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Junior Level Network Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

Expert-level knowledge of EIGRP and BGP. * VRF-lite: Experience in extending security segments ... Network engineer * Cisco Catalyst Switches (9300, 9400, 9500, 9600 series): * Palo Alto firewall ...

Senior Network Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$108K - $148K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance. * Participate in on-call rotation and support after-hours maintenance activities. Cloud Networking (AWS / Azure) * Design and support cloud ...

Design and manage the roll out of critical network infrastructures to support clients' products and services, on both a strategic (long term) and tactical (immediate term) level. Perform analytical ...

Systems Software Engineer III

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$181K - $214K/yr

Supports the troubleshooting of local and wide area network issues as they arise. * Utilizes ... Develops, trains and coaches junior level Design Engineers and Systems Software Engineers on ...

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Showing results 1-20

Junior Level Network Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$35.5K

$69.1K

$98.6K

How much do junior level network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior level network engineer in Portland, OR is $69,077.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $81,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by junior level network engineers in their first year on the job?

Junior Level Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unfamiliar network issues, adapting to rapidly changing technologies, and managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. They may also need to quickly learn how to document network changes accurately and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members. Gaining hands-on experience with complex equipment and navigating enterprise-level networks can be daunting initially, but these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and help build a strong foundation for career growth.

What is a junior level network engineer?

Junior Level Network Engineers are entry-level professionals responsible for assisting in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network hardware and software. They typically work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to troubleshoot connectivity issues, monitor network performance, and ensure the security and reliability of network systems. These roles are ideal for those starting their careers in networking, as they provide foundational experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and various networking protocols. Junior engineers may also assist with documentation, user support, and the implementation of network upgrades as directed by senior staff.

What is the difference between Junior Level Network Engineer vs Network Technician?

AspectJunior Level Network EngineerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA (preferred)
ResponsibilitiesDesign, configure, troubleshoot network systems, assist in planningInstall, maintain, and repair network hardware and connections
Work EnvironmentOffice, data centers, network labsOn-site, hardware installation sites, support centers
Industry UsageIT companies, telecom providers, enterprise networksTelecom, IT support, hardware vendors

The main difference is that Junior Level Network Engineers focus on designing and troubleshooting network systems, often requiring some planning and configuration skills, while Network Technicians primarily handle hardware installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Junior Level Network Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of networking concepts, troubleshooting, and basic security principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network hardware, Cisco IOS, and certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and clear communication help you effectively resolve issues and support users. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining network reliability, ensuring security, and enabling seamless connectivity within an organization.

What are popular job titles related to Junior Level Network Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

For Junior Level Network Engineer jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Junior Level Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Junior Level Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Level Network Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,077 per year, or $33.2 per hour.

Network Engineer, Foundation & Support

Meta

Hillsboro, OR

$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

136th of 244 rated software companies


Job description

Meta’s Edge & Network Services (ENS) team is actively looking for a Network Engineer to help us tackle the unique set of challenges and opportunities we face, while contributing to our company mission of building the future of human connection and the technology that makes it possible. This global team offers the opportunity to work with the latest data center network infrastructure technologies and talented engineers solving some of the most complex problems in the industry. For this role, we are looking for a Network Engineer with solid experience in cable infrastructure and fiber connectivity solutions, including the design and build out of data center infrastructure. We are also seeking someone who can use their coding and automation experience to help improve our data center design, construction, and facility operations and processes. Reach out to us if you are ready to innovate and contribute to our mission.
Network Engineer, Foundation & Support Responsibilities:
  • Support all aspects of data center construction and network deployment including new greenfield sites, collocation build outs, and retrofits
  • Collaborate with network engineering, data center design, and data center connectivity teams to generate network infrastructure design packages and solutions for the deployment teams
  • Be a subject matter expert (SME) for the physical infrastructure and design and deployment of the building management system (BMS) and controls network and other general services networks in the data center
  • Partner with our software teams to ensure our Fiber Infrastructure Management tool accurately reflects network infrastructure design intent and captures any infrastructure changes
  • Perform logical network bootstrapping functions to ensure our internal tools reflect network hardware and circuits
  • Build and nurture business relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and vendors
  • Lead and drive strategic initiatives focused on enhancing efficiency, innovation, and standardization within our data center build processes to accelerate the delivery of network infrastructure
  • Perform site visits and work cross-functionally with construction, design architects, and contractors to validate cabling infrastructure and network builds according to Meta standards
  • Influence future iterations of data center and network designs to ensure seamless integration of new infrastructure and enable scalability
  • Maintain technical reference, process, and training documentation
  • Develop automation and tooling to drive consistency and efficiency in all aspects of network design, deployment, and operations
  • Strategically oversee a vendor field team, ensuring their engagement and successful delivery of data center construction milestones
  • 25% to 40% of travel required based on project demand

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8-10+ years of work experience with designing and deploying large-scale data center network infrastructure
  • Demonstrated knowledge of structured cabling and fiber optic infrastructure including design and installation best practices, industry standards, application and limitations
  • Knowledge of the data center design, construction, and start up/commissioning processes
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams and driving large-scale data center projects
  • Track record of solving problems, setting strategic direction, and executing tactically
  • Working knowledge of internet networking technologies (TCP/IP, routing, switching) and optical transport technologies
  • Knowledge of enterprise and provider level network hardware platforms (IP + Optical)
  • Organizational, multitasking, prioritization and communication experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience leading and managing technical teams
  • Experience working with on-site construction teams and managing contractor and vendor relationships
  • Knowledge of data center facilities management using building management and automation systems
  • In-depth experience of inside/outside plant cable design and dark fiber builds
  • Experience working on a global team in a matrixed environment with limited supervision
  • Data center design or relevant telecommunications certifications
  • 2+ years of programming experience in at least one language such as Python/C++/Go or other languages
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • 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.

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