Network Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Network Engineering Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, with strong demand concentrated in enterprise technology, telecommunications, cloud infrastructure, and defense contracting at every level from lead engineer through senior director. The largest hiring markets are the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, where companies like Cisco Systems, Northrop Grumman, and Google maintain significant networking operations and infrastructure teams. The most in-demand specialties include cloud network architecture, software-defined networking, and cybersecurity-integrated network management. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 35+ Network Engineering Manager jobs
INTRODUCTION
Who we are
About Stripe
Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies—from the world's largest enterprises to the most ambitious startups—use Stripe to accept payments, grow their revenue, and accelerate new business opportunities. Our mission is to increase the GDP of the internet, and we have a staggering amount of work ahead. That means you have an unprecedented opportunity to put the global economy within everyone's reach while doing the most important work of your career.
About The Team
At Stripe, managers grow teams and inspire them to do their best work. We're looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious IT Leader to manage our Corporate Network Team. This is a hands-on role that continually assesses the needs of our fellow Stripes, driving efficiencies and services that improve productivity. You'll lead a global team focused on delivering world-class office networks and self-serve tooling. Stripe is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes a large reliance on technology and our corporate network infrastructure. We're looking for someone comfortable working as part of a globally distributed team and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical users.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you'll do
In this role, you'll lead the team responsible for powering the tooling, services, and infrastructure needed to enable Stripe at scale. You'll act as a strategic leader and technical mentor, ensuring our global corporate offices, support centers, and partner networks meet the highest design and operational standards. On any given day, you design automated provisioning tools, resolve complex undocumented network issues, or collaborate with Security and Engineering teams to implement solutions that support our rapid growth. You'll bring a process-driven mindset to the team, establishing metrics to track operational efficiency and ensuring our network remains resilient and scalable.
Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a global team of network engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and high performance.
- Design, build, and operate global corporate offices, support centers, partner networks, and Points of Presence (PoPs).
- Develop and deploy automated provisioning, remediation, and telemetry tools to drive efficiency.
- Establish metrics to track operational efficiencies and implement a process-driven mindset within the team.
- Collaborate with Security, Engineering, IT, and Operations teams to develop infrastructure solutions.
- Resolve complex network issues and provide support through a rotating 24/7/365 on-call schedule.
- Improve and create support procedures and documentation for global network services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Who you are
We're looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
- 2+ years of experience managing direct reports who are geographically dispersed.
- Deep knowledge of routing protocols (BGP), Layer 2 technologies (link/chassis aggregation), and network security (IPSec VPNs).
- Hands-on experience with Junos and Juniper routers, switches, and firewall hardware.
- Experience building internal tools and automation at scale using Python or other scripting languages.
- Comfort with Linux/Unix operating systems and the ability to troubleshoot the entire network path from client to server.
- Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in high-pressure situations with discipline.
- Outstanding collaboration skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical users.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with wireless design and troubleshooting, with Aruba experience a plus
- Experience with enterprise network builds, including wiring standards, gear installation, and circuit procurement
- Excited about the opportunity to travel internationally to support our global footprint.
IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS
Office-assigned Stripes in most of our locations are currently expected to spend at least 50% of the time in a given month in their local office or with users. This expectation may vary depending on role, team and location. For example, Stripes in Stripe Delivery Center roles in Mexico City, Mexico, Bengaluru, India, and Dublin, Ireland work 100% from the office. Also, some teams have greater in-office attendance requirements, to appropriately support our users and workflows, which the hiring manager will discuss. This approach helps strike a balance between bringing people together for in-person collaboration and learning from each other, while supporting flexibility when possible.
PAY AND BENEFITS
The annual US base salary range for this role is $226,500 - $339,700. For sales roles, the range provided is the role’s On Target Earnings ("OTE") range, meaning that the range includes both the sales commissions/sales bonuses target and annual base salary for the role. This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Stripe and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location. Applicants interested in this role and who are not located in the US may request the annual salary range for their location during the interview process.
Additional benefits for this role may include: equity, company bonus or sales commissions/bonuses; 401(k) plan; medical, dental, and vision benefits; and wellness stipends.
INTRODUCTION
Who we are
About Stripe
Stripe is a financial infrastructure platform for businesses. Millions of companies—from the world's largest enterprises to the most ambitious startups—use Stripe to accept payments, grow their revenue, and accelerate new business opportunities. Our mission is to increase the GDP of the internet, and we have a staggering amount of work ahead. That means you have an unprecedented opportunity to put the global economy within everyone's reach while doing the most important work of your career.
About The Team
At Stripe, managers grow teams and inspire them to do their best work. We're looking for an enthusiastic and ambitious IT Leader to manage our Corporate Network Team. This is a hands-on role that continually assesses the needs of our fellow Stripes, driving efficiencies and services that improve productivity. You'll lead a global team focused on delivering world-class office networks and self-serve tooling. Stripe is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes a large reliance on technology and our corporate network infrastructure. We're looking for someone comfortable working as part of a globally distributed team and communicating effectively with both technical and non-technical users.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you'll do
In this role, you'll lead the team responsible for powering the tooling, services, and infrastructure needed to enable Stripe at scale. You'll act as a strategic leader and technical mentor, ensuring our global corporate offices, support centers, and partner networks meet the highest design and operational standards. On any given day, you design automated provisioning tools, resolve complex undocumented network issues, or collaborate with Security and Engineering teams to implement solutions that support our rapid growth. You'll bring a process-driven mindset to the team, establishing metrics to track operational efficiency and ensuring our network remains resilient and scalable.
Responsibilities
- Manage and grow a global team of network engineers, fostering a culture of excellence and high performance.
- Design, build, and operate global corporate offices, support centers, partner networks, and Points of Presence (PoPs).
- Develop and deploy automated provisioning, remediation, and telemetry tools to drive efficiency.
- Establish metrics to track operational efficiencies and implement a process-driven mindset within the team.
- Collaborate with Security, Engineering, IT, and Operations teams to develop infrastructure solutions.
- Resolve complex network issues and provide support through a rotating 24/7/365 on-call schedule.
- Improve and create support procedures and documentation for global network services.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Who you are
We're looking for someone who meets the minimum requirements to be considered for the role. If you meet these requirements, you are encouraged to apply. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.
- 2+ years of experience managing direct reports who are geographically dispersed.
- Deep knowledge of routing protocols (BGP), Layer 2 technologies (link/chassis aggregation), and network security (IPSec VPNs).
- Hands-on experience with Junos and Juniper routers, switches, and firewall hardware.
- Experience building internal tools and automation at scale using Python or other scripting languages.
- Comfort with Linux/Unix operating systems and the ability to troubleshoot the entire network path from client to server.
- Proven ability to handle multiple priorities in high-pressure situations with discipline.
- Outstanding collaboration skills and the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical users.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with wireless design and troubleshooting, with Aruba experience a plus
- Experience with enterprise network builds, including wiring standards, gear installation, and circuit procurement
- Excited about the opportunity to travel internationally to support our global footprint.
IN-OFFICE EXPECTATIONS
Office-assigned Stripes in most of our locations are currently expected to spend at least 50% of the time in a given month in their local office or with users. This expectation may vary depending on role, team and location. For example, Stripes in Stripe Delivery Center roles in Mexico City, Mexico, Bengaluru, India, and Dublin, Ireland work 100% from the office. Also, some teams have greater in-office attendance requirements, to appropriately support our users and workflows, which the hiring manager will discuss. This approach helps strike a balance between bringing people together for in-person collaboration and learning from each other, while supporting flexibility when possible.
PAY AND BENEFITS
The annual US base salary range for this role is $226,500 - $339,700. For sales roles, the range provided is the role’s On Target Earnings ("OTE") range, meaning that the range includes both the sales commissions/sales bonuses target and annual base salary for the role. This salary range may be inclusive of several career levels at Stripe and will be narrowed during the interview process based on a number of factors, including the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and location. Applicants interested in this role and who are not located in the US may request the annual salary range for their location during the interview process.
Additional benefits for this role may include: equity, company bonus or sales commissions/bonuses; 401(k) plan; medical, dental, and vision benefits; and wellness stipends.
See All 35 Network Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsNetwork Engineering Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Network Engineering Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Palo Alto Networks17
- Apple2
- Mattel2
- A10 Networks1
- Arista Networks1
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software22
- Agriculture & Farming14
- Manufacturing3
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Automotive1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in network engineering manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related engineering field
- Five or more years of hands-on network engineering experience with at least two in a leadership role
- Active CCIE, CCNP, or equivalent industry certification recognized by California enterprise employers
- Demonstrated experience managing WAN, LAN, and cloud networking environments at enterprise scale
- Proficiency with network automation tools and platforms such as Ansible, Python scripting, or Terraform
- Strong vendor management and cross-functional collaboration skills within large California technology organizations
Network Engineering Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a network engineering manager in California?
The most direct path is building several years of hands-on network engineering experience before moving into management. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers consistently expect a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Industry certifications such as CCNP or CCIE carry significant weight with California hiring teams, particularly in the Bay Area and Los Angeles technology corridors. Demonstrating experience leading projects or mentoring junior engineers strengthens a candidacy considerably.
How much do network engineering managers make in California?
Network engineering managers in California earn a median of about $210,280 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $137,900 for the lowest 10% to over $296,130 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire network engineering managers in California?
Employers hiring network engineering managers in California right now include Palo Alto Networks, Apple, and Mattel, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of technology headquarters, defense contractors, and large telecommunications providers makes it one of the deepest markets in the country for this role.
Which California cities have the most network engineering manager jobs?
Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and El Segundo have the most network engineering manager openings in California. The Bay Area leads because of its density of cloud and enterprise technology companies, while Los Angeles draws hiring from media, aerospace, and defense sectors, and San Diego's activity is driven by its established defense contracting and biotech network infrastructure needs.
Are there remote network engineering manager jobs in California?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely software-focused roles, since network engineering managers often need to oversee physical infrastructure, data centers, and on-site teams. About 23% of network engineering manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with remote arrangements most typical for strategy, vendor management, and cloud-focused positions rather than roles requiring hands-on hardware oversight.
How can I get hired as a network engineering manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from a senior network engineer role into a team lead or project lead position before pursuing a formal management title. Large California technology employers and defense contractors such as those headquartered in the Bay Area and San Diego frequently hire associate network engineers and promote internally into management tracks. Earning a CCNP certification and taking on mentorship or cross-functional project responsibilities in an existing role signals readiness to California hiring managers far more effectively than applying for manager titles cold.
Where can I find and apply to network engineering manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to network engineering manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across industries and metros. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly.
See All 35 Network Engineering Manager Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs