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Lead Network Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$89K - $153K/yr

CLA is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and support of our enterprise networking environment. This role will provide technical leadership across routing, switching ...

New

Network Lead

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

... Lead and mentor global ... network engineering and operations teams. • Define KPIs, SLAs, and operational metrics. • ...

New

Marketing Lead - Network Security

Finland, MN · On-site

$102.80 - $137.06/hr

## Marketing Lead - Network SecurityApplylocations: Home Office - Finlandtime type: Full timeposted on ... Network Security messaging and positioning for sales, and sales engineering teams, as well as ...

Senior Network Engineer

Virginia, MN · On-site

$105 - $141.75/hr

As a Senior Network Engineer with Rocket Software, you will be part of a global, fast-paced IT ... You will lead networking infrastructure projects, collaborate with development labs, mentor junior ...

Cloud and Network Engineer

Burnsville, MN · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Cloud & Network Engineer Trystar is at the forefront of advancing electrical power solutions ... Lead cloud-first decision making for infrastructure and application hosting. * Drive adoption of ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Network Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$44.6K

$117.2K

$163.1K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in Minnesota is $117,198.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,400.00 and $137,100.00 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 Minnesota?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,198 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

Cliftonlarsonallen

Minneapolis, MN • Hybrid

$89K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New


CliftonLarsonAllen rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 23 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

Job Description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

CLA is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and support of our enterprise networking environment. This role will provide technical leadership across routing, switching, wireless, cloud networking, SD-WAN, and network security technologies while driving infrastructure modernization, automation, and operational excellence. The ideal candidate possesses deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams to deliver secure, scalable, and reliable network solutions that support CLA's continued growth and transformation.

About the role:

As a Lead Network Engineer, you will:

  • Lead the design, implementation, optimization, and support of CLA's enterprise network infrastructure across office, datacenter, and cloud environments
  • Provide technical leadership for routing, switching, wireless, SD-WAN, and network security initiatives.
  • Administer and support Cisco networking technologies including Catalyst, Nexus, Meraki, and related platforms.
  • Design and manage enterprise WAN, LAN, WLAN, VPN, and internet connectivity solutions.
  • Support and optimize Microsoft Azure networking services, including ExpressRoute, Virtual Networks (VNets), Virtual WAN, DNS, and hybrid cloud connectivity.
  • Configure and troubleshoot routing and switching protocols including BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, HSRP, and QoS.
  • Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement and maintain secure network architectures, firewalls, segmentation, and Zero Trust initiatives.
  • Lead network modernization, cloud transformation, office integration, and infrastructure lifecycle management projects.
  • Develop and maintain network automation solutions using PowerShell, Python, Ansible, Terraform, or similar technologies.
  • Utilize network monitoring and performance management tools such as SolarWinds, ThousandEyes, LogicMonitor, or similar platforms.
  • Serve as a technical escalation point for complex network incidents, performance issues, and critical outages.
  • Mentor network engineers and contribute to architectural standards, operational procedures, and network roadmaps.
  • Ensure high availability, resiliency, disaster recovery, and business continuity requirements are met across the enterprise network.
  • Participate in the on-call rotation.

What you will need:

  • 6 years of relevant experience required
  • 8+ years of enterprise network engineering experience, including design, implementation, and support of large-scale multi-site environments preferred
  • Bachelor's degree is required. A combination of relevant experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of a degree
  • Degrees in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred.

Our approach to compensation emphasizes collaboration and career growth. We pay competitive wages and view compensation as an investment in our people. Factors such as geography, experience, education, skills, and knowledge may impact position of pay within the range.
The compensation range for this position in Minnesota is: $89,000.00 - $153,000.00

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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.


To view a complete list of benefits, click here.



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About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012