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Network Engineer Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Intel Information Security organization is seeking a Network Security Engineer. The candidate ... internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications: U.S. Citizen Active US Government Top Secret (TS ...

The Intel Information Security organization is seeking a Network Security Engineer. The candidate ... internship experiences. Minimum Qualifications: U.S. Citizen Active US Government Top Secret (TS ...

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Network Engineer Internship information

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$109K

$158K

How much do network engineer internship jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for network engineer internship 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 Engineer Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Engineer Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge of networking concepts, protocols (such as TCP/IP), and a relevant degree pursuit in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with network simulation tools (like Cisco Packet Tracer), basic command-line interface skills, and exposure to certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective teamwork set standout interns apart. These skills are crucial for diagnosing network issues, supporting infrastructure projects, and contributing to reliable, secure network operations.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as a Network Engineer Intern?

As a Network Engineer Intern, you’ll typically assist with configuring and maintaining network equipment, troubleshooting connectivity issues, and monitoring network performance. You may also be involved in documenting network layouts, supporting senior engineers with hardware or software upgrades, and participating in security audits. Interns often work closely with IT support and other engineering teams, gaining hands-on experience with real-world network infrastructures. This exposure not only helps you develop technical skills but also provides valuable insight into collaborative problem-solving in a professional environment.

What does a Network Engineer Intern do?

A Network Engineer Intern assists with the setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of computer networks within an organization. They work under the supervision of experienced network engineers to learn about configuring routers, switches, and firewalls, as well as monitoring network performance and security. Interns may also help document network configurations and support end-users with connectivity issues. This role provides valuable hands-on experience with network infrastructure and technologies, helping interns build foundational skills for a career in network engineering.

What Are Network Engineer Internship Opportunities?

If you are a network engineering, computer science, or information security student, you can get a network engineer internship with a variety of companies in industries ranging from retail sales to software development. As an intern, your duties and responsibilities vary. You may assist in responding to help desk issues, managing a lab, maintaining an inventory of hardware, deploying and configuring networking equipment, and documenting configuration changes. You can also help evaluate and support the organization’s data and infrastructure security efforts, providing analysis of logs and monitoring network status. In some jobs, you also support and troubleshoot email systems and voice over IP phone systems and install and configure software according to company policy.

What is the difference between Network Engineer Internship vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Engineer InternshipNetwork Administrator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in IT or related fieldRelevant certifications like Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+ often preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, learning-focused, supervised by senior staffFull-time role managing network operations, troubleshooting, and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageInternship programs in tech companies, telecom, or IT departmentsBusinesses, organizations, and service providers managing networks

The main difference is that a Network Engineer Internship is an entry-level, learning position designed for students or recent graduates, while a Network Administrator is a full-time role responsible for ongoing network management and troubleshooting. Internships provide hands-on experience, whereas administrators handle daily network operations.

What cities are hiring for Network Engineer Internship jobs? Cities with the most Network Engineer Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Network Engineer Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Network Engineer Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Network Engineer Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.
Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

Principal Optical Network Engineer (Starlink Ground Network)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA

$180K - $260K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 60 rated aerospace companies


Job description

PRINCIPAL OPTICAL NETWORK ENGINEER (STARLINK GROUND NETWORK)

At SpaceX we're leveraging our experience in building rockets and spacecraft to deploy Starlink, the world's most advanced broadband internet system. Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We design, build, test, and operate all parts of the system - thousands of satellites, consumer receivers that allow users to connect within minutes of unboxing, and the software that brings it all together. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help maximize Starlink's utility for communities and businesses around the globe.

We are building a global fleet of gateway stations to support the Starlink network and make up the internet interfacing backbone of the network. We are looking for creative and driven optical engineers to spearhead the design and development of innovative fiber optic connectivity solutions that bind thousands of satellites in the space to the internet points of presence across the globe. Engineers on this team are curious about new possibilities, have strong judgement, and work effectively in a dynamic environment with changing needs as we strive to deliver high-impact technology on a massive scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Design and develop optical connectivity solutions for the Starlink ground network infrastructure
  • Develop and maintain lab and production test stations for new product qualification and root cause analysis of operational fleet hardware
  • Develop modular, reusable test and automation software in Python for engineering design verification
  • Work with ground networking and space network teams to scale the Starlink network physical layer and optimize traffic flow
  • Develop tools and solutions to proactively monitor the health and availability of the optical infrastructure and lead continuous reliability improvement initiatives

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, applied physics, or an engineering discipline
  • 7+ years of experience in designing optical experiments and developing test automation (internships, student projects, extracurricular project experience, and professional experience all qualify)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative, and work both independently and within team to achieve high-quality results
  • Fundamental understanding of DWDM transmission systems, communications theory, and/or integrated photonics or optical subsystems
  • Experience in optical network design, planning, and DWDM system performance analysis
  • Hands-on experience with optical device or system level test and characterization
  • Experience in designing and creating test software infrastructure
  • Experience in any scripting/programming language (Python, MATLAB, or similar)
  • Experience performing data extraction, visualization and analysis using programming languages (e.g., Python) or SQL
  • Experience with IP networking and traffic flow fundamentals

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ability to work extended hours or weekends as needed for mission critical deadlines

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    

Pay Range:    
Network Engineer/Principal: $180,000.00 - $260,000.00/per year     

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.


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