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Network Operating System Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network, operating system and security certifications * Experience working with a global team to provide 24x7 support and operations * Experience working in a team environment to meet joint ...

Network, operating system and security certifications * Experience working with a global team to provide 24x7 support and operations * Experience working in a team environment to meet joint ...

Network, operating system and security certifications * Experience working with a global team to provide 24x7 support and operations * Experience working in a team environment to meet joint ...

Interpret network configurations * Support the Tactical Operating Environment * Support weapon system certification and testing in laboratory and at-sea environments * Deploy software and provide ...

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Must be able to interpret network configurations, and demonstrate expertise installing, configuring, and troubleshooting Network Operating System with emphasis for time critical redundant paths and ...

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Network Operating System information

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$41K

$97.9K

$159K

How much do network operating system jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for network operating system in the United States is $97,891.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network operating system?

A Network Operating System (NOS) is specialized software that manages network resources and enables computers to communicate, share files, and access devices over a network. Unlike a standard operating system, a NOS provides additional features such as user management, security, and network services to support multi-user environments. Examples include Microsoft Windows Server, Linux distributions like Ubuntu Server, and Cisco IOS. Network Operating Systems are essential for businesses and organizations that require centralized administration and efficient resource sharing across multiple devices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network operating system engineer?

To thrive as a Network Operating System Engineer, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, operating systems, and IT infrastructure, often backed by a degree in computer science or related certifications like Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+. Familiarity with network management tools, scripting languages, and platforms such as Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, or Linux-based systems is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, efficient troubleshooting, and secure operations in complex IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working with network operating systems, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals working with Network Operating Systems (NOS) often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex connectivity issues, ensuring compatibility across diverse hardware, and maintaining robust network security. Staying current with software updates and industry best practices is essential to address these challenges. Collaboration with cross-functional IT teams and regular training can help build the skills needed to diagnose problems efficiently and implement effective solutions in dynamic network environments.

What is the difference between Network Operating System vs Network Administrator?

AspectNetwork Operating SystemNetwork Administrator
Primary RoleSoftware that manages network resources and hardwareManages, maintains, and troubleshoots network infrastructure
Required SkillsKnowledge of network OS, protocols, and configurationNetwork configuration, security, troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentRuns on servers, network devices, or computersOffice or data center, hands-on hardware and software management
CertificationsNetwork+; Cisco CCNA; Microsoft certificationsNetwork+; Cisco CCNA; CompTIA Security+

While a Network Operating System is software that manages network resources, a Network Administrator is a professional who oversees and maintains the network infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their focus differs: one on software management and the other on operational oversight.

What does a network operating system do?

A network operating system (NOS) manages and controls network resources, enabling communication, data sharing, and security across connected devices. It provides services such as user authentication, file management, and network security, and is essential for maintaining network stability and performance. Network administrators often use tools and certifications related to NOS to ensure efficient network operation.
More about Network Operating System jobs
Infographic showing various Network Operating System job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,891 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Lead Engineer - Network Operating System, Software Developer

Target

Minneapolis, MN

$132K - $238K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 6,992 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $132,000.00 - $238,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position.These include labor markets and in some instancesmay include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.

As a Lead Engineer, you serve as the technical anchor for the team supporting the Network Operating System (NOS) product. You own and drive the application architecture, ensuring it meets both functional and non-functional requirements. You will build, integrate, and debug software across the Linux stack, including kernel and user space, and contribute to SONiC builds that produce complete Linux-based network operating system images. You will work across hardware and software boundaries, including I2C, networking ASICs, SAI, and platform interfaces, while developing and supporting Docker-based container workflows. You are expected to troubleshoot complex issues spanning software, systems, networking, hardware, and infrastructure, driving problems from identification through resolution. You bring deep and broad engineering expertise, can design and implement solutions independently, and use that expertise to influence architecture, establish engineering best practices, mentor others, and raise the technical capabilities of the entire team.

Use your skills, experience, and talents to be a part of groundbreaking thinking and visionary goals. As a Lead Engineer, you'll take the lead as you...

Use your technology acumen to apply and maintain knowledge of current and emerging technologies within specialized area(s) of the technology domain. Evaluate new technologies and participate in decision-making, accounting for several factors such as viability within Target's technical environment, maintainability, and cost of ownership. Initiate and execute research and proof-of-concept activities for new technologies. Lead or set strategy for testing and debugging at the platform or enterprise level. In complex and unstructured situations, serve as an expert resource to create and improve standards and best practices to ensure high-performance, scalable, repeatable, and secure deliverables. Lead the design, lifecycle management, and total cost of ownership of services. Provide the team with thought leadership to promote re-use and develop consistent, scalable patterns. Participate in planning services that have enterprise impact. Provide suggestions for handling routine and moderately complex technical problems, escalating issues when appropriate. Gather information, data, and input from a wide variety of sources; identify additional resources when appropriate, engage with appropriate stakeholders, and conduct in-depth analysis of information. Provide suggestions for handling routine and moderately complex technical problems, escalating issues when appropriate. Develop plans and schedules, estimate resource requirements, and define milestones and deliverables. Monitor workflow and risks; play a leadership role in mitigating risks and removing obstacles. Lead and participate in complex construction, automation, and implementation activities, ensuring successful implementation with architectural and operational requirements met. Establish new standards and best practices to monitor, test, automate, and maintain IT components or systems. Serve as an expert resource in disaster recovery and disaster recovery planning. Stay current with Target's technical capabilities, infrastructure, and technical environment. Develop fully attributed data models, including logical, physical, and canonical. Influence data standards, policies, and procedures. Install, configure, and/or tune data management solutions with minimal guidance. Monitor data management solution(s) and identify optimization opportunities.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

About you:

  • 4-year degree or equivalent experience

  • 7+ years of software development experience

  • Strong experience in C /C++ in a Linux environment

  • Working knowledge of Python and scripting (bash or similar)

  • Familiarity with common tools like git, make, and basic build systems

  • Linux operating system services (e.g. systemd).

  • Experience using Docker and understanding how containers work

  • Familiarity with build tools and package management (apt, pip, etc.)

  • Basic understanding of handling certificates, credentials, and secure access

  • General understanding of networking concepts: Ethernet basics (Interfaces copper and optical, MAC addressing etc.) and Layer 2 / Layer 3 concepts (switching vs routing)

  • Experience with protocols including ARP, ICMP, BGP, LACP, STP, LLDP, VLANs, etc.

  • Awareness of infrastructure components like DNS, firewalls, and TLS

  • Experience or familiarity with I2C devices and communication, network switch architecture, switching ASIC concepts, low-level concepts like memory-mapped I/O or interrupts

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_E

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.


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About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US