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Backhaul Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Role Specter is hiring an RF Systems Engineer to define and optimize the end-to-end wireless ... Define multi-radio system architectures for long-range backhaul and high-throughput paths across ...

Hardware Engineer III

Irvine, CA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... backhaul, real-time monitoring, proxy recording and webcasting. For complex IP video systems ... The Hardware Design Engineer III is responsible for the design, development, testing, and support ...

Connectivity Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Connectivity Engineer, you will work within the Deployment Operations ... backhaul, and commercial and private 3G/4G/5G cell networks. The Connectivity team is responsible ...

Hardware Engineer III

Irvine, CA

$131K - $174K/yr

... backhaul, real-time monitoring, proxy recording and webcasting. For complex IP video systems ... The Hardware Design Engineer III is responsible for the design, development, testing, and support ...

Connectivity Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$113K - $149K/yr

ABOUT THE ROLE As a Connectivity Engineer, you will work within the Deployment Operations ... backhaul, and commercial and private 3G/4G/5G cell networks. The Connectivity team is responsible ...

... backhaul network infrastructure. The Systems Engineer will play a key role in taking the network to the next level through a number of projects including participation in network and systems ...

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Showing results 1-20

Backhaul Engineer information

See California salary details

$35.5K

$92.9K

$138.7K

How much do backhaul engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhaul engineer in California is $92,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges backhaul engineers face when integrating new technologies into existing network infrastructure?

Backhaul Engineers often encounter challenges when introducing new technologies, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy systems, minimizing network downtime during upgrades, and managing increased data traffic. They must carefully plan migrations, coordinate with cross-functional teams like network architects and operations, and perform thorough testing to maintain service reliability. Staying updated with evolving standards and managing vendor relationships are also key aspects of successfully integrating new solutions.

What is the difference between Backhaul Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectBackhaul EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Telecommunications, Networking, or related field; certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science, Networking, or related; similar certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentTelecom sites, cell towers, network infrastructure facilitiesOffices, data centers, client sites
Industry UsageTelecommunications, mobile network providersIT, corporate networks, service providers
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Backhaul Engineer primarily focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining the communication links that connect cell towers to core networks, often working in telecom environments. Network Engineers have a broader role, managing overall network infrastructure across various industries. While both roles require similar certifications and technical skills, their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What is a backhaul engineer?

Backhaul Engineers are telecommunications professionals who design, implement, and maintain the network infrastructure that connects core networks to edge networks, such as cell towers or local exchanges. Their work is critical for ensuring high-speed, reliable data transmission between network nodes, which supports services like mobile data, voice calls, and internet connectivity. They often work with fiber optics, microwave links, and other transmission technologies to optimize network performance and capacity. Backhaul Engineers also troubleshoot issues, plan network expansions, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backhaul engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backhaul Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking principles, telecommunications infrastructure, and transmission technologies, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with network management systems, fiber optics, microwave transmission tools, and certifications like CCNA or equivalent are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with cross-functional teams and troubleshooting network issues. These competencies ensure reliable, high-capacity network connectivity and support the seamless delivery of data services critical to modern communications.
What are popular job titles related to Backhaul Engineer jobs in California? For Backhaul Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Backhaul Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Backhaul Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Backhaul Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Backhaul Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Backhaul Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,867 per year, or $44.6 per hour.

Network Architect and Solutions Engineer

KBR

El Segundo, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Title:

Network Architect and Solutions Engineer

Belong. Connect. Grow. with KBR!

KBR's National Security Solutions team provides high-end engineering and advanced technology solutions to our customers in the intelligence and national security communities. In this position, your work will have a profound impact on the country's most critical role - protecting our national security.

You will join a systems engineering team defining the next generation of space communication systems supporting US Space Force (USSF) satellite communications. You will support Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) activities in a multidisciplinary and collaborative environment. You will interface and collaborate with SE&I team members, contractors, government civilians and members of the USSF. You will lead and support several working groups responsible for leading technical discussion, resolve and identify risk, requirement gaps, developing briefings, writing, and tracking action items, and authoring meeting minutes.

The MILSATCOM Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test (MSEIT) effort provides leading edge Systems Engineering & Integration (SE&I) for the US Space Force's Space Systems Center (SSC). We support the Space Force's acquisition of state of the art satellite communications systems, providing global secure, survivable, and protected communications for our nation's warfighters. We seek technical individuals who will thrive in a highly collaborative work environment of small teams, using the most modern tools and methodologies to tackle the challenges of integrating complex space and ground communications systems.

Why Join Us?

  • Innovative Projects:KBR's work is at the forefront of engineering, logistics, operations, science, program management, mission IT and cybersecurity solutions.
  • Collaborative Environment:Be part of a dynamic team that thrives on collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating workplace.
  • Impactful Work:Your contributions will be pivotal in designing and optimizing defense systems that ensure national security and shape the future of space defense.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a trusted technical advisor to government leadership for MILSATCOM backhaul and network transport solutions.

Develop, review, and refine network requirements, CONOPS, and technical performance parameters for SATCOMenabled services.

Provide independent assessment of prime contractor network architectures, ensuring alignment with government standards, mission needs, and enterprise integration requirements.

Support government evaluation of system trades, technical risks, and architectural alternatives across space, ground, and terrestrial environments.

Lead the development of networking concepts of operations (CONOPS) and technical requirements for MILSATCOM backhaul and transport services.

Analyze and advise on MILSATCOM backhaul architectures, including space segment, ground/baseband processing, transport, and enterprise network interfaces.

Support integration planning between prime SATCOM systems and DoD infrastructure, including DISA services and Servicespecific networks.

Assess baseband network switching, routing, and transport mechanisms required to connect SATCOM systems to DoD enterprise environments.

Identify interoperability concerns, interface gaps, and network performance impacts across integrated systems.

Integrate prime contractor SATCOM solutions with DoD infrastructure, including DISA transport services and Servicespecific networks (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force).

Coordinate closely with prime contractors, government program offices, DISA, and operational users to align designs with mission, security, and operational constraints.

Support definition and review of interface requirements, network diagrams, and technical documentation ensuring interoperability and standards compliance.

Analyze network performance parameters including bandwidth, latency, availability, redundancy, and resiliency for MILSATCOM backhaul architectures.

Provide technical input to acquisition activities, including requirements development, request for proposal (RFP) support, design reviews, and test planning.

Evaluate and recommend network technologies, protocols, and architectures to improve performance, security, and resiliency across SATCOM and terrestrial segments.

Participate in and lead technical interchange meetings (TIMs) with government and industry stakeholders to resolve integration challenges.

Support system verification, validation, and operational acceptance activities for SATCOM and network transport solutions.

Serve as a technical mentor and subjectmatter expert in MILSATCOM networking and DoD integration best practices.

Work Environment:

  • Location:On-site
  • Travel Requirements:Minimal
  • Working Hours:Standard

Qualifications:

Required:

Active Secret security clearance

Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics, physics, computer science, or equivalent technical discipline

10+ years of experience supporting military communications or network systems acquisition and/or operations

5+ years of experience working in development, research, or advanced engineering environments supporting government programs

5+ years of experience interfacing directly with senior stakeholders and contributing to requirements development and technical decisionmaking

Demonstrated experience working in a SETA, SEIT, FFRDC, or government advisory role supporting space and/or networked systems

Demonstrated expertise in the development of networking CONOPS and technical requirements for military or government systems

Strong understanding of MILSATCOM architectures, including backhaul services, ground systems, and enterprise network integration

Knowledge of DoD network environments, including transport, routing, switching, and enterprise services

Ability to perform independent technical analysis of contractor solutions

Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively with senior government, DISA, and industry stakeholders

Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparation of technical briefs, recommendations, and decision support materials

Working knowledge of software or scripting languages used for network modeling, emulation, or simulation

Desired:

  • TS/SCI eligibility or active clearance
  • Master's degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or equivalent technical discipline.
  • Experience with softwaredefined networking (SDN), virtualized network functions (VNF), or modern network management architectures.
  • Experience supporting DISA architectures, transport services, or enterprise network integration efforts.
  • Demonstrated expertise in software development or automation supporting network design, testing, or analysis.
  • Familiarity with DISA services, architectures, and transport offerings.
  • Experience with DoD acquisition lifecycle, requirements definition, and systems engineering processes.
  • Experience working in multidomain environments, including space, terrestrial, and enterprise networks
  • Systems engineering or program management certifications such as CSEP, ESEP, PMI / PMP

Basic Compensation: $150,000 - $187,000 in California

The offered rate will be based on the selected candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience and in consideration of internal parity.

Ready to Make a Difference?If you're excited about making a significant impact in the field of space defense and working on projects that matter, we encourage you to apply and join our team.

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.

KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.


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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998