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Lead Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Engineer

Irving, TX · Hybrid

$97K - $134K/yr

Lead, mentor, and coach high-performing engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence. Required Qualifications * 5+ years of Network Engineering ...

Lead Network Engineer

Evansville, IN · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

We are seeking a Lead Network Engineer with deep expertise in F5 BIG-IP DNS (GTM), BIG-IQ, NGINX Plus, Azure networking, and Infrastructure-as-Code automation. * The Lead Engineer will support a ...

Lead Network Engineer

Andrews, MD · On-site

$129K - $178K/yr

Overview Apogee has an exciting new opportunity for a Lead Network Engineer to provide support for the Executive Airlift Communications Network (EACN) support task order, which provides Command ...

Lead Network Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$99K - $137K/yr

Lead, mentor, and coach high-performing engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence. Required Qualifications * 5+ years of Network Engineering ...

New

Lead Network Engineer

Charlotte, NC · Hybrid

$99K - $136K/yr

Lead, mentor, and coach high-performing engineers while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and operational excellence. Required Qualifications * 5+ years of Network Engineering ...

Lead Network Engineer

Littleton, CO · Hybrid

$110K - $160K/yr

This role solves the challenge of designing and engineering foundational network elements that must perform seamlessly within a multi-VRF, service provider environment. By providing technical ...

Showing results 41-60

Lead Network Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$119.7K

$166.5K

How much do lead network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead network engineer in the United States is $119,661.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,500.00 and $140,000.00 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.
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What cities are hiring for Lead Network Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Network Engineer job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Lead Network Engineer jobs?

The top employers for Lead Network Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Lead Network Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Network Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,661 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Lead Network Engineer I

Trace Systems

Scott Air Force Base, IL • On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Job Overview
Job Title: Lead Network Engineer I
Location: Scott AFB, Illinois
Job Responsibilities
Trace Systems is seeking a Lead Network Engineer I to provide Tier III network engineering and operational support for the EACN environment at Scott AFB. The engineer will lead hands-on configuration, troubleshooting, monitoring, security compliance, and infrastructure lifecycle activities for classified and unclassified networks. The project associated with this position is currently in the proposal stage.
  • Lead configuration, implementation, and support of LAN/WAN infrastructure, network operating systems, and computer data exchange requirements.
  • Identify and resolve network performance issues; troubleshoot, repair or replace, configure, monitor, and upgrade EACN equipment and systems.
  • Support replacement of end-of-life hardware and software and execute approved installation, transition, and cutover activities.
  • Review installation progress for accuracy, adherence to network design, and conformance with telecommunications standards.
  • Configure and maintain network security, monitoring, and analytics tools such as ServiceNow, SolarWinds, and Splunk.
  • Lead execution and documentation of USCYBERCOM, DISA, and Air Force tasking orders and STIG requirements.
  • Ensure security changes are validated in the test environment before implementation on operational networks.
  • Provide forecasts, trend analysis, resource-planning input, compliance status, and technical guidance to Government engineers and the ISSM.

In accordance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, the following pay scale and benefits information is being provided as required for positions subject to Illinois pay transparency requirements.
Salary Minimum: $90,000
Salary Maximum: $115,000
The base salary range above represents the low and high end of the Trace salary range for this position. Actual salaries may vary above or below the range based on various factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. In addition, Trace provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, flexible spending accounts, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, company holidays and paid time off (PTO).
Minimum Qualifications
  • Active, in-scope US Government issued Top Secret clearance (minimum); higher-level eligibility may be required based on assigned access.
  • Due to the nature of the work and contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.
  • Candidates must meet the applicable DoD 8140 qualification requirements for the assigned work role. DoD 8140 Work Role(s): 441 Network Operations Specialist, Proficiency Level: Advanced; and may qualify through education, military training, certifications, or a combination thereof.
  • Qualifying credentials include a Masters or Ph.D degree in Computer Science or Cybersecurity or Data Science or Information Systems or Information Technology or Software Engineering or completion of relevant military communications or network training.
  • Qualifying certifications may include SecurityX / CASP+, CCNA, CCNP Security, CCSP, GCED, GCIA, GCLD, GDSA, GFACT or other DoD 8140-approved certifications. Higher proficiency-level or equivalent DoD 8140-approved certifications applicable to the assigned work role may also be accepted.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to coordinate effectively with technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Ability to work in a secure DoD environment and comply with applicable Air Force, installation, and program security requirements.
  • 5+ years of network engineering or administration experience supporting enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
  • Current Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of employment.
  • DoD-approved IA baseline certification commensurate with the position, or ability to obtain it within six months.
  • Hands-on experience with routers, switches, network monitoring, troubleshooting, and DISA STIG implementation.

Desired Qualification
  • Experience supporting Air Force networks, EACN, A2G2, network operations centers, or classified network environments.
  • Experience with SolarWinds, Splunk, ServiceNow, Cisco platforms, and security-compliance reporting.
  • Prior military service or experience supporting Department of Defense or U.S. Air Force customers.
  • Experience supporting mission-essential communications in distributed, multi-site environments.

Trace Systems
Trace Systems Inc. was founded to support and defend our nation's security interests at home and abroad-- whenever and wherever. We provide enterprise IT, engineering, full life-cycle communications, cybersecurity, cloud and virtualization services and solutions to the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
To Apply: We invite you to put your talents to work by joining a growing team of dynamic professionals here at Trace Systems! Be part of a culture at our leading-edge company where you can achieve great things while fostering a satisfying and rewarding career progression. To learn more about our current openings, text 'tracejobs' to 97211 or apply directly through our website at: www.tracesystems.com. #jointracesystems
Trace Systems is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics.