1

Lead Network Engineer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively lead collaboration efforts across multiple organizations and engineering disciplines * Proficiency in one or more network configuration and ...

Lead Network Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$110K - $152K/yr

The Sr. Network Engineer will be supporting a Cisco based network infrastructure with 11 office locations in the Northeast with two Data Centers providing connectivity to over 750 physical and ...

Lead Network Engineer

Boston, MA

$110K - $152K/yr

The Sr. Network Engineer will be supporting a Cisco based network infrastructure with 11 office locations in the Northeast with two Data Centers providing connectivity to over 750 physical and ...

Core Network Engineer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$105K - $120K/yr

Lead network deployments from planning and design through implementation, testing, migration, and operational handoff. * Develop engineering designs, implementation plans, migration procedures, test ...

... Lead network infrastructure projects from design to implementation ensuring timely deliver and ... Azure Network Engineer, GCP Associate/Professional, AWS DevOps Engineer, AWS Advanced Networking ...

We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, deploy, and operate enterprise network ... Lead incident response for complex network issues, performing root cause analysis and driving ...

Senior Network Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$130K - $155K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, deploy, and operate enterprise network ... Lead incident response for complex network issues, performing root cause analysis and driving ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Lead Network Engineer information

See Massachusetts salary details

$49.7K

$130.7K

$181.8K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in Massachusetts is $130,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,800.00 and $152,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Lead Network Engineer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Lead Network Engineer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Network Engineer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Network Engineer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Lead Network Engineer jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Lead Network Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,685 per year, or $62.8 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

The MITRE Corporation

Mclean, VA • On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


MITRE Corporation rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

162nd of 449 rated engineering


Job description

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities for career growth, and a culture of innovation that embraces adaptability, collaboration, technical excellence, and people in partnership. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE - and make a difference with us.
Department Summary:
As an operator of Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs), MITRE staff are tasked with applying their skills to impact programmatic and technical decisions of highest importance to the nation. The Advanced Wireless & SATCOM Department which is part of the MITRE Technology and Engineering Infrastructure, Networking, and Communications Division, has as its mission to provide premier communications network engineering services for our customers at all classification levels. Our engineers have expertise in research, design, analysis, modeling and simulation, lab experimentation, field testing, and implementation of networks across a diverse set of networked communication environments including virtual, wired, and wireless. We are adept at combining networking research and innovation with practical hands-on experience to provide risk reduction and deployable solutions for our customers.
We seek to expand our department with staff capable of leading and performing communications network engineering research and analysis tasks. They should have a solid understanding of and interest in networking protocols and principles, as well as the desire to learn more and focus in this area.
Roles & Responsibilities:
Specific duties will vary by project but will generally include a combination of research, design, analysis, testing, experimentation, and modeling & simulation of communications networks to solve our nation's most complex problems. Those activities will include one or more of following:
  • Build lab-based testbeds and conduct proof-of-concept experiments
  • Model the performance and behavior of networks in tactical environments
  • Work with cyber and infrastructure automation technologies
  • Research emerging technologies and assess applicability to sponsor missions
  • Assist sponsors in analyzing, modernizing, and advancing their programs

If a specific project requires skills or knowledge of technologies with which you are unfamiliar, your responsibilities will also include reaching back to fellow network research engineers across the MITRE corporation to bring their expertise to bear.
To be clear, these openings are for research, design, and analysis positions that are focused in the area of networking. They do not involve administering, operating, troubleshooting, or otherwise maintaining a production communications network.
Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 8 years of related experience; or Master's degree with 6 related years; or a PhD with 3 years' experience; or equivalent combination of related education and work experience.
  • Demonstrated expertise and leadership in one or more of the department's focus areas:
    • Wireless and tactical networks, including 5G
    • Network security and management
    • Emerging network technologies including cloud networking, SDN, and NFV
    • Network modeling, simulation, emulation, and analysis
  • Proficiency in one or more scripting or programming languages such as C, C++, Java, and Python
  • Knowledge of modern networking technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), cloud networking
  • Strong foundational knowledge of TCP/IP networking fundamentals and OSI stack, including wireless networking and modern network security
  • Possess excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
  • Work well in a collaborative team environment with inter-disciplinary and geographically dispersed teams
  • Willingness to expand into and master network protocol, technology and skill areas listed above with which the candidate may not yet have experience
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Clearance
  • This position requires a minimum of 50% hybrid on-site

Preferred Qualifications:
  • MS or PhD in engineering discipline with 7+ years relevant experience
  • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills to effectively lead collaboration efforts across multiple organizations and engineering disciplines
  • Proficiency in one or more network configuration and orchestrations frameworks such as Ansible, NETCONF, and YANG
  • Experience with modeling and simulation of communications and networking, utilizing tools such as: EMANE, OPNET/Riverbed, and Exata
  • Expertise in tactical network architectures, designs, and challenges; including familiarity with Naval or other DoD tactical networks
  • Knowledge of DoD smart routing technologies such as DyNAMO, CaaS, etc.
  • Foundational knowledge of network and cyber security, including recent concepts such as Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA)
  • Experience with systems engineering processes for networking systems, e.g., requirements development & review, V&V, etc.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Top Secret Clearance

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret
This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
None
Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$147,200 - $184,000 - $220,800 Annual
Work Location Type:
Hybrid
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
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.
MITRE intends to maintain a website that is fully accessible to all individuals. If you are unable to search or apply for jobs and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of MITRE's employment process, please email for general support and for intern positions. This service is for individuals requiring reasonable accommodation requests. Please note that vendor solicitations will not receive a reply.
Benefits information may be found here.
Copyright 1997-2026, The MITRE Corporation. All rights reserved. MITRE is a registered trademark of The MITRE Corporation. Material on this site may be copied and distributed with permission only.

What MITRE Corporation employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


MITRE logo

About MITRE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Why choose between doing meaningful work and having a fulfilling life? At MITRE, you can have both. That's because MITRE people are committed to tackling our nation's toughest challenges-and we're committed to the long-term well-being of our employees. MITRE is different from most technology companies. We are a not-for-profit corporation chartered to work for the public interest, with no commercial conflicts to influence what we do. The R&D centers we operate for the government create lasting impact in fields as diverse as cybersecurity, healthcare, aviation, defense, and enterprise transformation. We're making a difference every day-working for a safer, healthier, and more secure nation and world. Our workplace reflects our values. We offer competitive benefits, exceptional professional development opportunities, and a culture of innovation that embraces diversity, inclusion, flexibility, collaboration, and career growth. If this sounds like the choice you want to make, then choose MITRE-and make a difference with us. MITRE is a trusted operator of federally funded research and development centers and we're on a mission to make the world a safer place-for all of humanity, today and in the future. To deliver on our mission, we need the world's best talent and leaders-groundbreakers and partnership-builders on a global scale in areas like healthcare, artificial intelligence, critical infrastructure resiliency, pandemic management, and cybersecurity. In return, we have the privilege of backing you with thousands of technical experts in diverse fields, a culture of innovation and knowledge sharing, access to data and resources uniquely available to MITRE through our wide-ranging partnerships across government, industry and academia.

Industry

It services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1958

Social media