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Network Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

A Network Development Engineer (NDE) designs, builds, and automates large-scale data networks, focusing on scalability, reliability, and performance. You will be asked to use programming (Python, C ...

A Network Development Engineer (NDE)designs, builds, and automates large-scale data networks, focusing on scalability, reliability, and performance. You will be asked to use programming (Python, C ...

A Network Development Engineer (NDE) designs, builds, and automates large-scale data networks, focusing on scalability, reliability, and performance. You will be asked to use programming (Python, C ...

Network Dev Engineer III Job Location: Arlington, Virginia Job Number: AMZ9794034 Position Responsibilities: Responsible for delivering high-caliber network and systems operations, with a focus on ...

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Network Development Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$108.1K

$156.6K

How much do network development engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for network development engineer in Virginia is $108,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,200.00 and $132,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Network Development Engineer, you need a solid background in network protocols, routing and switching, and experience with programming or scripting languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, network automation platforms, and relevant certifications like CCNP or JNCIP are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing scalable networks, automating infrastructure, and ensuring reliable connectivity in complex technical environments.

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

AspectNetwork Development EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CCNA, CCNPBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, developing, and testing network solutions, often in R&D or product development teamsImplementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting existing network infrastructure
Employer & IndustryTech companies, telecoms, network equipment vendorsIT departments, service providers, enterprise networks

While both roles require similar certifications and educational backgrounds, a Network Development Engineer focuses on creating and testing new network solutions, whereas a Network Engineer manages and maintains existing network systems. The roles complement each other within the network lifecycle.

What does L1, L2, L3 network engineer mean?

In the context of network development engineering, L1, L2, and L3 refer to different levels of network support and troubleshooting. L1 (Level 1) handles basic issues and initial customer support, L2 (Level 2) manages more complex problems requiring deeper technical knowledge, and L3 (Level 3) involves advanced troubleshooting, network design, and engineering tasks. These levels often correspond to skill sets, certifications, and responsibilities within a network team.

What is a Network Development Engineer?

A Network Development Engineer is an IT professional responsible for designing, building, and maintaining computer networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and cloud-based networks. They work to ensure network reliability, optimize performance, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Their role often involves working with network protocols, hardware, and software, as well as automating network tasks and collaborating with other IT teams. Network Development Engineers play a key part in supporting the infrastructure that enables organizations to communicate and share data securely and efficiently.

What are the main challenges a Network Development Engineer faces when scaling network infrastructure for growing businesses?

A Network Development Engineer often encounters challenges related to maintaining high network performance and reliability while scaling infrastructure to support business growth. This includes designing resilient networks that can handle increased traffic, integrating new technologies without disrupting existing services, and ensuring robust security across expanding systems. Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams such as software developers, security specialists, and operations is essential to address these issues and implement scalable solutions. Staying current with emerging networking trends and best practices also helps engineers anticipate and mitigate potential bottlenecks.
What are popular job titles related to Network Development Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Network Development Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Network Development Engineer

Network Development Engineer

Leidos

Arlington, VA

$59K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Leidos rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 425 rated business services


Job description

Description

Looking for an opportunity to make an impact? 

Leidos is dedicated to making the world a safer place. This starts with helping our customers in the Defense Industry achieve their critical missions. Our dedicated Defense Group employees are solving critical challenges across the globe. At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers’ success.  We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.   

Are you ready for your next career challenge? 

The Non-Kinetic Effects Business Area, part of the Defense Sector at Leidos, currently has an opening for a cleared Network Development Engineer to work in our Arlington, VA office. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience helping multiple DoD customers develop “bleeding edge” technology protecting our warfighters in the field. Your role will directly support our diverse portfolio of programs through a combination of Network Infrastructure Design & Deployment; Automation & Scripting and Troubleshooting & Analysis. You may be requested to provide Software support to help with integration of the new technologies into existing networked systems.    

Must be able to work in our Arlington, VA office.

Primary Responsibilities:

A Network Development Engineer (NDE) designs, builds, and automates large-scale data networks, focusing on scalability, reliability, and performance. You will be asked to use programming (Python, C++) and DevOps tools (Git, Ansible, Terraform) to automate infrastructure deployments, manage configurations, and perform deep troubleshooting, often bridging network operations with software development

Day-to-day life will involve:  

  • Infrastructure Design & Deployment: Assist in the design, build, and scale of complex, high-throughput network infrastructure.

  • Automation & Scripting: Develop tools and automate manual tasks to improve network efficiency, reliability, and performance.

  • Troubleshooting & Analysis: Debug and solve complex network issues, performing deep dives into hardware and protocols.

  • Network Optimization: Monitor and tune network performance, evaluating new technologies to refresh and upgrade existing systems.

  • Documentation & Collaboration: Partner with system designers and developers to create engineering design documents, policies, and best practices.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field with 2+ years of prior relevant experience or a master’s degree with at least a year experience in one of these areas: computer engineering, software engineering, test engineering or related field.

  • Must be a US Citizen. 

  • Must have an active Secret clearance with the ability to obtain TS.

  • Experience working in a Systems Integration Lab (SIL) environment. 

  • Strong desire to grow and learn new technologies. 

  • Ability to work within a dynamic work environment, ability to handle multiple tasks at once (multi-task).

  • Networking Knowledge: Familiar with IP networking fundamentals, including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.

  • Programming/Scripting: Experience with Python or Bash.

  • Experience: 2+ years of experience in network engineering, deployments, or architecture.

  • Environment: Experience with Linux systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Active TS clearance. 

  • Familiar with Agile Methodologies, preferably SCRUM or Kanban. 

  • Experience with Atlassian tools such as JIRA, Confluence, Bitbucket.

  • Experience with Network Operating Systems like Junos or Cisco IOS.

  • Knowledge of network security architecture (firewalls, ACLs).

  • Experience in a large-scale, corporate enterprise or data center environment.

  • Experience with network containers in support of CI/CD pipelines.

NKE

ElectronicWarfare

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:April 7, 2026

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Securing Your Data

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system – never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

If you believe you are the victim of a scam, contact your local law enforcement and report the incident to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.


What Leidos employees say

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Leidos logo

About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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