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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 ...

... operating systems and software • Ability to develop and modify Group Policies • Ability to ... network switch configurations. • Knowledge of network protocols used in our systems. • Install ...

NY · On-site

You will implement new network operating systems hardware and software and develop Wide Area Network (WAN) operating procedures. This position will also configure, install, and maintain network ...

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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 Sep 10, 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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,891 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Principal Product Manager - Network Operating System Strategy & Routing Innovation

Milpitas, CA

Cisco
Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Wholesalers • 10K+ employees

$233K - $330K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 09/10/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Meet the Team

The Provider Connectivity Software and Architectures product management team drives the routing software, automation portfolio and network architectures strategy and roadmap for Cisco's service provider, cloud, and large-scale infrastructure customers.

Our mission is to lead the market towards autonomous networking with next-generation routing, automation and architectures, ensuring our infrastructure meets the extensive scale and performance demands of the AI era. By bridging ground breaking developments in silicon and optics with sophisticated routing technologies and AIOps, we design the resilient, agile network foundations vital to power critically important workloads. Guided by Cisco's Guiding Principles, specifically our commitment to innovate together and prioritize customer success, we translate complex, long-term technical visions into tangible market leadership, ensuring our infrastructure remains the intelligent, robust engine for our customers' most ambitious digital transformations.

Our team focuses on advancing Cisco's routing and automation portfolio, including leadership across software technologies, network operating systems, automation and end-to-end strategic architectures. We collaborate closely with customers, partners, standards organizations, and open-source communities to address complex networking challenges and deliver secure, resilient, and operationally efficient solutions at scale.

Your Impact

As a key leader in our organization, you will get results across three core pillars:

  • Strategic Vision & Roadmap:Define the long-term roadmap for our routing software technologies and operating systems (including IOS XR and SONiC), ensuring alignment across hardware platforms, Cisco Cloud Control, Crosswork automation, and observability.
  • Industry Influence & Thought Leadership:Serve as the primary voice for Cisco's routing innovation by representing our interests in standards bodies (IETF, SONiC community), engaging with executive-level strategic customers, and driving industry discourse through publications and conferences.
  • Multi-functional Execution:Partner directly with engineering, sales, and business unit leaders to prioritize investments and deliver differentiated, scalable software solutions that translate technical foresight into commercial success.
Minimum Qualifications
  • 15+ years of professional experience in networking software, routing technologies, and network operating systems.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering or similar STEM field.
  • Expertise in one or more of the following core networking domains and protocols: IOS XR, SONiC, Linux-based network operating systems, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS/SRv6), EVPN/VXLAN MPLS BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, Network security, Model-driven programmability (YANG, NETCONF, gNMI) and Cloud-native software architectures.
  • History of defining long-term technology strategies and successfully translating them into product roadmaps.
  • Established reputation as an industry inspiring leader with a track record of participation in technical committees, patents, and/or major industry forums.
  • Executive communication skills with the ability to influence customers, engineering, partners, analysts, and senior leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Direct experience contributing to or leading open-source communities and global networking standards.
  • Deep experience with cloud-native software architectures and AI-driven infrastructure operations.
  • Proven ability to build and maintain trusted relationships with the world's largest service providers and cloud operators.
Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $233,900.00 to $330,400.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$233,900.00 - $380,000.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$220,900.00 - $344,300.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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