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Network Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Aurora, CO

$73K - $132K/yr

Our team is completely replacing a global enterprise network while providing design, engineering, and transition for a wide range of customer network requirements. This is a unique and rare ...

NewGen

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

NewGen has an opening for a Design Engineer (Campus Area Network/Local Area Network (CAN/LAN)) to support our government customer's global enterprise networks. The CAN/LAN service network ...

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Network Design information

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How much do network design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for network design in the United States is $47.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.42 and $57.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Network Design vs Network Engineering?

AspectNetwork DesignNetwork Engineering
Primary FocusPlanning and designing network infrastructureImplementing, configuring, and maintaining networks
Skills & CertificationsNetwork architecture, Cisco certifications, design toolsNetwork configuration, troubleshooting, Cisco/Juniper certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, project planning, collaboration with stakeholdersData centers, network operations centers, on-site troubleshooting
Industry UsagePre-sales, project planning, network architecture firmsNetwork deployment, maintenance, support teams

Network Design focuses on creating the blueprint for network infrastructure, while Network Engineering involves implementing and managing the designed networks. Both roles require similar certifications and often work closely, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and daily tasks.

What is network design?

Network design is the process of planning and creating a computer network's structure, layout, and components to meet an organization's technical and business requirements. It involves selecting hardware, software, topology, protocols, and security measures to ensure efficient data flow and connectivity. A well-designed network supports scalability, reliability, and performance, while accommodating future growth and changes. Network designers analyze needs, assess existing infrastructure, and develop detailed diagrams and documentation before implementation.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Network Design, and how can they be addressed?

Network Design professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing security with accessibility, ensuring scalability for future growth, and integrating new technologies with legacy systems. Addressing these issues typically involves thorough planning, regular collaboration with cybersecurity teams, and ongoing education about emerging networking trends. Working closely with stakeholders across IT and business units also helps in aligning network solutions with organizational goals, making adaptability and clear communication essential skills in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Network Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Designer, you need expertise in networking principles, protocols, and architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP. Familiarity with network simulation tools (e.g., Cisco Packet Tracer, GNS3), network management systems, and security platforms is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in translating technical requirements into practical solutions. These competencies ensure robust, scalable, and secure network designs that meet organizational needs.
More about Network Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Network Design jobs? Cities with the most Network Design job openings:
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Network Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Design job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,250 per year, or $47.2 per hour.
Network Design Engineer

Network Design Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Mclean, VA • On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Company Overview

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

Position Overview

Our By Light team, the premier providers of innovative Information Technology (IT) services and communications support to the Department of Defense and Federal Agencies, is growing. We're increasing our team to support the US Army Comprehensive Modernization (COMPMOD) program. The program delivers end-to-end EFIS&T services-including survey and design through installation, security, and testing. This work spans NIPR and SIPR networks, Wi-Fi, VoIP, ISP/OSP infrastructure, and voice modernization across all CONUS Army installations.

The Network Design Engineer is responsible for the design and documentation of a MILDEP Campus Area Network. This position requires technical knowledge, skills and experience and the ability to direct technical resources in the completion of assigned tasks.

Responsibilities
  • Develop engineering assessments of different configurations including the review of work products for correctness, adherence to the design concept and to customer standards, and for progress in accordance with schedules. 
  • Coordinate with the Project and/or Program Manager to ensure problem solution and user satisfaction and with the Lead Engineer on network architecture and design decisions.
  • The Network Design Engineer makes recommendations, if needed, for approval of major systems installations, prepares milestone status reports and deliveries/presentations on the system concept to colleagues, subordinates, and end user representatives.
  • The Network Design Engineer will adhere to U.S. Army engineering processes during the development of all submissions; identify additional processes and documentation formats, as necessary submit site specific reports and drawings to Government for review and approval and adhere to the Government's established process for reviewing, updating, approving, and disseminating Design and Engineering documents.
Required Experience/Qualifications
  • BA/BS in a technical discipline with at least 10 years of experience in a similar role.
  • Cisco CCNA certification
  • This position requires technical knowledge, skills and experience and the ability to direct technical resources in the completion of assigned tasks to include but not limited to network design upgrades, development of configurations and cutover plans, staging and pre-configuration, execution of the cutover plans, and documentation and system testing
  • The Design and Engineering Site Lead must be experienced and familiar with the design and configuration of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks including spanning tree, software defined networking, VLANs, Virtual Network Identifiers (VNI)s, VXLANS, VRFs, Hostnames, OEM equipment from CISCO.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively with team members of different abilities, backgrounds, and skillsets
  • Proven ability of delivering products on time or ahead of schedule
Preferred Experience/Qualifications
  • Cisco CCNP and/or CCDP certification
  • Passive Optical Networking (PON)
  • Familiar with Juniper network equipment and network management
  • Cisco Prime
  • IT PIE
  • US Army network design standards
Special Requirements/Security Clearance
  • Active Secret Clearance or higher
  • Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time on deployments for CONUS locations
Salary Range

Salary Minimum: $125,000

Salary Maximum: $165,000

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.

Employment Type: OTHER

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