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Network Planning Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stem Xpert

Sr network planning engineer

Fort Worth, TX

$99K - $136K/yr

Nice to Have o Airlines - The Senior Network Planning Engineer is responsible for supporting IT verticals and business units in implementing new applications and making network modifications as part ...

lumos

Pre-Sales Network Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · Hybrid

$74K - $85K/yr

The Pre-Sales Network Planning Engineer completes pre-sale design requests that include DWDM transport spans and systems, dark fiber designs and large high-level RFP requests. Engineer will develop ...

lumos

Pre-Sales Network Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · Hybrid

$74K - $85K/yr

The Pre-Sales Network Planning Engineer completes pre-sale design requests that include DWDM transport spans and systems, dark fiber designs and large high-level RFP requests. Engineer will develop ...

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Network Planning Engineer information

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$31K

$109K

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How much do network planning engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for network planning engineer 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 some common challenges network planning engineers face when optimizing network performance?

Network Planning Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing capacity with cost, ensuring minimal downtime, and adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. They must analyze traffic patterns, forecast future needs, and address bottlenecks or coverage gaps, all while coordinating with cross-functional teams like operations and security. Staying ahead of emerging trends and integrating new solutions smoothly into existing infrastructure is crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Network Planning Engineer vs Network Design Engineer?

AspectNetwork Planning EngineerNetwork Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and optimizing network infrastructure plansCreating detailed network layouts and configurations
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certifications
Work EnvironmentPlanning departments, engineering teamsDesign teams, engineering departments
Industry UsageTelecommunications, ISPs, enterprise networksTelecommunications, ISPs, enterprise networks

Both roles require similar certifications and often work within the same industry sectors. The Network Planning Engineer focuses on strategic network development and capacity planning, while the Network Design Engineer concentrates on creating detailed network configurations and layouts. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

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

To thrive as a Network Planning Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network design, capacity planning, and telecommunications protocols, usually supported by a degree in computer science, IT, or engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as network simulation software, CAD systems, and certifications like Cisco CCNP or Juniper JNCIP is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial because they enable you to design reliable, scalable networks that meet business and technical requirements while minimizing risks and downtime.

What does a network planning engineer do?

A Network Planning Engineer is responsible for designing, analyzing, and optimizing computer networks to ensure efficient and reliable communication within an organization. They assess current network infrastructure, forecast future requirements, and develop strategies to meet those needs. Their work often involves configuring hardware, evaluating new technologies, and collaborating with other IT professionals to support business goals. Network Planning Engineers also help ensure network security, scalability, and performance.
What cities are hiring for Network Planning Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Network Planning Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Network Planning Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Network Planning Engineer jobs include:
Network Planning Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Network Planning Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Network Planning Engineer - Overland Park, KS

Cogent Communications

Overland Park, KS • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Cogent Communications rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 97 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Company:
Cogent Communications is a global, Tier 1 facilities-based ISP, consistently ranked as one of the top five networks in the world and is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the ticker symbol CCOI. Cogent specializes in providing businesses with high-speed Internet access and Ethernet transport services. Cogent's facilities-based, all-optical IP network backbone provides IP services globally. Since its inception, Cogent has unleashed the benefits of IP technology, building one of the largest and highest capacity IP networks in the world. This network enables Cogent to offer large bandwidth connections at highly competitive prices. Cogent also offers superior customer support by virtue of its end-to-end control of service delivery and network monitoring. A competitive base salary and a full benefits package including; Health, Dental, Vision, Paid Time Off (PTO), Short- and Long-Term Disability, Life Insurance, Holidays, Parental Leave, 401(k) plan with employer match, stock options, and an Employee Assistance Program. Most benefits take effect within 30 days of employment, and some require a waiting period.
Job Summary:
The Network Planning Engineer is responsible for the planning and engineering of DWDM optical transport networks across major metropolitan markets in North America. This role evaluates customer orders, determines network augmentation requirements, and prepares the technical documentation needed to support network growth and expansion. The Network Planning Engineer works closely with Network Operations, Field Services, and Sales Engineering to ensure the network is provisioned ahead of demand, and plays a key role in analyzing traffic trends and driving automation to improve planning efficiency.
Compensation:
[Starting / Initial] Base Salary Pay Range: $70,000 - $90,000
Specific offers within the listed pay ranges are determined by a variety of factors such as experience, education, skills, certifications and business needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Plan and engineer DWDM 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE optical transport networks in major metropolitan markets across North America.
  • Evaluate and approve customer orders and determine network augmentation requirements.
  • Prepare Bill of Materials (BoM) and Statement of Work (SOW) documentation for complex network growth and expansion projects.
  • Analyze traffic patterns to inform network planning and future growth strategies.
  • Drive automation through the development of network planning tools.
  • Collaborate with Network Operations, Field Services, and Sales Engineering teams to support network build-outs and augmentations.
  • Maintain accurate records of network capacity, inventory, and forecasted growth.
  • Support the resolution of network capacity issues in coordination with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications:
  • Planning and engineering of DWDM 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE optical transport networks in major metropolitan markets in North America.
  • Evaluate & approve customer orders and determine network augmentation requirements.
  • Prepare Bill of Materials (BoM) and Statement of Work (SOW) for complex network growth and expansion projects.
  • Analyze traffic patterns to drive network inference into future growth strategies.
  • Drive automation through network tool development.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Telecommunications, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
  • Familiarity with 10GE, 100GE, and 400GE technologies.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret traffic patterns and forecast network growth.
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Proficient in the following areas:
  • Knowledge of optical transport network architecture and design principles.
  • Understanding of network capacity planning and augmentation processes.
  • Familiarity with network automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python) is a PLUS.
  • Experience with network planning or inventory management software is a PLUS.
  • Knowledge of IP/MPLS networking concepts is a PLUS.

NOTE: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications.
By submitting an application or resume for this position, I understand that is an in-office position.
To apply for the Network Planning Engineer position, please submit your resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Candidates only. No Recruiters, please!
Cogent Communications is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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