keep people safe and secure. Peraton serves as a valued partner to essential government agencies across the intelligence, space, cyber, defense, civilian, health, and state and local markets. Every day, our employees do the can’t be done, solving the most daunting challenges facing our customers.