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Backhaul Engineer Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Backhaul Engineer information

See Ohio salary details

$34.2K

$89.5K

$133.6K

How much do backhaul engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for backhaul engineer in Ohio is $89,460.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,900.00 and $110,800.00 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 are Backhaul Engineers?

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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Backhaul Engineer jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Backhaul Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Backhaul Engineer job openings in Ohio as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,460 per year, or $43 per hour.
Journeyman Network Engineer with Security Clearance

Journeyman Network Engineer with Security Clearance

22nd Century Technologies, Inc.

Dayton, OH • On-site

$79K - $165K/yr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Details for your reference:
Job Title: Journeyman Network Engineer Position Type: 3 months (contract-to-hire)
Shift Schedule: 1st shift
Salary: $79000 – $165000/yr. Job Description: As the SME, Network Engineering, you will shape the tactical and enterprise networking underpinnings of Major Release 2 (FY 25‐27)—orchestrating SATCOM, SDR, cross‐domain solutions, and software‐defined networking that connect airborne platforms to the Digital Infrastructure (DI) and the broader DAF BATTLE NETWORK. Essential Job Functions:
• Architect & Design: Lead creation of the PG network reference architecture spanning Nomad hardware, Smith software builds, and Watch node‐management elements. Define routing schemas (BGP/OSPF/IS‐IS), QoS policies, IPSec/crypto overlays, and multi‐level security / cross‐domain data‐flow rulesets that comply with NSA and DISA STIG requirements. Produce SysML/CAMEO artifacts feeding the government‐owned digital thread.
• Integration & Lab Leadership: Specify and configure routers, switches, firewalls, SATCOM modems, and SDRs inside the Integration SIL; drive interface‐control documentation (ICDs) for airborne PIMs. Develop automated test harnesses (IXIA/TestCenter, Spirent, Ansible) to validate throughput, latency, packet‐loss, and IA posture before DT/OT.
• DevSecOps & Cyber Hygiene: Embed network‐security controls into the PG DevSecOps pipeline; champion zero‐trust principles and continuous ATO artifacts (RMF eMASS packages, ACAS/SCAP scans). Guide implementation of Software Defined Networking (SD‐WAN, OpenFlow, or comparable) for dynamic airborne/ground path selection.
• Fielding & Operations: Partner with platform SPOs and flight‐test organizations to translate lab configs into flight‐worthy builds; draft Interim Authorizations To Test (IATT) and airworthiness network annexes. Support Watch help‐desk playbooks, operational runbooks, and remote monitoring dashboards (Elastic, Grafana, Prometheus).
• Leadership & Mentoring: Serve as the chief technical adviser to Government IPT leads; brief network readiness, risk, and performance metrics at program reviews. Mentor mid‐level engineers and ensure knowledge transfer to Government personnel. Must-Have Skills:
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Deep expertise in routing/switching (Layer 2/3), SATCOM backhaul, RF/mesh networking, and transport enclaves in contested or bandwidth‐limited environments.
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred) and 8 years of experience designing, integrating, and securing DoD or IC mission‐critical IP networks.
• Demonstrated experience with cross‐domain solutions, NSA Type‐1 crypto, and multi‐level security architectures.
• Hands-on with network test/validation tools and scripting/automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform) Preferred or Nice-to-have Skills
• CCNP/CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent expert-level certification
• Prior work on CJADC2, ABMS, OMS/UCI, tactical data links (Link-16/22, TTNT), or airborne networking programs
• Familiarity with containerized networking (CNI plugins, Service Mesh) and classified DevSecOps pipelines (Platform One, Iron Bank)
• Experience with Agile/Scrum or SAFe certification
• Experience shepherding RMF packages through eMASS to full ATO Years of Experience: 8 years Industry Experience: DoD or IC mission-critical IP networks, with a focus on airborne networking and SATCOM. Education Requirements: Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)