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Network Design Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acara Solutions

Network Design Engineer

Scottsdale, AZ

$66.59/hr

Senior Network Design Engineer Active Secret clearance is required at the time of hire Location: Scottsdale, AZ Employment Type: Contract-to-direct hire Industry: Defense Compensation: $66.59/hour ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/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 ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Aurora, CO

$73K - $132K/yr

The Digital Modernization Sector at Leidos has an opening for a Design Engineer (Campus Area Network/Local Area Network (CAN/LAN)) to support our customer's global enterprise networks. The CAN/LAN ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$92K - $166K/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 ...

Hudson Manpower

Network Design Engineer

Greenville, SC · On-site

Network Design Engineer Location: Wilmington, NC/Greenville, SC (Onsite) Exp: 5-12 Yrs Position Type: W2 only (Long Term) Only USC / GC Job Overview Engineer will be the focal point for project ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$73K - $132K/yr

The Digital Modernization Sector at Leidos has an opening for a Design Engineer (Campus Area Network/Local Area Network (CAN/LAN)) to support our customer's global enterprise networks. The CAN/LAN ...

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Network Design Engineer information

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$31K

$109K

$158K

How much do network design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for network design engineer in the United States is $109,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network design engineer?

To thrive as a Network Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, routing and switching, and network architecture, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, network simulation software, and certifications like CCNP or CCIE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help network engineers collaborate with teams and clearly explain design choices. These skills ensure robust, scalable, and secure network infrastructures that support organizational needs.

What does a network design engineer do?

A network design engineer plans, develops, and implements network infrastructure to ensure reliable data communication within organizations. They analyze requirements, design network layouts, select appropriate hardware and protocols, and often use tools like Cisco or Juniper for configuration. Strong knowledge of networking principles, security, and certifications such as CCNA or CCNP are typically required.

What are the common challenges faced by network design engineers during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Network Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies with legacy systems, ensuring network scalability, and addressing evolving security requirements. Coordinating with multiple stakeholders—including IT, security teams, and vendors—can add complexity to project timelines. Effective communication and thorough documentation are key to overcoming these hurdles and ensuring that the final design meets both technical and business objectives.

What is the difference between Network Design Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork Design EngineerNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning network architectures, planning infrastructure, collaborating with architectsImplementing, configuring, maintaining existing networks
Employer & Industry UsageTelecommunications, large enterprises, consulting firmsIT departments, service providers, corporate networks

While both roles involve networking, the Network Design Engineer focuses on planning and designing network systems, whereas the Network Engineer handles the implementation and maintenance of those networks. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Network Design Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Design Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Network Design Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Network Design Engineer jobs? The top employers for Network Design Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Network Design Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Network Design Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Network Design Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Network Design Engineer jobs are:
Network Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Design Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Network Design Engineer

By Light Professional IT Services LLC

Hanover, MD

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 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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