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Network Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Caltech

Senior Network Design Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$138K - $160K/yr

Caltech is a world-renowned science and engineering institute that marshals some of the world ... Design, Install, troubleshoot, upgrade, maintain and troubleshoot network devices (switches ...

CyberOne LLC

Network Enterprise Architect

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$70.50 - $94.50/hr

... Engineering - Design and implement enterprise network architectures across hybrid and cloud environments - Configure and optimize networking components to meet performance and availability ...

Netpace

Network Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

Network Engineer DESCRIPTION: Deliver network solutions for business applications and ... Design, deploy, maintain, solutions across, on-prem and cloud networks. Manage multiple high ...

ALO

Sr Network Engineer

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

Layer 2 and 3 network design and protocols (OSPF, BGP, MPLS) * Extensive Experience with Cisco and ... Experience in network engineering roles focusing on layer 2 and 3 network design and protocols.

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All JobsNetwork Design Engineer JobsNetwork Design Engineer Jobs in California

Network Design Engineer information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$107.6K

$155.9K

How much do network design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for network design engineer in California is $107,612.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $131,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

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 is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing computer and data communication networks within an organization. They analyze business requirements to create network solutions that support data, voice, and video communications. Their job involves selecting appropriate hardware and software, ensuring network security, and optimizing network performance. Network Design Engineers also troubleshoot issues, upgrade network infrastructure, and document network layouts to ensure reliable and efficient connectivity.

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.

What are popular job titles related to Network Design Engineer jobs in California? For Network Design Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Network Design Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Network Design Engineer jobs in California are:
Network Design Engineer jobs near you

Senior Wireless Network Design Engineer

E-Space

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you've come to the right place!
E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.
We're intentional, we're unapologetically curious and we're 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.
As a Senior Wireless Network Design Engineer, you will lead the design, planning, and optimization of wireless networks supporting E-Space's LEO satellite constellation. You will own critical aspects of radio access network (RAN) design, drive technical trade studies, and influence system-level architecture decisions. This role requires close collaboration with systems, orbital, and core network teams to ensure scalable, high-performance, end-to-end solutions.
You will act as a technical leader within the network design domain, contributing to strategy, mentoring engineers, and helping define best practices for non-terrestrial 3GPP networks.
What you will do:
  • Network Planning, Design, and Optimization
  • Lead frequency planning activities to mitigate interference through advanced frequency reuse strategies
  • Own cell planning activities, including determination of cell center locations, cell density, bandwidth allocation, and service duration based on subscriber density, traffic models, and service requirements
  • Lead beam management design to create, optimize, and maintain planned cells on the ground
  • Define, monitor, and optimize key performance indicators (KPIs), accounting for dynamics unique to LEO satellite networks
  • Satellite and System-Level Coordination
  • Lead satellite scheduling strategies for the LEO constellation to optimally serve ground cells
  • Conduct and review feasibility analyses for multiple technical configurations, including frequency of operation, bandwidth, and cell size
  • Own link budget analyses for satellite-to-ground and ground-to-satellite links, including margin analysis and sensitivity studies
  • Work closely with Systems Engineers, Orbital Engineers, and Core Network teams to drive cohesive system architecture and trade-offs
  • Technical Leadership
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior and mid-level engineers
  • Contribute to the definition of network design methodologies, tools, and best practices
  • Support system integration, testing, and field trials with expert-level analysis and recommendations

Technical Requirements:
  • 3GPP Protocols
  • Deep understanding of 5G NR, LTE, and NB-IoT specifications, including non-terrestrial network (NTN) considerations
  • Radio Physics
  • Strong understanding of Doppler shift compensation and timing advance (TA) implementation for LEO satellite communications
  • Simulation Tools
  • Advanced experience with MATLAB, Atoll, and NS-3 for network modeling, simulation, and performance evaluation
  • Hardware
  • Strong familiarity with phased array antennas and beamforming techniques

What you bring to this role:
  • Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Wireless Communications
  • 5 years of experience in Radio Access Network (RAN) engineering is a must
  • Proven experience leading complex technical analyses and design efforts
  • Strong system-level thinking and the ability to influence cross-functional technical decisions
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills

Bonus Points:
  • Experience with greenfield RAN deployments
  • Familiarity with orbital engineering fundamentals and satellite constellation concepts
  • Experience working with 3GPP Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN)

This is a full time, exempt position, based out of our Saratoga office. The target base pay for this position is $150,000 - $200,000 annually. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used-so we're looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that's your experience - then we'll be immediately wow-ed.
E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role.
Why E-Space is right for you:
As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success. Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals. In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.
We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That's why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:
• An opportunity to really make a difference
• Sustainability at our core
• Fair and honest workplace
• Innovative thinking is encouraged
• Competitive salaries
• Continuous learning and development
• Health and wellness care options
• Financial solutions for the future
• Optional legal services (US only)
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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