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Lead Network Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts * Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to improve the Starshield network design * Assist in updating system configuration ...

Accelint

Senior Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

Lead network design process, manage existing networks. * Work in collaboration with the US Government network engineers, US Government Cyber/IA engineers, and other professionals in network setup and ...

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts * Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to improve the Starshield network design * Assist in updating system configuration ...

Barry Wehmiller Group

Network Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lead investigation, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of network performance problems or outages ... Bachelor of Engineering/Technology/Science or 6+ years of IT related work experience 2+ years of ...

SpaceX

Sr. Network Engineer (Starshield)

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$165K - $230K/yr

Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts * Collaborate with hardware, software, and network engineers to improve the Starshield network design * Assist in updating system configuration ...

Barry-Wehmiller Companies

Network Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lead investigation, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of network performance problems or outages ... Bachelor of Engineering/Technology/Science or 6+ years of IT related work experience 2+ years of ...

Paper Converting Machine

Network Engineer

Fresno, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Lead investigation, troubleshooting, and diagnosing of network performance problems or outages ... Bachelor of Engineering/Technology/Science or 6+ years of IT related work experience 2+ years of ...

Inficare Technologies

Datacenter Network Lead

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

Role - Datacenter Network Lead - AWS Cloud & Terraform Location - Palo Alto, CA (Onsite) Note: Only ... Collaborate with cloud, security, DevOps, and infrastructure teams. * Perform capacity planning ...

Cloud Destinations LLC

Network Engineer

Camarillo, CA · On-site

Senior Network Engineer Ventura County, CA Note : This is a W2 only role -- C2C, C2H will not be ... Lead the migration from legacy Cisco platforms to Catalyst 9K series switches across campus and ...

Atoms

Staff HPC Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... lead network projects end to end, from design through deployment. • Partner with vendors to select and engineer switches that set us up for the next stage of compute growth. • Develop scripts and ...

Gimlet Labs

Network Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$250K - $320K/yr

Lead network provisioning, device configuration, connectivity validation, deployment testing, and ... Work well across engineering, infrastructure, deployment, and operations teams. * Take ownership ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 11, 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 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.

IT Network Engineer - Top Secret Clearance

SpaceX

Hawthorne, CA • On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 hours ago

SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
IT NETWORK ENGINEER - TOP SECRET CLEARANCE
SpaceX is looking for an experienced network engineer to drive the build, deployment, and operation of classified IT networks which support critical national security missions. This position will own the network design and be responsible for proposing and implementing continual improvements to add more capabilities and customers. This position is also responsible for monitoring and improving network security, improving network performance and reliability, and optimizing network deployments.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead the design, implementation, and troubleshooting of classified networks
  • Lead network integration and troubleshooting efforts
  • Improve network performance and reliability using system performance metrics, including capacity planning, failure detection, and remediation
  • Support capacity augmentation and network optimization deployments
  • Assist with system configuration updates and firmware management
  • Configure, install, and support campus and data center networks
  • Support the deployment of network access control (NAC) using 802.1X
  • Build automation for network devices, operational processes, and deployment tools
  • Develop and enforce network policies and standards
  • Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or other STEM discipline and 3+ years of professional network engineering experience; OR 5+ years of professional network engineering experience in lieu of a degree
  • 1+ year of networking experience deploying enterprise network solutions and/or cloud and web-scale networks
  • Layer-1 experience (e.g., transport, DWDM, optical fiber, circuit troubleshooting, activations, etc.)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Hands-on experience with the deployment of networking hardware (routers, modems, switches, firewalls, etc..)
  • Expert understanding of the OSI model and network standards
  • Experience with physical troubleshooting of fiber and circuits
  • Hands on experience with the following:
    • Cisco Catalyst and Arista data center class switches
    • Network Access Control (NAC) using 802.1X
    • DNS, DHCP, SNMP, IP helpers, ARP, CDP, LLDP
    • BGP routing
    • Switch port security features
    • Network monitoring tools
    • Network documentation
  • Linux/Windows system administration
  • Experience with Python scripting
  • Cisco, Juniper, Arista or other industry certification
  • Ability to work independently and in a team, take initiative, and communicate effectively

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Active Top Secret or TS/SCI with Polygraph. Note that an active clearance may provide the opportunity for you to work on sensitive SpaceX missions. If so, you will be subject to pre-employment drug and random drug and alcohol testing
  • Must be willing to do some travel domestically and globally (<10%) in the future as needed
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Must be available for on-call rotations

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
IT Network Engineer: $130,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience. Those with an active clearance will receive a 10% differential, up to an additional $20,000 annually, once officially briefed into a classified program.
Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US

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