How to hire a data network engineer

How to hire a data network engineer, step by step

Here's a step-by-step data network engineer hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a data network engineer job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new data network engineer
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the data network engineer you need to hire. Certain data network engineer roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A data network engineer's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, data network engineers from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of data network engineers and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Data Network Engineer	Description	Hourly rate
   Data Network Engineer	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	$34-63
   System Technician	A system technician is a professional responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members... Show more	$12-32
   Systems Administrator	Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures... Show more	$28-48

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • BGP
   • Switches
   • EIGRP
   • OSPF
   • Data Network
   • Nexus
   • TCP/IP
   • MPLS
   • Network Infrastructure
   • VPN
   • Network Devices
   • Technical Support
   • Lan Wan
   • VoIP

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Implement and manage Cisco AVVID architecture to support efficient use of VoIP.
   • Manage router configuration changes, coordinate site surveys develop i-plans, update NOC and engineering documentation to reflect changes.
   • Review IOS bug notices and upgrade IOS software as needed on Cisco switches and routers.
   • Configure Cisco ASA VPN certificate authentication access for company-manage mobile devices using CiscoAnyconnect.
   • Network protocols include TCP/IP, SNA/SDLC, Novell IPX/SPX, X.25.
   • Evaluate and improve downstream BGP offerings.

   More data network engineer duties

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in the data network engineer job description is a good way to get more applicants. A data network engineer salary can be affected by several factors, such as the location of the job, the level of experience, education, certifications, and the employer's prestige.

   For example, the average salary for a data network engineer in Montana may be lower than in Washington, and an entry-level engineer typically earns less than a senior-level data network engineer. Additionally, a data network engineer with lots of experience in the field may command a higher salary as a result.

   Average data network engineer salary

   $97,321yearly

   $46.79 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level data network engineer salary

   $71,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

   Average data network engineer salary by state

   Rank	State	Avg. salary	Hourly rate
   1	California	$126,068	$61
   2	Washington	$123,810	$60
   3	New York	$109,424	$53
   4	Maryland	$99,695	$48
   5	Texas	$96,506	$46
   6	Massachusetts	$95,944	$46
   7	Delaware	$95,597	$46
   8	District of Columbia	$95,490	$46
   9	New Jersey	$94,617	$45
   10	North Carolina	$90,366	$43
   11	Rhode Island	$88,723	$43
   12	Wisconsin	$87,677	$42
   13	Illinois	$86,566	$42
   14	Colorado	$84,843	$41
   15	Wyoming	$84,824	$41
   16	Missouri	$82,128	$39
   17	Indiana	$75,120	$36
   18	Nebraska	$70,897	$34

   Average data network engineer salary by company

   Company

   Rank	Company	Average salary	Hourly rate	Job openings
   1	The Knot	$145,577	$69.99	2
   2	Amazon	$112,228	$53.96	648
   3	Marchon Partners	$111,619	$53.66
   4	Metasys Technologies	$105,380	$50.66	7
   5	Altice USA	$104,956	$50.46	2
   6	ASAP Solutions Group	$102,686	$49.37
   7	TechDigital	$102,506	$49.28
   8	First Consulting Inc.	$102,090	$49.08
   9	Trilliant	$101,833	$48.96
   10	CTG	$101,028	$48.57	30
   11	SC Johnson	$100,089	$48.12	2
   12	Rose International	$98,599	$47.40
   13	Pinnacle Technical Resources	$98,560	$47.38	13
   14	U.S. Cellular	$98,068	$47.15
   15	Serco	$97,978	$47.10	1
   16	Corning Incorporated	$97,861	$47.05	4
   17	System One	$97,766	$47.00	30
   18	Kineticom	$96,947	$46.61
   19	Windstream	$95,859	$46.09	5
   20	Comcast	$95,370	$45.85	41

4. Writing a data network engineer job description

   A good data network engineer job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a data network engineer job description:

   Data network engineer job description example

   Time Type: Full time
   Minimum Clearance Required to Start: None
   
   Employee Type: Regular
   
   Percentage of Travel Required: Up to 75%
   
   Type of Travel: Outside Continental US
   
   What You'll Get to Do:
   Design, modify, analyze, install, and test internal company/customer data networking systems and/or integrated solutions.
   
   More About the Role:
   Develop, design, configure and implement data networks based upon the customer's performance criteria and specifications Conduct systems pre-test and acceptance tests to validate the designed performance criteria Structure mock designs based upon RFP specifications in support of the Bids & Proposal teams Collaborate with government and /or subcontractors at customer site for data network integration into existing infrastructure Develop and perform technical presentations for customers Serve as technical resource at customer briefings Travel to other CACI Locations or Customer Sites as necessary Requires extensive travel (up to 75%) including International Understand and adhere to all CACI Ethical and Compliance policies Proactively ensure a safe work environment and adhere to CACI EH&S policies and procedures Perform other duties as required If required, obtain/retain a government security clearance at the level required to perform the duties of the position
   
   You'll Bring These Qualifications:
   Proficient in Microsoft software applications and other software applications as required, including Microsoft SharePoint Systems integration experience Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills Good oral and written communications skills Experience in using drawing tools such as Microsoft Visio or AutoCAD is desired
   
   What We Can Offer You:
   
   - We've been named a Best Place to Work by the Washington Post.
   
   - Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives.
   
   - We offer competitive benefits and learning and development opportunities.
   
   - We are mission-oriented and ever vigilant in aligning our solutions with the nation's highest priorities.
   
   - For over 55 years, the principles of CACI's unique, character-based culture have been the driving force behind our success.
   
   Company Overview: At CACI, you will have the opportunity to make an immediate impact by providing information solutions and services in support of national security missions and government transformation for Intelligence, Defense, and Federal Civilian customers. CACI is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.
   
   Pay Range: The proposed salary range for this position is $65,300-$134,000. There are a host of factors that can influence final salary including, but not limited to, Federal Government contract labor categories and contract wage rates, relevant prior work experience, specific skills and competencies, geographic location, education, and certifications. Our employees value the flexibility at CACI that allows them to balance quality work and their personal lives. We offer competitive compensation, benefits and learning and development opportunities. Our broad and competitive mix of benefits options is designed to support and protect employees and their families. Employment benefits include health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave and retirement and savings.
   
   As a federal contractor, CACI is subject to any federal vaccine mandates or other customer vaccination requirements. All new hires are required to report their vaccination status.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are various strategies that you can use to find the right data network engineer for your business:

   • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your data network engineer job on Zippia to find and attract quality data network engineer candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as dice, engineering.com, stack overflow, it job pro.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit data network engineers, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   While interviews are great, you will only sometimes learn enough from a conversation with a data network engineer applicant. In those cases, having candidates complete a test project can go a long way in figuring out who's the most likely to succeed in the role. If you aren't a technical person and don't know how to design an appropriate test, you can ask someone else on the team to create it or take a look at these websites to get a few ideas:

   • TestDome
   • CodeSignal
   • Testlify
   • BarRaiser
   • Coderbyte

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new data network engineer

   Once you've selected the best data network engineer candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   After that, you can create an onboarding schedule for a new data network engineer. Human Resources and the hiring manager should complete Employee Action Forms. Human Resources should also ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc., and that new employee files are created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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