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Data Center Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA · On-site

$162K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery * Deploy, migrate ...

Meta

Network Engineer, Optical Deployment

Reston, VA

$135K/yr

Collaborate cross-functionally across Network Engineering, Data Center, Network Investments, and Planning teams to ensure successful execution of shared goals on network delivery * Deploy, migrate ...

The Swift Group, LLC

Network Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

They are seeking a highly experienced Network Engineer to design, implement, and manage complex ... Architect and operate Cisco Cloud & AI Infrastructure (CAI) solutions, including data center fabric ...

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All JobsData Center Network Engineer JobsData Center Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Data Center Network Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$51.1K

$146.2K

$195.3K

How much do data center network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center network engineer in Virginia is $146,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,300.00 and $194,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Data Center Network Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Data Center Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining network uptime during upgrades, troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. Addressing these challenges requires strong problem-solving skills, experience with network automation tools, and proactive communication with cross-functional teams. Staying current with industry certifications and best practices also helps engineers implement effective solutions and minimize downtime.

What is a Data Center Network Engineer?

A Data Center Network Engineer is an IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and troubleshooting the network infrastructure within data centers. They ensure that servers, storage systems, and networking hardware are connected securely and efficiently to support data center operations. Their work involves configuring network devices, monitoring network performance, maintaining security protocols, and planning for future growth. Data Center Network Engineers play a critical role in keeping data centers running smoothly and reliably.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Data Center Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE or Cisco Certified Design Expert), and specialized skills in network architecture and security can earn $300,000 or more annually. High-level roles often involve managing large-scale infrastructure, working in high-demand environments, and leading complex projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Network Engineer, you need expertise in networking protocols, hardware configuration, and troubleshooting, generally supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network management tools, Cisco or Juniper certifications (such as CCNA, CCNP), and experience with virtualization platforms are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in this role. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, rapid issue resolution, and seamless collaboration within IT teams in high-availability environments.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior data center network engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE or CCNP), and expertise in network architecture and security can reach salaries of $500,000 or more, especially in high-cost-of-living areas or large enterprise environments. These roles often involve leadership responsibilities, complex project management, and specialized skills with networking hardware and software tools.

How much do data center engineers get paid?

Data center engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with skills in networking, hardware, and troubleshooting can earn higher salaries. Salaries also vary based on the complexity of the data center environment and the employer.

What does a data center network engineer do?

A data center network engineer designs, implements, and maintains the network infrastructure within data centers, including switches, routers, and firewalls. They troubleshoot network issues, optimize performance, and ensure security and reliability, often using tools like network monitoring software and requiring certifications such as Cisco CCNA or CCNP.

What is the difference between Data Center Network Engineer vs Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician?

AspectData Center Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and maintain data center networksMonitor and troubleshoot network issues in real-time
Employer & IndustryData centers, cloud providers, large enterprisesTelecom, internet service providers, managed service providers

The main difference is that Data Center Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining data center network infrastructure, while NOC Technicians monitor and troubleshoot network issues in real-time. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments but serve different functions within network management.

What are popular job titles related to Data Center Network Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Data Center Network Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Center Network Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Network Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Data Center Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Network Engineer job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,196 per year, or $70.3 per hour.
Tier 2 Network Engineer (Top Secret) with Security Clearance

Tier 2 Network Engineer (Top Secret) with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Manassas, VA

$140K - $170K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Tier 2 Network Engineer to support a critical program for Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration in Manassas, VA and Washington, D.C.. The team is seeking a skilled engineer to design, implement, and maintain secure, high-performance network infrastructures in support of stockpile management, nonproliferation and nuclear security. This job opens for applications on 5/26/2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date Clearance: Active Top Secret Clearance and/or DOE Q Location: Washington, D.C. initially, then Manassas, VA Schedule: 100% on-site Responsibilities of the Network Engineer: * Work closely with cross-functional teams to diagnose issues, enhance performance, and maintain the scalability and dependability of the network, while overseeing continuous upgrades and strengthening security measures * Deploy, configure, maintain, and enhance LAN and WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, VPN devices, load balancers, and security systems.
* Apply security patches promptly across all network infrastructure components, such as routers, switches, voice/video systems, and security appliances.
* Utilize network monitoring tools to assess performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement optimizations aligned with industry best practices.
* Maintain a current inventory of network assets, tracking both hardware and software components to support effective asset management and lifecycle planning.
* Contribute to network project planning by offering design insights, technical evaluations, and support during engineering discussions.
* Oversee data center network infrastructure, assist with storage and virtualization platforms, and collaborate with cross-functional teams on infrastructure scaling and enhancements.
* Diagnose and resolve network issues and outages impacting voice, video, and data services; coordinate and schedule necessary upgrades and performance enhancements.
* Exhibit skills in routing, switching, and firewall configuration, supporting the deployment and maintenance of secure, high-performance LAN/WAN environments. Qualifications of the Network Engineer: * Active Top Secret and/or DOE Q clearance
* Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline and 5-8+ years of network engineering experience
* Certifications: Sec+, CCNA (highly preferred)
* Extensive experience configuring Cisco routers and switches (IOS/NX-OS), as well as Palo Alto Next-Generation Firewalls and VPNs.
* Hands-on experience with General Dynamics Taclanes and/or GEM One encryption devices.
* Proficient in F5 Load Balancer technologies, including GTM and BIG-IP DNS.
* Strong technical background in both Windows and Unix/Linux environments, with expertise in network security, traffic analysis, incident response, vulnerability assessment, packet inspection, and system hardening.
* In-depth knowledge of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking protocols, encryption standards, and communication protocols, including but not limited to: TLS/SSL, IPsec, SSH, BGP, VLAN, LLDP, LACP, ARP, 802.1X, DNS, AES, and NTP.
* Skilled in network design, implementation, troubleshooting, and performance optimization.
Compensation of the Network Engineer: * Total compensation based on experience level - $140,000-$170,000 **based on experience level**
* Full Benefits: PTO, 11 Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401k with ADP
* Long-term program (3.5 years remaining) Keywords: network design, network implementation, LAN, WAN, routing protocols, top secret, DOE Q, Q clearance, F5, load balancer, VLAN, NTP, CCNA, CCNP, Sec+, Net+, onsite, on-site, Manassas, D.C., Virginia, ts/sci, security clearance, switching protocols, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLAN, STP, RSTP, MSTP, subnetting, IP addressing, IPv4, IPv6, NAT, PAT, DHCP, DNS, TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, ARP, MAC addressing, QoS, multicast, unicast, broadcast, firewall configuration, VPN, IPsec, SSL/TLS, SSH, network security, intrusion detection, intrusion prevention, SIEM, packet analysis, Wireshark, SNMP, NetFlow, syslog, network monitoring, network troubleshooting, performance tuning, load balancing, F5, GTM, BIG-IP, Cisco IOS, NX-OS, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point, network automation, Python scripting, Ansible, SDN, SD-WAN, cloud networking, AWS networking, Azure networking, GCP networking, virtualization, VMware, Hyper-V, network segmentation, 802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+, wireless networking, Wi-Fi, 802.11 standards, network topology, cabling standards, fiber optics, Ethernet, PoE, data center networking, high availability, redundancy, failover, network documentation, change management, configuration management, network compliance, NIST, ISO 27001, ITIL, DevOps, NetDevOps

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