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Lead Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Engineer, design, test, and implement an enterprise network infrastructure and technologies * Responsible for maintaining the design and integrity of CISA Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network ...

Lead Network Engineer, Cloud

Richmond, VA · On-site

$120K - $187K/yr

POSITION TITLE Lead Network Engineer - Cloud Networks POSITION LOCATION Richmond, VA or Lynchburg, VA - A Hybrid schedule of both Remote and In-Office days is required. In office days are Tuesday ...

Lead Network Engineer, Cloud

Lynchburg, VA · Hybrid

$98K - $136K/yr

You will work closely with the Cloud Platform Architect, Network Architect, and Cloud Engineering ... Lead troubleshooting of complex cloud network issues such as connectivity failures, DNS resolution ...

Lead Network Engineer, Cloud

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$100K - $138K/yr

You will work closely with the Cloud Platform Architect, Network Architect, and Cloud Engineering ... Lead troubleshooting of complex cloud network issues such as connectivity failures, DNS resolution ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Network Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$118.6K

$165.1K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in Virginia is $118,635.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,600.00 and $138,800.00 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 Virginia?

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

Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,635 per year, or $57 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer

Arlington, VA • On-site

Leidos
IT Services • 10K+ employees

$92K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Primary Responsibilities.
  • Serve as the subject matter expert in the areas of network engineering design, testing, and deployment.
  • Engineer, design, test, and implement an enterprise network infrastructure and technologies
  • Responsible for maintaining the design and integrity of CISA Wide Area Network (WAN), Local Area Network (LAN), Enterprise Network Tools, Domain Name Servers (DNS), Wireless, and Cloud environments.
  • Provide expert technical assistance to team members and Government with high-level system and networking requests and solution identification

Basic Qualifications.
  • Active Top Secret clearance with Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) eligibility.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in network engineering and design.
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or information systems. In lieu of a bachelor's degree, an additional 10 years' experience in IT architecture and engineering for a total of 15 years of experience.
  • Experience installing, configuring, and managing software defined network, identity and access management, mobility, imaging, collaboration capabilities, cloud hosting, and communication services and solutions.
  • Experience engineering, designing, testing, and implementing secure and reliable network connectivity to cloud services (e.g., commercial cloud services providers (CSPs), private cloud, and hybrid cloud).
  • Strong communication skills with excellent verbal and written skills.

Preferred Qualifications.
  • Experience supporting DHS, CISA, or another highly classified Federal environment.
  • Experience with DHS Enterprise Architecture policies, standards, and procedures.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
September 4, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $92,300.00 - $166,850.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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