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Senior Network Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Meta

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Denver, CO

$162K/yr

Meta is seeking a senior Network Engineer to support the strategy, deployment, and operational excellence of one of the world's largest backbone networks. In this role, you will provide technical ...

Simplesense

Senior Network Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$107K - $146K/yr

Senior Network Development Engineer Location: We prioritize candidates who reside in Denver, CO (hybrid as needed) but we are open to exceptional remote talent. Department: Engineering About ...

New

Meta

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Denver, CO · On-site

$162K - $227K/yr

Meta is seeking a senior Network Engineer to support the strategy, deployment, and operational excellence of one of the world's largest backbone networks. In this role, you will provide technical ...

TekSynap

Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Serve as a senior technical authority for approving significant network changes and modernization ... Produce engineering guidance, assessments, and system documentation in support of operational and ...

TekSynap

Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

Serve as a senior technical authority for approving significant network changes and modernization ... Produce engineering guidance, assessments, and system documentation in support of operational and ...

TekSynap

Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

... engineering risk assessments ... Serve as a senior technical authority for approving significant network changes and modernization ...

TekSynap

Network Engineer

Denver, CO

... engineering risk assessments ... Serve as a senior technical authority for approving significant network changes and modernization ...

Simplesense

Senior Network Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$107K - $146K/yr

Senior Network Development Engineer Location: We prioritize candidates who reside in Denver, CO (hybrid as needed) but we are open to exceptional remote talent. Department: Engineering About ...

New

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All JobsNetwork Engineer JobsSenior Network Engineer JobsSenior Network Engineer Jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO

Senior Network Engineer information

See Highlands Ranch, CO salary details

$44.6K

$129.9K

$183.7K

How much do senior network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior network engineer in Highlands Ranch, CO is $129,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,200.00 and $149,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior network engineer?

Senior Network Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex computer networks within organizations. They oversee network infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, ensure network security, and optimize performance. Typically, they lead network projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other IT teams to support business operations. Their expertise covers a range of technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and cloud networking.

What does a senior network engineer do?

A senior network engineer builds and maintains data communication networks for a company or organization. As a senior network engineer, you have several years of industry experience and lead a team of junior network engineers and network administrators to ensure both the local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) are functioning properly. Your job duties include installing software and hardware, creating a layout plan for cables, and troubleshooting and solving problems that arise with the networks for which you are responsible.

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

To excel as a Senior Network Engineer, you need a deep understanding of network architecture, protocols, security, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in configuring and troubleshooting routers, switches, firewalls, and experience with tools like Cisco IOS, Juniper, or cloud networking platforms, along with certifications such as CCNP or CCIE, are highly valued. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and leadership are crucial for designing solutions and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies ensure reliable, secure, and scalable network infrastructures that support critical business operations.

What are some common challenges faced by senior network engineers when managing large-scale network infrastructures?

Senior Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies into legacy systems, ensuring network security across a growing number of devices, and maintaining high availability while performing upgrades or troubleshooting. Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders—like IT, security, and business units—can also be complex. Staying updated with evolving protocols and proactively identifying potential performance bottlenecks are crucial parts of effectively managing large-scale environments.

What is the difference between Senior Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectSenior Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CertificationsCCNP, CCIE, Cisco certificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and troubleshoot complex networksMaintain and support existing network infrastructure
ResponsibilitiesNetwork architecture, advanced troubleshooting, project leadershipNetwork setup, monitoring, routine maintenance

While both roles involve network management, a Senior Network Engineer focuses on designing and implementing complex network solutions, often leading projects. In contrast, a Network Administrator primarily maintains and supports existing networks, ensuring smooth daily operations.

More about Senior Network Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO?

The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Highlands Ranch, CO are:

What cities near Highlands Ranch, CO are hiring for Senior Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Highlands Ranch, CO with the most Senior Network Engineer job openings:

Senior Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Network Engineer job openings in Highlands Ranch, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,927 per year, or $62.5 per hour.

Network Engineer, Backbone Operations

Meta

Denver, CO

$162K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

139th of 246 rated software companies

Job description

Meta is seeking a senior Network Engineer to support the strategy, deployment, and operational excellence of one of the world's largest backbone networks. In this role, you will provide technical leadership across both Outside Plant (OSP) and Inside Plant (ISP) critical infrastructure, driving the planning, scaling, and reliability of Meta's global backbone. You will apply deep subject matter expertise spanning long-haul optical transport, fiber plant design, and ILA critical infrastructure to cross-functional initiatives that shape how Meta's backbone network evolves to meet the demands of billions of users worldwide. This is a high-impact, high-autonomy role for a senior engineer who thrives on solving complex, large-scale network challenges across the full infrastructure stack.
Network Engineer, Backbone Operations Responsibilities:
  • Provide technical leadership across OSP (Outside Plant) and ISP (Inside Plant) infrastructure domains, including long-haul fiber routes, optical transport systems, and ILA critical infrastructure
  • Lead the deployment and operationalization of backbone fiber network infrastructure, including long-haul and metro optical transport across global points of presence and data centers
  • Develop and drive strategies and roadmaps for backbone network scaling, reliability, and operational efficiency across cross-functional teams
  • Author and review engineering design packages, methods of procedure, and scope of work documentation for both OSP fiber construction and ISP ILA critical infrastructure deployment projects
  • Identify systemic reliability gaps in backbone operations and lead problem management initiatives that span network engineering, infrastructure, and vendor organizations
  • Align workflow management tooling requirements and drive automation roadmaps to reduce manual operational burden across backbone deployment and support activities
  • Manage vendor and partner engineering relationships for backbone hardware, optical transport, and fiber construction, including contract negotiations and technical evaluation of current and prospective partnerships
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation for backbone network architecture, operational procedures, and deployment standards
  • Contribute to organizational strategy by providing input on backbone network capacity planning, technology selection, and team scaling to meet projected traffic demands
  • Drive operational readiness for backbone infrastructure projects, ensuring seamless handoffs from deployment to production operations across data centers, points of presence, and colocation facilities

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, relevant technical field, or equivalent practical experience
  • 8+ years of experience deploying, operating, and troubleshooting large-scale backbone or service provider optical network infrastructure
  • Experience with both OSP (Outside Plant) infrastructure including long-haul fiber routes and construction, and ISP (Inside Plant) infrastructure including ILA critical infrastructure systems
  • Experience configuring and troubleshooting optical transport technologies such as DWDM
  • Experience leading cross-functional network deployment or migration projects, including authoring engineering design packages, methods of procedure, and bills of materials
  • Experience managing vendor relationships and driving technical evaluations for backbone network hardware and transport platforms
  • Experience developing and implementing operational improvements, including automation or tooling to streamline backbone network workflows

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated use of AI tools to redesign operational workflows, accelerate troubleshooting, or improve documentation quality with measurable efficiency outcomes
  • Network certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent in service provider or optical transport domains
  • Demonstrated experience leading technical strategy across integrated OSP/ISP infrastructure programs
  • Experience with scripting or automation tools such as Python to streamline backbone operations, configuration management, or network telemetry workflows
  • Experience with traffic engineering in large-scale backbone environments
  • Experience adhering to and implementing responsible, ethical AI practices (e.g., risk assessment, bias mitigation, quality and accuracy reviews)
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI tools to optimize/redesign workflows and drive measurable impact (e.g., efficiency gains, quality improvements)
  • Demonstrated ongoing AI skill development (e.g., prompt/context engineering, agent orchestration) and staying current with emerging AI technologies

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$162,000/year to $227,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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