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Network Design Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kinder Morgan

SR Network Design Specialist

Houston, TX · On-site

A SR Network Design Specialist is both a technical expert and a strategic leader. What You Will Do A SR Network Design Specialist's primary job responsibilities are: * Design scalable, secure, and ...

NewGen

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Aurora, CO

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

Leidos

Network Design Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$92K - $166K/yr

Supervise (not manage) other network support specialists to plan, coordinate, and implement network services. * Develop and improve design products, processes, and systems for our team to work ...

The Living Company

Project Design Specialist

Memphis, TN · On-site

With the backing of TLC's full sourcing, logistics, and installation network, we're tackling bigger ... As an essential part of the project management team, the Project Design Specialist will be wholly ...

Apply Early

TDS Telecom

Network Specialist I

Spokane, WA · On-site

Circuit Design * Network Design * Configuration Management * Advanced Technical Support * Service Activation This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist (2026-29341) or Network ...

TDS Telecom

Network Specialist I

Spokane, WA · On-site

Circuit Design * Network Design * Configuration Management * Advanced Technical Support * Service Activation This position can be hired at either a Network Specialist (2026-29341) or Network ...

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All JobsNetwork Design Specialist Jobs

Network Design Specialist information

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$37.5K

$80.1K

$115.5K

How much do network design specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for network design specialist in the United States is $80,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid job in networking?

The highest paid roles in networking are often senior positions such as Network Architects or Chief Network Officers, who design and oversee complex network infrastructures. These roles typically require advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE and extensive experience, with salaries reaching six figures or higher depending on the organization and location.

What does a network specialist do?

A network design specialist plans, implements, and maintains computer networks to ensure reliable and efficient data communication. They analyze network requirements, configure hardware and software, and troubleshoot issues, often using tools like Cisco or Juniper equipment and earning certifications such as CCNA. Their work typically involves collaborating with IT teams and adhering to security standards.

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

To thrive as a Network Design Specialist, you need a deep understanding of networking protocols, architecture, and security principles, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools such as Cisco Packet Tracer, network analyzers, and certifications like CCNA or CCNP is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and address complex network challenges. These skills ensure robust, secure, and efficient network infrastructures that meet organizational needs.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data science, or certain senior technical roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive experience.

Is AI going to replace network engineers?

Network Design Specialists and other network engineers perform complex tasks such as designing, configuring, and troubleshooting networks, which require critical thinking and hands-on skills that AI cannot fully replicate. While AI tools can assist with automation and data analysis, human expertise remains essential for planning, security, and adapting to new technologies in network environments.

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

AspectNetwork Design SpecialistNetwork Engineer
CredentialsCertifications like CCNA, CCNP, Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE)Similar certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentFocuses on planning, designing, and architecture of networksHandles implementation, configuration, and troubleshooting of networks
Industry UsageUsed in organizations needing network architecture planningCommon in daily network operations and maintenance
Search/Comparison IntentOften compared for design vs implementation rolesCompared for operational vs planning roles

The main difference is that a Network Design Specialist focuses on planning and designing network infrastructure, while a Network Engineer handles the implementation, configuration, and troubleshooting of networks. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are some common challenges a Network Design Specialist faces when implementing new network solutions within an existing infrastructure?

Network Design Specialists often encounter challenges related to integrating new technologies with legacy systems, ensuring compatibility and minimal disruption to ongoing operations. Balancing security requirements, scalability, and performance while staying within budget constraints is also a frequent concern. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including IT, security, and operations—to gather requirements and address conflicting priorities requires strong communication and project management skills.

What are Network Design Specialists?

Network Design Specialists are IT professionals responsible for planning, designing, and implementing computer networks for organizations. They analyze business requirements, assess current infrastructure, and create detailed network blueprints to ensure optimal performance, security, and scalability. Their work includes selecting hardware and software, configuring network components, and collaborating with other IT staff to support organizational goals. They also troubleshoot and optimize networks to meet evolving business needs.
More about Network Design Specialist jobs
What job categories do people searching Network Design Specialist jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Network Design Specialist jobs are:
Network Design Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Design Specialist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,093 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
SR Network Design Specialist

SR Network Design Specialist

Kinder Morgan

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Kinder Morgan rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 92 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 50 rated energy and utility

Job description

What We Are Looking For
As a SR Network Design Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and securing Kinder Morgan's network infrastructure. This role goes beyond basic support-you'll provide leadership, architecture guidance, and strategic planning. A SR Network Design Specialist is both a technical expert and a strategic leader.
What You Will Do
A SR Network Design Specialist's primary job responsibilities are:
  • Design scalable, secure, and high-performing network solutions (LAN, WAN, WLAN, cloud networks).
  • Develop network architecture diagrams and documentation.
  • Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools.
  • Lead the installation and configuration of routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and VPNs.
  • Oversee network upgrades, migrations, and expansions.
  • Ensure minimal downtime during deployments.
  • Monitor network performance, uptime, and reliability.
  • Perform regular maintenance, patching, and updates.
  • Troubleshoot complex network issues and outages.
  • Implement and maintain network security controls (firewalls, IDS/IPS, zero-trust models).
  • Conduct risk assessments and vulnerability analysis.
  • Ensure compliance with security standards and policies.
  • Analyze network traffic and usage patterns.
  • Optimize bandwidth, latency, and overall performance.
  • Capacity planning for future growth.
  • Design and manage connectivity between on-premises and cloud environments (Azure, AWS, etc.).
  • Implement VPN tunnels and cloud networking services.
  • Mentor junior engineers and network admins.
  • Collaborate with IT, security, and application teams.
  • Provide technical guidance during projects.
  • Create test plans for network changes.
  • Maintain detailed documentation (network diagrams, SOPs, configs).
  • Ensure knowledge transfer and operational readiness.
  • Act as an escalation point for major incidents.
  • Perform root cause analysis (RCA).
  • Implement long-term fixes to prevent recurrence.
  • Align network infrastructure with business goals.
  • Plan long-term improvements and investments.
  • Assist in budgeting and vendor selection.

What You Need
A bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is preferred but not required. A minimum of ten years of direct work experience in large-scale corporate networks or service-provider networking may be considered a substitute for a degree.
REQUIRED
  • A minimum of seven years of direct work experience in large scale coorporate or service provider networking is required.
  • In-depth knowledge of routing protocols.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with frame relay and service provider MPLS-based networks (e.g., AT&T Private IP), Cisco Systems' IOS, Juniper Networks' JunOS, IPSEC VPNs, and SSL VPNs.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Windows 10.
  • Working knowledge of and experience with Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Internet Explorer, Word, Excel, Project, Visio, and PowerPoint.
  • Competence with network administration and testing tools, including but not limited to Telnet, ping, traceroute, and NSLookup.
  • Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
  • Must have well-developed organizational skills, be proficient in oral and written communications, and be able to work with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to deal with a wide variety of people with tact, courtesy and professionalism.
  • Must maintain regular, dependable attendance and a high level of performance.
  • Need to maintain a high regard for personal safety, the safety of the company, employees, and the general public.
  • Use personal judgment and specialized knowledge to provide and safeguard confidential information.
  • Be able to speak clearly in person and by telephone, using high verbal skills with the ability to listen carefully to details.

PREFERRED
  • At least ten years of direct work experience in network engineering or designing and implementing networks.
  • Experience working for a managed services provider or ISP/carrier as a tier 3/4 support engineer or architectural role on the core infrastructure side.
  • Working technical knowledge of current network hardware, protocols and Internet standards, including Cisco Systems' entire product line, TCP/UDP, IP, ICMP, DNS, SNMP, OSPF, BGP, Ethernet, Verizon Private IP, xDSL, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), IPSec, WLAN, content networking, and copper and fiber standards. Juniper experience with routers, switches and VxLAN is a plus.
  • Working knowledge and experience with network management and capacity trending tools, Cisco Secure ACS, and packet capture/analysis (e.g., EtherPeek, Sniffer, or Wireshark).
  • Experience and success with LAN, WAN and wireless LAN/WAN design and implementation.
  • Experience with network capacity planning, security principles, and general network management best practices.
  • Knowledge of IP telephony systems, a plus.
  • Network automation experience, preferably in Python.
  • Proficiency in one or more of the following: C/C++, Perl, Python, shell scripting
  • Relational database management system (RDBMS)
  • Juniper Networks certification(s) at the "Expert" level (JNCIE-ENT, JNCIE-SP).
  • Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Professional" level (CCDP, CCNP, CCSP, CCVP).
  • Cisco Systems certification(s) at the "Expert" level (CCIE).
  • ITIL v3 Foundation
  • Good understanding of the organization's goals and objectives.

Competencies/Skills
  • Proven experience in network infrastructure design, installation, analysis, management, operation and troubleshooting.
  • Ability to work with a team, take direction from supervisor(s), pay attention to details, follow work rules and adhere to work schedules.
  • Must be detail-oriented and possess strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Ability to effectively organize and prioritize daily work in a high-pressure environment and maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Ability to perform all essential job functions and multiple, high-priority tasks concurrently with strict and often short deadlines.
  • Must be self-motivated and perform the required and expected duties with minimal supervision.
  • Must possess good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization in a professional, diplomatic, and tactful manner.
  • Ability to conduct independent research into networking issues and products as required.
  • Must possess a strong customer service orientation.

Why Join Kinder Morgan
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
For more information about Kinder Morgan, our culture, opportunities available, and to join our Talent Community, please visit our careers site at www.kindermorgan.com.

What Kinder Morgan employees say

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About Kinder Morgan

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kinder Morgan is moving the fuels of today for the energy of the future. From the natural gas that heats your home to the gasoline that fuels your vehicle, our pipeline and terminal assets provide the necessary infrastructure to meet today's growing global energy demand and play a key role in the low-carbon energy transition of the future.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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