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.
Original Posting:October 2, 2025For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
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.
Top Skills
What We Do
We Are Leidos
For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world.
OUR MISSION
Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020.
Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®.
Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos.
Your most important work is ahead.
