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Senior Network Engineer Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

Define hardware system architecture for network products, including SoC/CPU platform, memory ... senior engineer or technical lead role. * Experience in consumer networking, wireless router ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

Define hardware system architecture for network products, including SoC/CPU platform, memory ... senior engineer or technical lead role. * Experience in consumer networking, wireless router ...

Senior Hardware Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$118K - $158K/yr

Define hardware system architecture for network products, including SoC/CPU platform, memory ... senior engineer or technical lead role. * Experience in consumer networking, wireless router ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Network Engineer information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$44.3K

$129.1K

$182.6K

How much do senior network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior network engineer in Riverside, CA is $129,141.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,500.00 and $148,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Network Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE, and expertise in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud networking, or large-scale infrastructure. High salaries are often found in large organizations or specialized roles requiring advanced skills and certifications.

What are Senior Network Engineers?

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 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 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 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.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE), and expertise in high-demand areas like cybersecurity or cloud infrastructure can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in senior or executive roles within large organizations. Compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, and other incentives for top-tier professionals in the field.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications (such as CCIE), and expertise in complex network infrastructure can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or senior leadership roles. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and specialization in areas like cybersecurity or cloud networking.

How much does a senior network engineer earn?

A senior network engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. They often work with advanced networking tools and protocols, and may hold certifications like CCNP or CISSP to increase earning potential.

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 the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA? For Senior Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Network Engineer jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Senior Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Senior Network Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Network Engineer job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,141 per year, or $62.1 per hour.
Senior System & Network Administrator

Senior System & Network Administrator

Design West Technologies, Inc.

Tustin, CA • On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Protect Critical Infrastructure. Secure the Mission.
For more than a decade, Design West Technologies Inc. has been a trusted partner to the Department of Defense (DoD), delivering mission-critical design engineering and rugged manufacturing solutions that support our nation's warfighters. As we enter our next phase of growth, we are combining our strong defense heritage with the agility and innovation of a fast-paced organization.
Operating from our advanced facilities in Tustin, CA, we are seeking an experienced Network Security Administrator to help secure and safeguard our enterprise infrastructure and support our CMMC Level 2 compliance program. This hands-on role will administers, monitors, and secures network infrastructure, cybersecurity platforms, cloud environments, and enterprise identity systems.
Key Responsibilities
  • Administer, configure, and maintain Palo Alto Networks technologies
  • Manage firewall policies, network segmentation, VPN connectivity, secure remote access, and endpoint security controls
  • Monitor network performance, system health, security alerts, and infrastructure availability
  • Install, configure, patch, maintain, and upgrade Windows Server 2016-2022 and Linux systems
  • Administer a variety of Microsoft Azure services
  • Investigate suspicious activity, respond to endpoint and network security incidents, and support incident response, containment, recovery, and root-cause analysis
  • Support CMMC Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 compliance activities
  • Maintain technical documentation, including system diagrams, SOPs, action plans, policies, and audit evidence
  • Serve as the Tier III escalation point for all network, security, and infrastructure issues
  • Support change management, perform vulnerability assessments, disaster recovery planning, backup validation, and business continuity initiatives
  • Collaborate with various departments to implement secure and reliable solutions

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
  • 5-8 years of experience in network administration, systems administration, cybersecurity, or enterprise IT infrastructure
  • Hands-on experience with Palo Alto Networks technologies, including NGFW, Prisma Access, and/or Cortex XDR
  • Experience supporting Windows Server, Linux, Microsoft Azure, Microsoft Entra ID, VPN technologies, patch management, endpoint security, and enterprise identity management
  • Experience in regulated environments such as DoD, aerospace, manufacturing, or government contracting is highly preferred
  • Working knowledge of CMMC Level 2, NIST SP 800-171, or similar cybersecurity compliance frameworks
  • Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, network segmentation, Active Directory, vulnerability management, and security hardening
  • PowerShell, Bash, or other scripting experience is a plus
  • Strong troubleshooting, documentation, communication, and prioritization skill
  • Must currently hold active US Security Clearance, or posses the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret Security Clearance
  • Ability to obtain an approved DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III certification within 6 months of hire.

Preferred Certifications
PCNSA, Security+, CySA+, CCP
Highly Desired Certifications
CISSP, CASP+, CCSP, GCIH, or CISA.
Why Join Us?
You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by protecting the infrastructure that supports mission-critical defense programs. Working alongside talented engineers and technology professionals, you'll help strengthen our cybersecurity posture, support regulatory compliance, and contribute to innovative solutions that protect those who protect us. EEO employer including veterans & individuals with disabilities.