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Staff Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Engineer - Lead

Detroit, MI · On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

... or internal staff. Incumbents are also responsible for monitoring, tuning, and planning for ... Network Engineer I This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their expertise in routine ...

As a Staff Network Security Engineer at DigitalOcean, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to revolutionizing cloud computing and AI. In this role, you will act as a key technical leader ...

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Staff Network Engineer information

See salary details

$23K

$99.3K

$192.5K

How much do staff network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for staff network engineer in the United States is $99,330.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a staff network engineer do?

A Staff Network Engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures within an organization. They troubleshoot advanced network issues, ensure network security, optimize performance, and often lead or mentor other network engineers. Their work ensures reliable and secure communication across various systems and locations. Staff Network Engineers also play a key role in planning for future network growth and integrating new technologies.

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

To thrive as a Staff Network Engineer, you need deep expertise in network architecture, protocols, troubleshooting, and strong experience with enterprise networking, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, network monitoring systems, and certifications like CCNP or CCIE are typically required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you collaborate across teams and lead complex initiatives. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring robust, secure, and scalable network infrastructures that support organizational needs.

What are some common challenges faced by staff network engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Staff Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing complex network architectures, ensuring high availability, and keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. They must balance day-to-day troubleshooting with long-term network planning and security initiatives. Effective communication and collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as security, systems engineering, and operations, are crucial for addressing these challenges and ensuring network reliability. Staying up-to-date through continuous learning and certifications also helps Staff Network Engineers remain effective in their roles.

What is the difference between Staff Network Engineer vs Network Architect?

AspectStaff Network EngineerNetwork Architect
CredentialsNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE), relevant experienceAdvanced certifications, design expertise, industry experience
Work EnvironmentImplementing, maintaining, troubleshooting network systemsDesigning network solutions, planning infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large enterprises, tech companies, service providersUsed in organizations requiring complex network design and planning

While both roles require strong networking knowledge and certifications, Staff Network Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining networks, whereas Network Architects primarily design and plan network infrastructure. The roles often collaborate but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is a staff network engineer?

A staff network engineer is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructure within an organization. They often lead projects, troubleshoot advanced network issues, and collaborate with other IT teams, typically requiring strong knowledge of networking protocols, tools, and certifications such as CCNP or CCIE.
More about Staff Network Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Staff Network Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Staff Network Engineer jobs are:

Infographic showing various Staff Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,330 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Network Engineer - Lead

Wayne State University

Detroit, MI • On-site

$100K - $138K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Wayne State University rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Basic Purpose
 
Positions in the Network Engineer job family are responsible for the analysis, design, configuration, and coordination of the installation of communications networks including local area networks, wide area networks, and the integration of multiple networks and technologies.  Incumbents work with customers and vendors to determine the optimal network design and coordinate the installation and testing with vendors and/or internal staff.  Incumbents are also responsible for monitoring, tuning, and planning for University-wide networks.  The focus of work is on the optimal design and installation of networks that will facilitate access and exchange of information across the University and with the community.
 
 
Essential Functions
 
The functions within the job family will vary by level and specific assignment but will include the 
following: 
 
Troubleshoot network problems and install and maintain specialized network tools and software; 
 
Engineer, analyze, design, and install new networks and integrate them with other networks and the University wide area network; 
 
Monitor network performance, analyze symptoms of outages, and develop corrective actions;  
 
Lead projects to install and/or upgrade networks, serving as a technical liaison with vendors and customers; and 
 
Stay abreast of current trends in network design and provide advice and counsel to customers on implementing or enhancing networks in their area. 
 
 
Comments (Level Descriptions)
 
The Network Engineer family has four levels: 
 
Network Engineer I 
This is the proficiency level where incumbents apply their expertise in routine network design assignments.  They typically work as a part of a project team, focusing on subsets in network design and implementation projects.  While at this level, they are expected to expand their design knowledge to include other common network technologies and platforms and to increase their proficiency in the integration of networks.  Incumbents at this level may serve as second-tier support for network problem resolution to assist units across the university. 
 
 
Network Engineer II 
This is the career level where incumbents are fully qualified to work independently on a variety of network design and installation projects.  They may participate on project teams for major installations or upgrades or work independently on smaller projects which typically last less than one year.  They may also be responsible for coordinating project work with systems administrators and other technical staff and for providing assistance for less experienced network engineering staff.  Network project assignments frequently require the integration of multiple networks, both internal and external, and interaction with functional management during all phases of project definition, design, and installation. 
 
 
Senior Network Engineer 
This is the specialist level where incumbents are fully qualified to work on major network design projects which often take more than one year to complete.  They assist in the analysis, review, and evaluation of alternative approaches and may prepare documentation for functional management review for project acceptance.  They may also coordinate several smaller projects, providing technical guidance to less senior network engineering staff.  Their work is characterized by an understanding of both the customer and technology requirements for the network, maintaining operating efficiency, and minimizing the potential for future network problems.  At this level, incumbents are the Subject Matter Expert for a major network technology and platform, providing third tier support across the University. 
 
 
Lead Network Engineer 
This is the leadership level where incumbents have broad experience and expertise in all types of network design in addition to demonstrated project management skills.  They serve as the project leader on complex projects which require significant financial and staffing resources to complete and affect a wide range of University and/or external users.  They are the key players in the process of assessing customer needs, evaluating alternatives, preparing cost-benefit analyses, and securing approval from management.  They are also the key vendor contact and Subject Matter Expert for a network technology that is widely used in the University and provide expert advice and evaluation of alternative network designs.  Incumbents at this level will typically have responsibility for project and technical leadership and work direction for several network engineers or other technical project staff.

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