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Lead Network Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Lead Network Engineer on our team, you'll lead network integration, system testing, troubleshooting, engineering reviews, and documentation for cross-functional teams. You'll serve as the local ...

Lead Network Engineer, Network

Hollywood, CA · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

  • PTO

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 ...

Lead Network Engineer, Network

Hollywood, CA · On-site

$112K - $155K/yr

  • PTO

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 ...

... environments. • Lead network provisioning, device configuration, connectivity validation ... across engineering and infrastructure teams. • Take ownership of problems end-to-end and are ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Aug 14, 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:

Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,094 per year, or $56.8 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

Booz Allen Hamilton

San Diego, CA • On-site

$99K - $225K/yr

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Job Number: R0246896
Network Engineer, Lead
The Opportunity:
As a Lead Network Engineer on our team, you'll lead network integration, system testing, troubleshooting, engineering reviews, and documentation for cross-functional teams. You'll serve as the local primary technical resource for network engineers, providing daily technical direction, implementation oversight, and timely engineering decisions. You'll also mentor and develop network engineers through direct technical guidance, coaching, and support on complex issues.
You'll act as an on-site technical advisor to government clients and leadership, guiding system architecture, solution design, and implementation. You'll develop and deliver technical briefs, solution recommendations, modernization guidance, and implementation planning to help clients make informed technical decisions and successfully deploy mission-critical network capabilities.
Your network engineering and technical leadership experience will help advance Sof tware-Defined Access ( SDA ) , Sof tware-Defined Networking ( SDN ) , Zero T rus t, automation, and enterprise network modernization initiatives. Working alongside cross-functional teams, you'll help solve complex engineering challenges while supporting the modernization and security of Navy enterprise networks.
Grow your career with us as we help modernize and secure the Navy's mission-critical network infrastructure.
Join us. The world can't wait.
You Have:
  • 10+ years of experience configuring, integrating, and troubleshooting Cisco enterprise network infrastructure
  • Experience with a Cisco Catalyst Center , including SDA, SWIM, automation, and LISP, and enterprise routing, including OSPF, IS-IS, and BGP such as eBGP or iBGP
  • Experience supporting Cisco SD-WAN deployments, policy management, VPNs, and WAN integration
  • Experience integrating and troubleshooting the Cisco Identity Services Engine ( ISE ) , including AAA, SGTs, and 802.1X
  • Experience troubleshooting enterprise network security technologies, including firewalls, proxies, TACACS+, and RADIUS
  • Experience serving as a primary technical representative to government customers
  • Ability to lead cross-functional engineering teams and communicate effectively with clients and stakeholders
  • Secret clearance
  • HS diploma or GED
  • CompTIA Security+ and CCNP Certification s

Nice If You Have:
  • Experience with U.S. Navy enterprise networks
  • Experience with network automation, including Python, Ansible, or similar tools
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field

Clearance:
Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information ; Secret clearance is required.
Compensation
At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.
Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $99,000.00 to $225,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.
Identity Statement
As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.
Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.
  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.
  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.
  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.

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About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914