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Network Optimization Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Network Engineer

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Looking for a Sr. Network Optimization engineer Senior level network engineer - focus on optimization End to End Cisco products, routing and switching - large enterprise Position will have firewall ...

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$48

$62

How much do network optimization jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for network optimization in the United States is $48.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36.78 and $62.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Network Optimization roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Network Optimization often encounter challenges such as managing rapidly changing network demands, minimizing downtime during upgrades, and ensuring optimal performance across diverse technologies. Keeping up with emerging tools and best practices is essential to tackle these challenges effectively. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as network engineers and IT support, helps in diagnosing issues and implementing solutions more efficiently. Proactive monitoring and continuous learning are key strategies for overcoming obstacles in this dynamic field.

What jobs pay $10,000 a month without a degree?

In network optimization and related fields, high-paying roles such as network engineers, cybersecurity specialists, or cloud architects can reach or exceed $10,000 per month with relevant certifications and experience, even without a traditional degree. These jobs often require strong technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and familiarity with tools like Cisco, AWS, or network monitoring software. Salary levels depend on industry, location, and expertise, but self-taught professionals with certifications can achieve high earnings in these areas.

What is network optimization?

Network optimization refers to the processes and techniques used to improve the efficiency, speed, and reliability of a computer or telecommunications network. This can include strategies such as traffic management, load balancing, reducing latency, and optimizing bandwidth usage. The goal is to ensure that data flows smoothly across the network, minimizing bottlenecks and downtime. Network optimization is crucial for businesses to maintain high performance and meet the demands of modern applications and users.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Network Optimization Specialist, and why are they important?

To excel as a Network Optimization Specialist, you need a strong understanding of network architecture, performance analysis, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with network monitoring tools (like Wireshark or SolarWinds), optimization protocols, and certifications such as Cisco CCNP or CompTIA Network+ is typically required. Problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for this role. Mastering these competencies is crucial to ensure optimal network performance, minimize downtime, and support seamless business operations.

What does network optimization do?

Network optimization involves analyzing and improving the performance of computer networks to ensure efficient data flow, reduce latency, and increase reliability. Network engineers use tools like network monitoring software and protocols to identify issues and implement solutions that enhance network speed and stability.

What is the difference between Network Optimization vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork OptimizationNetwork Engineer
Primary FocusImproving network performance, efficiency, and cost-effectivenessDesigning, implementing, and maintaining network infrastructure
Skills & CertificationsNetwork analysis, optimization tools, certifications like Cisco CCNP or CCIENetwork design, routing, switching, certifications like Cisco CCNA or CCNP
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise networks, consulting firmsCorporate IT departments, service providers, data centers
GoalsEnhance network performance and reduce latencyBuild and sustain reliable network infrastructure

While both roles involve networking, Network Optimization specialists focus on enhancing existing network performance and efficiency, often using analysis and optimization tools. Network Engineers design and deploy network systems, ensuring robust infrastructure. Both roles require networking certifications but differ in daily tasks and objectives.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of network optimization, senior roles such as Network Architects, Chief Network Officers, or specialized consultants with extensive experience and advanced certifications can reach or exceed $500,000 annually. These positions often require advanced skills in network design, security, and management, along with leadership responsibilities and often involve working in large organizations or consulting firms. Compensation at this level typically includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options or profit sharing.

Is AI going to replace network engineers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace network engineers, as their role involves complex problem-solving, system design, and troubleshooting that require human expertise. Instead, AI tools are expected to augment their work, automating routine tasks and allowing engineers to focus on strategic and advanced network management. Continuous learning and certification in networking technologies remain important for job security in this field.
More about Network Optimization jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Optimization jobs? The most popular types of Network Optimization jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Network Optimization jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Network Optimization jobs are:
Infographic showing various Network Optimization job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,366 per year, or $48.7 per hour.
Transportation Network Optimization Manager

Transportation Network Optimization Manager

Reynolds Consumer Products

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

$98K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Reynolds Consumer Products rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
Join Reynolds Consumer Products...and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities! We are passionate about achieving results and have fun winning as a team!
We provide amazing job opportunities for growth with competitive pay and benefits in an exciting, dynamic, fast-paced, and fun workplace environment. Are you looking to build a strong career? Then we have an opportunity for you! We currently have an opportunity for a Transportation Network Optimization Manager at our Corporate Headquarters in Lake Forest, IL.
Responsibilities
The Transportation Network Optimization Manager is responsible for executing and optimizing the transportation routing guide and carrier strategy to ensure reliable service execution while meeting cost and budget objectives. This role oversees carrier capacity planning, routing guide compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives across the U.S. domestic transportation network.
The position plays a critical role in aligning procurement strategy, carrier performance, and operational execution through data-driven analysis, strong carrier partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated success delivering service reliability and cost optimization across multiple transportation modes within a complex, high-volume supply chain environment.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Own the execution, and maintenance of the transportation routing guide, ensuring alignment with service, capacity, and cost objectives.
  • Analyze routing guide and network performance to identify gaps, root causes, and corrective actions.
  • Partner cross-functionally to incorporate forecasts, demand signals, and operational inputs into capacity planning.
  • Monitor carrier awards and routing guide compliance; identify service and cost risk drivers.
  • Lead carrier performance management and strategic alignment through scorecards, QBRs, and corrective action plans.
  • Collaborate with IT and Data Analytics to embed predictive analytics and machine learning into transportation workflows.
  • Manage carrier relationships, contracts, and performance reporting improvements.
  • Support transportation RFPs and bid events, including rate negotiation and carrier network optimization.
  • Manage end-to-end carrier onboarding, ensuring FMCSA safety, authority, and insurance compliance.
  • Initiate and lead cross-functional initiatives to mitigate unplanned costs (accessorials), service disruptions, and capacity constraints.
  • Monitor TMS data integrity, including carrier rating and transit accuracy, while supporting daily TMS operations as required.

Qualifications
We need you to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in U.S. domestic transportation (shipper or carrier), with demonstrated cost and service performance achievements.
  • Proven experience across multiple transportation modes, including OTR, LTL, intermodal, railcar, and flatbed.
  • Strong negotiation skills and experience supporting carrier sourcing or procurement activities.
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to present to multiple levels of the organization.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, formulas, lookups) required.
  • Experience with transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and order management platforms preferred; SAP and Blue Yonder experience a plus.
  • Experience with data visualization and analytics tools such as Power BI or Tableau preferred.
  • Strong operational mindset with a focus on cost management, budget discipline, and attention to detail.

LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES:
  • Results Driven - Ability to focus on organizational growth, financial performance and achieving results.
  • Critical Decision Maker - Clear, critical thinker that engages in thoughtful, data-driven decisions and has the ability to summarize and draw appropriate conclusions from complex data.
  • Customer Focused - Understands customers' needs and places the highest priority on delighting customers.
  • Teamwork & Collaboration - Builds rapport and collaborates effectively across the organization and fosters an environment of open and transparent communication.
  • Integrity & Trust - Demonstrates honest, respectful and trustworthy behaviors when engaging with stakeholders and achieves stated work obligations.
  • Compelling Communication - Effective written and verbal communicator that clearly and succinctly conveys information across all levels.
  • Leadership Courage - Exudes confidence and is a driven, assertive and decisive individual that manages conflict towards mutual solutions but also maintains composure during difficult situations and channels emotions effectively.
  • Strategic Orientation - Ability to balance short-term goals with long-term organizational and functional strategic priorities.
  • Innovative Thinking - A forward thinker who offers new, creative and often unconventional thoughts, opinions and methods for solution generation and problem solving.
  • People Leadership - Ability to develop employees through coaching and feedback and holds team members accountable through modeling appropriate behavior.

Want to know more? Check out our website or connect with us on LinkedIn!
Apply today to join a fast-growing innovative company!
Not a good fit but know someone who is? Please refer them!
Local candidates only, no relocation assistance available
Join Reynolds Consumer Products and Drive Your Career across a world of opportunities!
For applicants or employees who are disabled or require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, you may request assistance by emailing us at Recruitment@ReynoldsBrands.com.
No recruiter calls or emails please.
RCP affords equal employment opportunities to applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, disability status, sex, marital status, protected veteran status, pregnancy, national origin, genetics, genetic information, parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. RCP conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Posted Salary Range
USD $98,400.00 - USD $139,000.00 /A
Bonus Eligibility
Role is eligible for 10% annual incentive provided the business meets financial goals and the individual meets their performance goals, subject to plan administration guidelines.

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