1

Network Operation Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Maintaining multi-site network operations and software applications, operating systems, and regular maintenance with both private and public facilities. * Ability to work in a team-oriented ...

Principal Network Engineer

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$130K - $138K/yr

As part of AFINC, the mission of the 26th Network Operations Squadron (26 NOS) is to provide mission assurance to the warfighter through the operation, management, and defense of the Department of ...

Showing results 21-40

Network Operation information

See Alabama salary details

$45.8K

$108.1K

$146.4K

How much do network operation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for network operation in Alabama is $108,118.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $145,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Network Operation vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork OperationNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+CCNA, CCNP, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentMonitoring, maintaining existing networksDesigning, implementing new network solutions
Primary FocusNetwork stability and troubleshootingNetwork design and development
Employer UsageIT departments, service providersNetwork design firms, large enterprises

Network Operations roles focus on maintaining and troubleshooting existing networks, ensuring uptime and performance. Network Engineers are responsible for designing and implementing new network solutions. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, their core responsibilities differ, with Network Operations emphasizing ongoing management and Network Engineering focusing on network development.

Is networking a high paying job?

Network operation roles often offer competitive salaries, especially for those with certifications like CCNA or CCNP and experience with network infrastructure. Salaries vary based on location, experience, and company size, but networking jobs generally provide good compensation compared to many other IT roles.

What are some common challenges faced in a network operation role and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Network Operation roles often encounter challenges such as network outages, security incidents, and the need to maintain high uptime. Addressing these requires strong troubleshooting skills, familiarity with monitoring tools, and the ability to respond quickly under pressure. Team collaboration is essential, as network operation centers (NOCs) often work closely with security teams and system administrators to resolve issues efficiently. Regular training and clear escalation processes also help ensure smooth network operations and minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network operation specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Network Operations Specialist, you need a solid understanding of networking protocols, troubleshooting, and network infrastructure, often supported by a degree in IT or related field. Familiarity with network monitoring tools (like SolarWinds or Nagios), ticketing systems, and certifications such as CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set standout professionals apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining network uptime, quickly resolving issues, and ensuring seamless connectivity across an organization.

What is a network operation?

Network Operations refers to the processes and activities involved in managing, monitoring, and maintaining computer networks to ensure their optimal performance, reliability, and security. Professionals in network operations oversee network infrastructure, troubleshoot connectivity issues, and implement upgrades or repairs as needed. Their responsibilities often include monitoring network traffic, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies. Network Operations Centers (NOCs) are typically staffed by teams who work around the clock to keep networks running smoothly. Effective network operations are crucial for minimizing downtime and supporting business continuity.

Is a network operation a good career?

A network operation role involves managing and maintaining computer networks, requiring skills in network protocols, troubleshooting, and often certifications like Cisco CCNA. It offers steady employment opportunities, especially in organizations reliant on IT infrastructure, with potential for career growth into network administration or engineering.
What are popular job titles related to Network Operation jobs in Alabama? For Network Operation jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Network Operation job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,118 per year, or $52 per hour.

Network Engineer

Southern Research

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Network Engineer
Southern Research + You
Discover a career where your work truly matters. Southern Research has been translating science into real-world solutions since 1941. Join our innovative team and enjoy benefits like medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, life insurance, PTO, an employee assistance program, and more.
General Summary
The Network Engineer will be responsible for managing the network infrastructure which includes architecture, implementation and support of production LAN/WAN and Telecommunications infrastructure for Southern Research. The candidate will need to demonstrate a high degree of initiative with minimum supervision using the latest networking technologies to develop and implement high available solutions that meet business needs. It is also expected the Network Engineer will stay up to date on the latest technology, security, and best-practice guidelines to make recommendations for enhancements in the technological environment. Periodic on-call will be required to support and minimize impact to the day-to-day business operations and travel will be minimal.
Primary Functions and Responsibilities
  • Design, setup and configure complex networking that supports open or secured access and the ability to support voice and video applications.
  • Ability to gather complex network requirements to be used in creating highly resilient and scalable network designs.
  • Capacity planning and performance tuning of enterprise-level systems/network infrastructures.
  • Align systems/network infrastructure goals to organization needs.
  • Ability to conduct in-depth research into issues and technologies as required and recommend preferred hardware and/or solutions.
  • Document detailed design documents such as Visio diagrams, architecture definition documents, IP allocations, device descriptions and narratives describing the function of the design.
  • Assist in the design of multi-server environments including IP address schemes, DNS, WINS, Ether-Channel (Bonding), etc.
  • Configuring and installing client and server network software for upgrading and maintaining network and telecommunication systems.
  • Maintaining multi-site network operations and software applications, operating systems, and regular maintenance with both private and public facilities.
  • Ability to work in a team-oriented, collaborative environment, and use experience and judgment to accomplish goals.
  • Engage with vendors to procure hardware and provision telecommunication WAN circuits
  • Managing assigned projects and program components to deliver services in accordance with business objectives.
  • Provide mentorship by sharing knowledge and building redundancy within the team.
  • Lead and/or assist in technology evaluations, proof-of-concept, and implementations.
  • Work across teams to assist in determining strategic direction to enable business goals.
  • Support daily operational networking activities as needed.

Citizenship
  • This position requires US Citizenship.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications
  • Education & Experience:
    • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, Information Technology or related discipline; OR
    • 6 years of relevant experience in Computer Science, MIS, Information Technology or related discipline
  • 5+ years of experience as a Network Engineer designing and implementing medium-to-large scale WAN/LAN networks.
  • 5+ years of extensive knowledge of enterprise network technologies, including but not limited to core switching, firewalls, edge and core routing, wireless, VLANS, DMZs, IDS/IPS, network load balancing, VPN, etc.
  • Mastery of TCP/IP, IP Security protocols (IPSec, SSL, TLS).

Preferred Skills
  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification a plus.
  • Current CCNA and/or CCDA certification a plus.
  • CCSP, CCIE or relative Industry Standard Certification a plus.
  • Cisco Call Manager experience is considered a strong plus.
  • Information Technology Infrastructure Library Framework (ITIL) knowledge is a plus.
  • Knowledge of core server technologies including virtualization layer, blade server systems, SAN storage, virtualization software, high availability configurations, etc.
  • Knowledge and experience with VMware and Windows systems is a plus.

Interpersonal Skills
  • Requires a high degree of organizational and project management skills.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Must possess effective communication skills both written and verbal.
  • Must be able to work under stress with short timelines.
  • Ability and affinity to succeed in a fast-paced environment while multi-tasking.
  • Ability to manage time effectively, multi-task and adapt to changes quickly in a fast-moving environment.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, weekends, holidays or on call as needed.
  • Friendly presence and helpful attitude; good interpersonal & presentation skills and ability to work well with others.
  • Ability to provide technical support over the phone; good phone skills, professional demeanor, previous customer service experience strongly desired.
  • Exercise patience and professionalism during stressful situations.
  • Must be a team player and cultivate partnerships within the organization.

Core Values
Cultivating human connection - putting people first. We know that every individual makes a difference and that no one can do it alone. We believe the world's most powerful resource is human potential. We are an inclusive and courageous team where innovation and diversity of though go hand in hand. We understand that relationships move at the speed of trust.
Operating with precise execution - measuring what matters and owning results as a team. We leverage data to drive decisions that advance science. We recognize the importance of a stable foundation coupled with an agile mindset. We hold ourselves accountable and take pride in our work. We give and receive candid feedback as a gift that keeps us growing.
Harnessing relentless curiosity - our unstoppable, innovative force. We are driven to ask sharp questions and push the boundaries of knowledge. We use creativity and critical thinking as catalysts for finding solutions that change lives. We learn by doing, consistently striving to improve our relationships, training, methodologies, questions, and results.
Stewarding a healthy community - implementing sustainable operations for a safe, engaging environment. We don't compromise on safety and health for our employees, customers, or community. We believe a healthy community begins with inclusive economic opportunities. We respect the dignity of the patients we ultimately serve. We are motivated to serve communities that are underserved and markets that are overlooked.
Job Specific Behaviors
Relationship Orientation - Develops positive relationships by making others feel their concerns and contributions are important.
Continuous Learning - Proactively seeks performance feedback and identifies approaches to improve personal and others performance and learning.
Tolerance for Stress, Ambiguity & Change - Demonstrates flexibility in applying different approaches to changing work demands.
Effective Communication - Creates a team environment in which information flows freely and decision making is based on a win-win philosophy.
Customer Focus -Responds to customer's needs in a manner that provides added value and generates significant customer satisfaction.
Compliance - Applies an understanding of legal precedents, policies and practices to protect the interests of the organization.
Cross-team Collaboration - Ensures integration and cooperation across organizational boundaries.
Service Development, Delivery, Refinement and Quality - Manages service delivery to ensure high levels of customer impact and satisfaction. Constantly focuses on the continuous improvement of services and processes.
Work Environment & Conditions
  • This position is typically located in an office environment
  • Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time
  • Ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time

Work Authorization
Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Southern Research is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We are an equal opportunity employer and seek to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. Our hiring, training, promotion, and compensation practices are based on the principles of fairness, equality, and merit.
Southern Research prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, including harassment based on any protected characteristic. We are committed to maintaining a work environment where all individuals are treated with respect, dignity, and fairness.
In addition, we provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws. We also offer support for individuals who require accommodations due to religious practices or beliefs.
If you have any concerns about discrimination or harassment, please contact humanresources@southernresearch.org immediately. We are committed to investigating all concerns thoroughly and promptly and taking appropriate corrective action when necessary.