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Lead Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cornerstone Defense

Lead Network Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Lead Network Engineer Location: McLean, VA *Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply * Company Overview: Cornerstone Defense, in partnership with our military, intelligence, and civil ...

Brown University

Lead Network Engineer

Landing, NJ · Hybrid

$98K - $136K/yr

Lead Network Engineer Office of Information Technology The Lead Network Engineer works closely with other teams in the Office of Information Technology to plan, design, and implement all network ...

Villanova University

Lead Network Engineer

Villanova, PA · On-site

$92K - $127K/yr

Lead Network Engineer Position Type: Staff Location: Villanova, PA Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants Work Schedule: full-time/12-months Avg Hours Week Department: 717-UTS - Data Networks ...

Brown University

Lead Network Engineer

Providence, RI · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Lead Network Engineer Office of Information Technology The Lead Network Engineer works closely with other teams in the Office of Information Technology to plan, design, and implement all network ...

The Walt Disney Company

Lead Network Engineer

Raleigh, NC

$98K - $136K/yr

Lead Network Engineer Req ID: 10148658 At Disney,we'restorytellers. We make theimpossible,possible. The Walt Disney Company(TWDC)is a world-class entertainment and technological leader. Walt ...

HealthPartners

Lead Network Engineer

Bloomington, MN

$102K - $140K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a subject matter expert across multiple areas of network infrastructure and plays a critical role in the design, maintenance, and monitoring of the organization ...

HealthPartners

Lead Network Engineer

Bloomington, MN

$102K - $140K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a subject matter expert across multiple areas of network infrastructure and plays a critical role in the design, maintenance, and monitoring of the organization ...

HealthPartners

Lead Network Engineer

Bloomington, MN · On-site

$63.77 - $95.65/hr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a subject matter expert across multiple areas of network infrastructure and plays a critical role in the design, maintenance, and monitoring of the organization ...

NTT DATA Services

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$117K - $195K/yr

We are currently seeking a Lead Network Engineer to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). J ob Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Engineer to serve as ...

UFP Industries

Lead Network Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer provides advanced hands-on engineering support for enterprise and hybrid cloud network infrastructure while serving as a technical leader and mentor for a team of network ...

Millennium Corporation

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$116K - $161K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a designated Key Personnel for a Federal Civilian Agency. This senior-level subject-matter expert is responsible for the architecture, engineering design, testing ...

NTT DATA Services

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$117K - $195K/yr

We are currently seeking a Lead Network Engineer to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). J ob Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Engineer to serve as ...

NTT DATA Services

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$117K - $195K/yr

We are currently seeking a Lead Network Engineer to join our team in Arlington, Virginia (US-VA), United States (US). J ob Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Lead Network Engineer to serve as ...

UFP Industries

Lead Network Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer provides advanced handson engineering support for enterprise and hybrid cloud network infrastructure while serving as a technical leader and mentor for a team of network ...

Millennium Corporation

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$116K - $161K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a designated Key Personnel for a Federal Civilian Agency. This senior-level subject-matter expert is responsible for the architecture, engineering design, testing ...

TEKsystems

Lead Network Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer provides advanced hands‑on engineering support for enterprise and hybrid cloud network infrastructure while serving as a technical leader and mentor for a team of network ...

NVA

Lead Network Engineer

$103K - $143K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer is responsible for driving the design, standardization, and modernization of the enterprise network across a rapidly growing, multi-site healthcare organization. This role ...

TEKsystems

Lead Network Engineer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer provides advanced hands‑on engineering support for enterprise and hybrid cloud network infrastructure while serving as a technical leader and mentor for a team of network ...

Millennium Corporation

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$116K - $161K/yr

The Lead Network Engineer serves as a designated Key Personnel for a Federal Civilian Agency. This senior-level subject-matter expert is responsible for the architecture, engineering design, testing ...

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All JobsLead Network Engineer Jobs

Lead Network Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$119.7K

$166.5K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in the United States is $119,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a lead network engineer do?

A lead network engineer designs, implements, and maintains an organization's computer networks, including LANs, WANs, and cloud infrastructure. They oversee network performance, troubleshoot issues, and guide a team of engineers, often requiring certifications like Cisco CCNP or CCIE and strong knowledge of network security and protocols.

What is the difference between Lead Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectLead Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNP, CCIE, Cisco certificationsCompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and oversee network infrastructureMaintain and support existing networks
ResponsibilitiesLead network projects, troubleshoot complex issues, plan network upgradesConfigure devices, monitor network performance, perform routine maintenance

The Lead Network Engineer typically has advanced certifications and focuses on designing and leading network projects, while the Network Administrator manages daily network operations and maintenance. Both roles require networking knowledge but differ in scope and seniority.

What is a Lead Network Engineer?

A Lead Network Engineer is a senior-level IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex computer networks within an organization. They oversee network infrastructure, troubleshoot high-level issues, and often lead a team of network engineers or administrators. Their duties also include ensuring network security, optimizing performance, and planning for future network growth. Lead Network Engineers play a key role in maintaining reliable and secure connectivity for businesses. They typically collaborate with other IT staff and management to align network solutions with organizational goals.

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

To thrive as a Lead Network Engineer, you need deep expertise in network design, troubleshooting, and security, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field and relevant certifications like CCNP or CCIE. Familiarity with tools such as Cisco IOS, network monitoring systems (e.g., SolarWinds), and virtualization platforms is crucial. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you manage teams and coordinate complex projects effectively. These skills and qualities ensure reliable, secure, and scalable network infrastructure, which is vital for organizational operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Lead Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCNP or CISSP), and expertise in network architecture and security can earn salaries of $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and individual skills.

What does L1, L2, L3 network engineer mean?

In the context of a Lead Network Engineer role, L1, L2, and L3 refer to different levels of technical support and expertise. L1 engineers handle basic troubleshooting, L2 engineers resolve more complex issues, and L3 engineers are senior specialists who address advanced problems and design solutions. Progression through these levels often requires increasing technical skills, certifications, and experience with network tools and protocols.

What engineers make $500,000?

Lead Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE or CISSP), and expertise in large-scale network infrastructure can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior or executive roles. High compensation often reflects leadership responsibilities, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries or organizations with complex network environments.

How does a Lead Network Engineer typically collaborate with other IT teams during large-scale network projects?

A Lead Network Engineer often acts as a bridge between network engineering and other IT teams, such as security, systems administration, and application development. During large-scale network projects, you will regularly coordinate with these groups to align technical requirements, resolve dependencies, and ensure seamless integration. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as you may lead meetings, delegate tasks, and provide guidance to both network engineers and cross-functional team members. This collaborative environment fosters innovation, reduces downtime, and ensures the network infrastructure supports overall business objectives.
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Lead Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,661 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

Cornerstone Defense

Herndon, VA • On-site

$104K - $144K/yr

Contractor

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

  • Location: Herndon, Virginia
  • Type: Contract
  • Job #3896

Title: Lead Network Engineer
Location: McLean, VA
*Clearance: *Active TS/SCI w/ Polygraph needed to apply *
Company Overview:
Cornerstone Defense, in partnership with our military, intelligence, and civil government customers, supports U.S. operations worldwide through the use of many different types of intelligence, satellite, and cyber technologies. Cornerstone's Intelligence Sector provides solutions to the United States Government for information collection, operations, exploitation and dissemination, and research activities. Our Team specializes in software development, cloud architecture, systems and network engineering, systems integration, agile management, as well as targeting operations and intelligence analysis. Our support to our mission customers includes cyber network operations, exploitation and defense, signals intelligence, human intelligence, and critical missions and networks.
Lead Network Engineer
McLean, VA
Cornerstone Defense is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to support a dynamic network environment hosting several data feeds at varying levels of classification.
Sr Comp Network Technologist - Open Mission Critical
The on-site lead Network Engineer (team lead of a three person team) shall perform a full range of complex network designs associate with the systems that are A&A on this program to encompassing multiple technologies within a single network; performing a full range of upgrades to the existing network architecture (to include security implementations and performing long term sustainment) monitoring, and maintenance to include troubleshooting and problem resolution.
The Lead Network Engineer shall perform, but not limited to, the following duties:
  • Evaluates new network technologies and makes recommendations to the COTR/PM and SAM project manager regarding the integration of these technologies into the existing network.
  • Plans new configurations for integration into the network, using knowledge of the performance characteristics of the systems being added to the network and the specifications for network interfaces to insure effective integration and optimal network performance.
  • Prepares technical informational presentation to the programs engineering review boards for approval to proceed adding new technologies to the network.
  • Perform enterprise network configuration and maintenance as it relates to Cisco, Juniper, etc., network components, network encryption devices, and computer workstations.
  • Configure, troubleshoot, and design Cisco routers (or other vendor) and multi-layer switches.
  • Designs and plans network communications systems; plans and formulates engineering program.
  • Support this programs senior leadership personnel and manage small projects from inception to completion including technical assessments, architectural design and planning, integration, testing, and implementation.
  • Diagnose network failures that results in unavailable services personnel and to take appropriate steps to repair or restore services.
  • Maintains a network monitoring plan for the programs networks.
  • Conducts testing of network designs.
  • Create Layer 2/Layer 3 Provisioning and Configuration Control Board Documentation.
  • Provides specifications and detailed schematics for network architecture.
  • Conduct Network Topology Surveys.
  • Document Network infrastructure at the logical and functional levels.
  • Serving as the point of contact for network engineers from the Office of the CIO and other IT organizations external to the CAC laboratory.

Mandatory Skills:
  • Bachelor's Degree, in computer science, information systems, engineering, mathematics, or four (4) years equivalent experience.
  • Ten (10) years' experience in network configuration and maintenance as it relates to network components, network encryption devices, and computer workstations.
  • Advanced understanding of networking systems.
  • Strong knowledge of Routing and Switching systems (Cisco preferred) with at least ten (10) years practical experience installing and maintaining routers and switches.
  • A strong knowledge of Multicast, Virtual LAN's, and Trunking (VLAN's) and Network Security Appliances.
  • Ten (10) years' experience performing the full network engineering lifecycle (i.e. design, install, test, and maintain network system).

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