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Lead Network Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Cadence

Lead Network Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$118K - $164K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Network Engineer to design and deploy campus network solutions, manage wireless infrastructure, and ensure network security and performance optimization. Responsibilities ...

Paramount

Lead Network Engineer, Network

Hollywood, CA · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

Lead Network Engineer *This role is on-site at our Hollywood, CA work location. Job Summary The Lead Network Engineer is a seasoned professional who provides advanced expertise for planning ...

Paramount

Lead Network Engineer, Network

Hollywood, CA

$112K - $155K/yr

Lead Network Engineer*This role is on-site at our Hollywood, CA work location.Job Summary The Lead Network Engineer is a seasoned professional who provides advanced expertise for planning ...

Harbinger

Lead Network Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Network Engineer to oversee on-prem and cloud network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security while collaborating with various teams to integrate network ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Lead Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

R0226901 Network Engineer, Lead The Opportunity: A well-designed network is critical to move data and enable global organizations and users to achieve their mission, but how can an organization make ...

Harbinger

Lead Network Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a Lead Network Engineer to oversee the network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security while collaborating with various teams to integrate network resources.

Harbinger

Lead Network Engineer

Garden Grove, CA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

They are seeking a Network Lead to manage on-prem and cloud network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security. Responsibilities : • Ownership of all on-prem and cloud network ...

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All JobsLead Network Engineer JobsLead Network Engineer Jobs in California

Lead Network Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$118.1K

$164.3K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in California is $118,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,200.00 and $138,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Network Engineer jobs in California? For Lead Network Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Network Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Network Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Network Engineer jobs in CA? For Lead Network Engineer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,094 per year, or $56.8 per hour.
Lead Network Engineer

Lead Network Engineer

Cadence

San Jose, CA • On-site

$118K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Cadence is a company focused on hiring leaders and innovators in technology. They are seeking a Lead Network Engineer to design and deploy campus network solutions, manage wireless infrastructure, and ensure network security and performance optimization.
Responsibilities:
• Campus Network Architecture: Lead the end-to-end design and deployment of campus network solutions, leveraging Cisco, HPE, and Aruba platforms to ensure scalability, resilience, and seamless user experience.
• Wireless Networking: Architect, implement, and manage Aruba Wireless infrastructure, optimizing coverage, capacity, and security for thousands of users across campus facilities.
• Network Access Control: Deploy and administer ClearPass solutions for secure network access, including device onboarding, authentication, policy enforcement, and guest management.
• Integration & Interoperability: Ensure seamless integration between Cisco, HPE, and Aruba ecosystems, troubleshooting and optimizing interoperability challenges.
• Network Performance Optimization: Monitor, analyze, and fine-tune network performance, proactively identifying bottlenecks, enhancing throughput, and minimizing downtime.
• Security & Compliance: Implement robust security protocols and standards across wired and wireless networks, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams in large-scale network projects, setting clear milestones, tracking deliverables, and ensuring timely completion.
• Documentation & Standards: Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, device inventories, configuration standards, and incident reports.
• End-User Support: Provide expert-level troubleshooting for network-related issues, collaborating with helpdesk teams, site support teams and end users.
• Capacity Planning: Analyze current and projected network needs, designing scalable solutions to support organizational growth and evolving technology.
• High Availability & Business Continuity: Develop and maintain network redundancy, failover mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years’ progressive experience in network engineering, with demonstrable expertise in campus network environments.
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with Cisco switching and routing (Catalyst, Nexus, DNA Center)
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with HPE/Aruba switching
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with Aruba Wireless, APs, Controllers, Mobility Conductor
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with ClearPass Policy Manager, Guest, Onboard, and integration features
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with network access control and zero-trust frameworks
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with campus segmentation (VLANs, VXLAN, SDN)
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with network monitoring tools
• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+, EAP)
• Results-driven mindset with a track record of delivering high-impact network solutions on time and within budget
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities
• Clear and effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Leadership and mentorship experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among teams
• Agility in dynamic, fast-paced environments, adapting to evolving business needs
Preferred:
• Master’s degree or certifications are a plus.
• Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure or Wireless)
• HPE ASE/MASE (Aruba Certified)
• Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX) or Professional (ACMP)
• Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX)
• Other relevant industry certifications are desirable
Company:
Cadence is a market leader in AI and digital twins, pioneering the application of computational software to accelerate innovation in the engineering design of silicon to systems. Founded in 1988, the company is headquartered in San Jose, USA, with a team of 10001+ employees. The company is currently Late Stage.

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