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Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer Jobs in California

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$101K - $151K/yr

As Network Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to ... Ability to operate fluently in both Cisco IOS and Junos CLI under time-bound conditions * Ability ...

Senior Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$107K - $147K/yr

Rockstar is on the lookout for a talented Senior Network Engineer to manage the infrastructure and ... Solid understanding of Cisco NX-OS operating system. * Solid understanding of the BGP routing ...

Network Engineer (Test) - 26-034 - San Diego, CA As a growing Department of Defense Contractor ... Cisco Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) experience desirable. * CompTIA Security ...

New

Senior Network Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$107K - $147K/yr

Rockstar is on the lookout for a talented Senior Network Engineer to manage the infrastructure and ... Solid understanding of Cisco NX-OS operating system. * Solid understanding of the BGP routing ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125K - $176K/yr

Our team develops software for Cisco's network switches and routers, which feature advanced ... Proficient in C and Python programming. * Knowledge of hardware and device driver development ...

Software Engineer

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$125K - $176K/yr

Our team develops software for Cisco's network switches and routers, which feature advanced ... Proficient in C and Python programming. * Knowledge of hardware and device driver development ...

Position: Network Engineer Location: Los Angeles CA (Locals Only) Duration: 3- 6 Months ... Switches, Netscaler, Cisco Wireless, Cisco Routers) Security (Watchdog Firewall,VPN, HP ...

Cisco Platform and Related Technical Experience Required: - Scripting languages like python and should have worked with expect and other scripts that are used for network automation - Nexus switches ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer information

See California salary details

$24

$52

$79

How much do entry level cisco network engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cisco network engineer in California is $52.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.41 and $60.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level Cisco network engineer do?

An Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, implementation, and maintenance of network infrastructures using Cisco technologies. Their tasks often include configuring routers and switches, monitoring network performance, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and supporting senior engineers with larger projects. They work to ensure that network systems are efficient, secure, and meet the needs of the organization. Entry level engineers typically have a basic understanding of networking protocols and may hold certifications like Cisco's CCNA.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Cisco network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, TCP/IP protocols, and a relevant certification such as Cisco's CCNA. Familiarity with Cisco routers, switches, and network management tools is typically required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you troubleshoot issues and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliable network performance and supporting organizational IT needs.

What typical challenges do entry level Cisco network engineers face when transitioning from classroom learning to real-world network environments?

Entry Level Cisco Network Engineers often find that real-world networks are more complex and less predictable than lab scenarios. Common challenges include troubleshooting unexpected network issues, adapting to different hardware models, and managing time-sensitive tasks during outages or upgrades. Additionally, new engineers must quickly learn to document changes accurately and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. Overcoming these challenges requires continuous learning, asking for guidance from experienced colleagues, and being proactive in hands-on troubleshooting.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer vs Network Support Technician?

AspectEntry Level Cisco Network EngineerNetwork Support Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CompTIA A+, Network+
Work EnvironmentNetwork design, configuration, troubleshooting in Cisco environmentsHardware setup, basic troubleshooting, user support
ResponsibilitiesConfigure Cisco routers/switches, assist in network planningMaintain hardware, resolve user issues, perform routine checks

While both roles involve network support, Entry Level Cisco Network Engineers focus on configuring Cisco devices and network design, whereas Network Support Technicians handle hardware maintenance and user support. The former typically requires Cisco certifications like CCNA, and the role is more involved in network architecture, making it suitable for those aiming to specialize in Cisco networking.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Cisco Network Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $109,626 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

$101K - $151K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 370 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. Our organization is chartered with providing the skills, innovative technologies to develop, design, produce and sustain optimized product lines across the sector while providing a decisive advantage to the warfighter.
We are looking for you to join our team as a Network Engineer based out of San Diego, CA. As Network Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based Engineering, DevSecOps and Agile practices we continue to evolve how we deliver critical national defense products and capabilities for the warfighter. Our success is grounded in our ability to embrace change, move quickly and continuously drive innovation. The successful candidate will be collaborative, open, transparent, and team-oriented with a focus on team empowerment & shared responsibility, flexibility, continuous learning, and a culture of automation.
What You'll get to Do:
Roles and Responsibilities:
  • Perform as a consultant in highly specialized, leading edge information technologies and methodologies
  • Perform hardware and software installation, configuration, and maintenance
  • Comply with cyber requirements, which may include routine system checks for antivirus, logging, and network system services
  • Recommend and implement approved system enhancements that will improve the performance and reliability of the system including installing, upgrading/patching, monitoring, problem resolution, and configuration management
  • Solve complex problems across disciplines in an Agile, Networking, and Software environment
  • Opportunity to travel for system installations, test support, and customer demos

Qualifications:
Basic Qualifications for Network Engineer:
  • Bachelors degree in science, engineering, or related discipline with 2 years of experience, or 0 years of experience with a Masters degree
    • An additional 4 years of relevant experience can be considered in lieu of Bachelors degree
  • Experience configuring and operating OSPF in multi-area deployments and explain inter-area route propagation; Working knowledge of IS-IS including NET addressing, level selection, general configuration; Foundational knowledge of when and why to use iGP instead of eGP
  • Working BGP knowledge including iBGP and eBGP, route policy, and multi-site interconnect
  • Ability to operate fluently in both Cisco IOS and Junos CLI under time-bound conditions
  • Ability to build and operate multi-vendor topologies in GNS3 and EVE-NG for change validation and training
  • Experience administering RHEL-family Linux systems including Linux networking, and other administrative functions
  • Experience capturing and analyzing packets on routers, switches and hosts to validate L2 and L3 behavior
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Clearance: The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S Government Secret clearance is required.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Ability to articulate end-to-end packet flow across L2 and L3 boundaries including filter and ARP behavior
  • Working to continuously expand multi-vendor expertise beyond current platform comfort zone.

This position is contingent upon clearance, customer approval, and funding.
Primary Level Salary Range: $101,000.00 - $151,400.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939