ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Backbone Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Denver, CO · On-site

$162K/yr

Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for backbone network architecture, operational procedures, and deployment standards * Contribute to organizational strategy by providing ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Denver, CO · On-site

$162K - $227K/yr

... architecture, operational procedures, and deployment standards • Contribute to organizational strategy by providing input on backbone network capacity planning, technology selection, and team ...

NMC2

Backbone and Peering Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$64.25 - $86.25/hr

The Position We are seeking an experienced Backbone & Peering Network Architect to own the design and reference architecture of our HPC data center backbone, WAN connectivity, cloud service provider ...

MatchPoint

Network Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$80/hr

The data center backbone is built on Cisco ACI . This role is hands-on and architectural -the ideal ... Network automation * Assurance & analytics * Policy orchestration * Architect and implement Cisco ...

NorthMark Strategies

Backbone and Peering Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$64 - $85.75/hr

The Position We are seeking an experienced Backbone & Peering Network Architect to own the design and reference architecture of our HPC data center backbone, WAN connectivity, cloud service provider ...

Black Box Corporation

Computer Network Architect

Plano, TX · On-site

$62 - $83/hr

Responsible for defining an architectural vision and architecture for large, complex DMZs, which ... WAN and backbone network protocols. * Routing Protocol - BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, or VXLAN. * Firewall ...

NorthMark Strategies

Backbone and Peering Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

$64 - $85.75/hr

The Position We are seeking an experienced Backbone & Peering Network Architect to own the design and reference architecture of our HPC data center backbone, WAN connectivity, cloud service provider ...

NMC2

$47.75 - $64/hr

The Position We are seeking an experienced Backbone & Peering Network Architect to own the design and reference architecture of our HPC data center backbone, WAN connectivity, cloud service provider ...

NorthMark Strategies LLC

$47.75 - $64/hr

Position We are seeking an experienced Backbone & Peering Network Architect to own the design and reference architecture of our HPC data center backbone, WAN connectivity, cloud service provider on ...

New

Noblesoft Technologies

Network Architect

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$63 - $84.25/hr

Position: Network Architect Location: Raleigh, NC or Jefferson City, MO Key Requirements(Min 12 ... Access MPLS backbone routers (Cisco, Juniper) and troubleshoot at various layers * Ensure ...

Ang Signal LLC

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

The Network Architect must have considerable specialist skills and knowledge that allow them to ... We strongly believe that our staff is our greatest asset and the backbone of our company; and that ...

Ang Signal LLC

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

The Network Architect must have considerable specialist skills and knowledge that allow them to ... We strongly believe that our staff is our greatest asset and the backbone of our company; and that ...

Nvidia

Senior Network Architect

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

Lead the architecture, design, and deployment of globalscale backbone and data center fabrics that ... Implement and refine network monitoring, rich telemetry, and performanceengineering practices ...

ANG Signal

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

The Network Architect must have considerable specialist skills and knowledge that allow them to ... We strongly believe that our staff is our greatest asset and the backbone of our company; and that ...

Ang Signal LLC

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$140K - $200K/yr

The Network Architect must have considerable specialist skills and knowledge that allow them to ... We strongly believe that our staff is our greatest asset and the backbone of our company; and that ...

Angsignal

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$73.25 - $98.25/hr

The Network Architect must have considerable specialist skills and knowledge that allow them to ... We strongly believe that our staff is our greatest asset and the backbone of our company; and that ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTechnology JobsNetworking JobsNetwork Architect JobsBackbone Network Architect Jobs

Backbone Network Architect information

See salary details

$21

$71

$93

How much do backbone network architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for backbone network architect in the United States is $71.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.26 and $83.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a backbone network architect?

A Backbone Network Architect is a professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the core infrastructure that connects various networks within an organization or between organizations. They ensure high-speed data transmission, scalability, and reliability of network backbones, which are essential for supporting large volumes of traffic and mission-critical applications. These architects work closely with network engineers and IT teams to create robust network frameworks and resolve complex networking issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backbone network architect?

To thrive as a Backbone Network Architect, you need deep expertise in network design, routing protocols (like BGP and OSPF), and strong analytical skills, typically backed by a degree in computer science or engineering and relevant experience. Familiarity with network hardware (Cisco, Juniper), network management systems, and certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or JNCIE are frequently required. Strategic thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring reliable, scalable, and secure network infrastructures that support organizational growth and data integrity.

How does a backbone network architect typically collaborate with other IT teams during large-scale network upgrades?

Backbone Network Architects play a central role in coordinating with various IT teams, such as network engineers, security specialists, and data center managers, especially during major network upgrade projects. They are responsible for designing the overall network infrastructure and ensuring all components are compatible and optimized for performance, reliability, and security. Effective communication and regular meetings are common, as architects must gather requirements, address technical constraints, and ensure the deployment aligns with organizational goals. Collaboration is key to resolving issues quickly and maintaining smooth network operations throughout the upgrade process.

What are popular job titles related to Backbone Network Architect jobs?

For Backbone Network Architect jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Denver, CO • On-site

Meta
Internet and IT • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Metaexternal

$162K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Meta is seeking a senior Network Engineer to support the strategy, deployment, and operational excellence of one of the world's largest backbone networks. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across both Outside Plant (OSP) and Inside Plant (ISP) critical infrastructure, driving the planning, scaling, and reliability of Meta's global backbone. You will apply deep subject matter expertise spanning long-haul optical transport, fiber plant design, and ILA critical infrastructure to cross-functional initiatives that shape how Meta's backbone network evolves to meet the demands of billions of users worldwide. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role for a senior engineer who thrives on solving complex, large-scale network challenges across the full infrastructure stack.
Network Engineer, Backbone Operations Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical leadership across OSP (Outside Plant) and ISP (Inside Plant) infrastructure domains, including long-haul fiber routes, optical transport systems, and ILA critical infrastructure
  • Lead the deployment and operationalization of backbone fiber network infrastructure, including long-haul and metro optical transport across global points of presence and data centers
  • Develop and drive strategies and roadmaps for backbone network scaling, reliability, and operational efficiency across cross-functional teams
  • Author and review engineering design packages, methods of procedure, and scope of work documentation for both OSP fiber construction and ISP ILA critical infrastructure deployment projects
  • Identify systemic reliability gaps in backbone operations and lead problem management initiatives that span network engineering, infrastructure, and vendor organizations
  • Align workflow management tooling requirements and drive automation roadmaps to reduce manual operational burden across backbone deployment and support activities
  • Manage vendor and partner engineering relationships for backbone hardware, optical transport, and fiber construction, including contract negotiations and technical evaluation of current and prospective partnerships
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for backbone network architecture, operational procedures, and deployment standards
  • Contribute to organizational strategy by providing input on backbone network capacity planning, technology selection, and team scaling to meet projected traffic demands
  • Drive operational readiness for backbone infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless handoffs from deployment to production operations across data centers, points of presence, and colocation facilities

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of experience deploying, operating, and troubleshooting large-scale backbone or service provider optical network infrastructure
  • Experience with both OSP (Outside Plant) infrastructure including long-haul fiber routes and construction, and ISP (Inside Plant) infrastructure including ILA critical infrastructure systems
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting optical transport technologies such as DWDM
  • Experience leading cross-functional network deployment or migration projects, including authoring engineering design packages, methods of procedure, and bills of materials
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and driving technical evaluations for backbone network hardware and transport platforms
  • Experience developing and implementing operational improvements, including automation or tooling to streamline backbone network workflows

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated use of AI tools to redesign operational workflows, accelerate troubleshooting, or improve documentation quality with measurable efficiency outcomes
  • Network certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent in service provider or optical transport domains
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical strategy across integrated OSP/ISP infrastructure programs
  • Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python to streamline backbone operations, configuration management, or network telemetry workflows
  • Experience with traffic engineering in large-scale backbone environments
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$162,000/year to $227,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

What Meta employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply