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Junior Networking Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skylo

Senior Cloud Networking Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to documentation, standards, and best practices. What We Look For * 7+ years of experience in network engineering, with at least 3+ years in cloud networking.

VAYLENT

Principal Network Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$135K - $165K/yr

Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior network engineers as the team grows. Requirements: Qualifications and Skills Education & Experience * 10+ years of network engineering experience ...

Socket.dev

Principal Network Engineer

Santa Fe Springs, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior network engineers as the team grows. Requirements Qualifications and SkillsEducation & Experience * 10+ years of network engineering experience ...

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Mentor and train junior network engineers BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise ...

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Mentor and train junior network engineers BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise ...

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA

$165K - $230K/yr

Mentor and train junior network engineers BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: * Bachelor's degree in a technical or engineering discipline AND 5+ years of professional networking experience deploying enterprise ...

In-N-Out Burger

Network Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $134K/yr

Network Engineer II Location: Irvine, CA Work Type: Full-time Department: IT Infrastructure ... Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical leadership and fostering ...

In-N-Out Burgers

Network Engineer II

Irvine, CA · On-site

$114K - $134K/yr

The Network Engineer II will serve as a member of the Network Engineering team, responsible for ... Mentor and guide junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical leadership and fostering ...

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All JobsNetworking Engineer JobsJunior Networking Engineer JobsJunior Networking Engineer Jobs in California

Junior Networking Engineer information

See California salary details

$33.1K

$70.9K

$108.1K

How much do junior networking engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior networking engineer in California is $70,859.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,900.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical responsibilities of a junior networking engineer?

A Junior Networking Engineer is responsible for assisting in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems. Their duties typically include configuring network hardware, monitoring network performance, resolving connectivity issues, and supporting senior engineers in larger projects. They may also help with documentation, network security tasks, and responding to user support requests. This role is often an entry-level position that provides foundational experience in network administration and engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior networking engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Networking Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking fundamentals, such as TCP/IP, routing, and switching, often supported by a relevant degree or entry-level certification like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA. Familiarity with network management tools, firewalls, and basic troubleshooting utilities is typically expected. Analytical thinking, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help set candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for maintaining reliable network performance, quickly resolving issues, and collaborating with team members in dynamic IT environments.

What types of projects or tasks can a junior networking engineer expect to work on during their first year?

As a Junior Networking Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as configuring switches and routers, assisting with network troubleshooting, and performing routine maintenance. You'll often support senior engineers on larger projects like network upgrades or deployments, and may be tasked with monitoring network performance and documenting network changes. Collaborating closely with IT support and security teams is common, enabling you to develop a well-rounded understanding of the organization's infrastructure. This exposure helps you build practical skills and prepares you for more advanced responsibilities over time.

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

AspectJunior Networking EngineerNetwork Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CompTIA Network+
ResponsibilitiesDesign, configure, and troubleshoot network systems; assist in network planningInstall, maintain, and repair network hardware; perform routine troubleshooting
Work EnvironmentOffice, data centers, network labsOn-site client locations, server rooms, data centers
Industry UsageIT companies, telecom providers, large organizationsIT support firms, enterprise networks, service providers

The main difference between a Junior Networking Engineer and a Network Technician lies in their responsibilities. Junior Networking Engineers focus on designing and planning networks, while Network Technicians primarily handle installation and maintenance tasks. Both roles often require similar certifications and work in related environments, but the Engineer role involves more planning and configuration tasks.

What cities in California are hiring for Junior Networking Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Junior Networking Engineer job openings:

Junior Networking Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Networking Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,859 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Junior Network Engineer

Telispree Communications

Temecula, CA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

We're looking for a Junior Network Engineer to join our field team, working alongside experienced engineers on large-scale installations. This is a hands-on role — you'll be on-site, learning by doing, and building real-world skills on a meaningful program. If you're early in your networking career and want field experience that accelerates your growth, this is that opportunity.

What you'll do:
  • Assist in the installation, rack-and-stack, and physical setup of enterprise network switches at customer sites.
  • Support cable management, patching, labeling, and hardware installation in network closets and data center environments.
  • Help validate connectivity, port assignments, and device operation following installations.
  • Assist with network cutovers and equipment migrations under the direction of a senior engineer.
  • Verify that connected devices return to service after equipment replacement.
  • Complete site documentation, photographs, asset records, and checklists as directed.
  • Support senior engineers with troubleshooting and field tasks as needed.
  • Represent the organization professionally while on-site at customer facilities.

Required qualifications:
  • 1+ year of hands-on experience in a networking, IT infrastructure, or field technician role.
  • Basic understanding of networking concepts — VLANs, switches, cabling, and IP addressing.
  • Comfortable working in physical environments — lifting equipment, running cables, working in server rooms and network closets.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical instructions and approved procedures.
  • Clear written communication — documentation and site checklists are part of the job.
  • Able and willing to travel extensively nationwide, including multi-day assignments and occasional evening or weekend work.
  • Valid driver's license; able to meet facility access and background check requirements.
  • Able to lift and handle networking equipment up to approximately 50 lbs.

Preferred qualifications:
  • Working experience with Juniper networking equipment — any hands-on exposure is a plus.
  • Familiarity with Cisco equipment and basic Cisco IOS navigation.
  • Experience participating in or supporting network cutovers or equipment migrations — highly desired.
  • Exposure to enterprise switch configuration, port assignments, or network troubleshooting.
  • CompTIA Network+, JNCIA-Junos, CCNA, or currently pursuing any of the above.
  • Prior experience in government, education, or other enterprise facility environments.

Travel:
This role requires nationwide travel — multi-day site deployments, active network environments, and occasional evening or weekend assignments. All travel expenses are covered. You'll be working alongside our senior engineers in the field, which means every trip is also a learning experience.

What we offer:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
  • All travel expenses covered.
  • Hands-on mentorship from experienced field engineers.
  • Real exposure to large-scale enterprise infrastructure programs.
  • Clear path to grow into a senior deployment role.