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Network Development Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Senior Network Engineer

Langley, VA

$105K - $144K/yr

The Network Engineer Senior, your role is to ensure the stability, integrity and efficient ... Performs complex network development and design work. * Participates in the upgrading of operating ...

Network SME

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$120K - $213K/yr

Must Have a solid understanding of network development concepts and installation of network systems ... Technically review engineering products that will be issued to the waterfront and/or government.

Network SME

Portsmouth, VA · Hybrid

$120K - $213K/yr

Must Have a solid understanding of network development concepts and installation of network systems ... Technically review engineering products that will be issued to the waterfront and/or government.

Network SME

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$150K - $160K/yr

Must Have a solid understanding of network development concepts and installation of network systems ... Technically review engineering products that will be issued to the waterfront and/or government.

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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 Jul 10, 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 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:
What job categories do people searching Network Development Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Network Development Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Network Development Engineer job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,104 per year, or $52 per hour.
Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier

Arlington, VA

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)

Zetier seeks Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) to design, build, and maintain scalable automated testing capabilities for embedded hardware, cyber platforms, and operational software systems. This role focuses on developing robust test infrastructure, improving product reliability, and enabling continuous validation across hardware and software solutions. Candidates will develop automated validation frameworks, integrate testing into CI/CD pipelines, and support verification activities spanning low-level firmware, networking systems, and mission-driven software capabilities. Work includes functional, integration, regression, and hardware-in-the-loop testing aligned with quality, operational effectiveness, and compliance objectives.

Required:

  • 5+ years experience in software development or test engineering
  • Strong programming experience in Python, C/C++, and/or Rust
  • Experience deploying automated test frameworks (e.g. pytest, Robot)
  • Experience testing embedded or Linux-based systems platforms
  • Hands-on experience integrating testing into CI/CD pipelines
  • Familiar debugging complex HW/SW system interactions
  • Comfortable writing clear technical documentation (e.g. test reports)
  • Strong communication skills across engineering and customer teams
  • Active U.S. security clearance

Desired:

  • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) and device automation
  • Experience testing embedded systems, networking devices, or mobile
  • Experience with containerization (e.g. Docker, Kubernetes, QEMU)
  • Familiar with network/protocol validation (e.g. Wireshark, Scapy)
  • Experience with RF or wireless systems (e.g. 802.11ac, Zigbee, SDR)
  • Experience testing firmware, drivers, and low-level code/services
  • Exposure to cybersecurity, vulnerability research, or pentest teams
  • Experience with observability, telemetry, or reliability engineering


Positions available in Arlington, VA.

Zetier is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by law. All employment is decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business need.