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Cisco Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Peraton

Lead Principal Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Proficiency in networking products from Cisco, Juniper, and VMware. * Experience applying DevOps ... In this role, you will serve as Lead Principal Engineer for a Multi-Level Secure Voice and Video ...

Cisco

Principal Tetragon Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$158K - $212K/yr

Cisco Isovalent builds open-source software and enterprise solutions solving networking, security ... As a Principal Engineer, you will be at the forefront of advancing Tetragon's capabilities. You ...

Peraton

Lead Principal Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities In this role, you will serve as Lead Principal Engineer for a Multi-Level Secure ... Utilize expertise in Cisco technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other ...

Peraton

Lead Principal Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD · On-site

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities In this role, you will serve as Lead Principal Engineer for a Multi-Level Secure ... Utilize expertise in Cisco technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other ...

Peraton

Lead Principal Engineer

Fort George G Meade, MD

$176K - $282K/yr

Responsibilities In this role, you will serve as Lead Principal Engineer for a Multi-Level Secure ... Utilize expertise in Cisco technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other ...

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Cisco Principal Engineer information

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$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do cisco principal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for cisco principal engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Cisco Principal Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams within large-scale projects?

As a Cisco Principal Engineer, you will frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product managers, solution architects, software developers, and customer support specialists. Your role often involves providing technical leadership, aligning project goals, and ensuring that architectural standards are met throughout the project lifecycle. Effective communication and mentorship skills are essential, as you'll guide teams through complex problem-solving and facilitate knowledge sharing. This collaborative environment helps drive innovation and ensures successful project delivery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cisco Principal Engineer?

To thrive as a Cisco Principal Engineer, you need deep expertise in network architecture, advanced troubleshooting, and extensive experience with Cisco technologies, often supported by certifications like CCIE. Familiarity with network management tools, automation platforms, and security systems is typically required. Outstanding leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills help you guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for designing robust solutions, leading complex projects, and driving innovation in networking environments.

What is a Cisco Principal Engineer?

Cisco Principal Engineers are senior-level technical experts who play a critical role in designing, developing, and implementing advanced networking solutions. They are recognized as authorities in their field and often lead large, complex projects, mentor other engineers, and help set technical strategy within Cisco. Their responsibilities include solving challenging technical problems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and influencing the direction of Cisco’s products and technologies. To become a Principal Engineer at Cisco, extensive experience, deep technical knowledge, and strong leadership skills are typically required.

What is the difference between Cisco Principal Engineer vs Cisco Network Architect?

AspectCisco Principal EngineerCisco Network Architect
Required CredentialsCCNP, CCIE, extensive experience in networkingCCNP, CCIE, strong design and planning skills
Work EnvironmentHands-on technical roles, troubleshooting, implementationDesign, planning, and architecture of network solutions
Employer & Industry UsageLarge enterprises, service providers, Cisco partnersEnterprises, consulting firms, network design companies

The Cisco Principal Engineer focuses on advanced technical implementation and troubleshooting, while the Cisco Network Architect specializes in designing network solutions and strategies. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in enterprise and service provider environments, but they differ mainly in their focus on hands-on technical work versus strategic design.

More about Cisco Principal Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cisco Principal Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Cisco Principal Engineer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Cisco Principal Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cisco Principal Engineer jobs are:
Cisco Principal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cisco Principal Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Lead Principal Engineer

Peraton

Fort George G Meade, MD • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago

Peraton rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 223 rated it services

Job description

  • Active Top Secret/SCI security clearance required
  • Bachelor’s degree and 12 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Minimum 10 years in Enterprise Architecture specializing in network infrastructure services.
  • At least 5 years designing and implementing critical network infrastructure for large or complex environments.
  • Proven experience in infrastructure automation, network coding, and enterprise network solution design.
  • Expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, wireless, application load balancing, and network visibility technologies.
  • Strong knowledge of SDN, SDWAN, and network security methodologies.
  • Deep understanding of network practices, protocols, and methodologies, including IPv6, BGP, and route optimization.
  • Hands-on experience with on-premise physical and virtualized infrastructure.
  • Proficiency in networking products from Cisco, Juniper, and VMware.
  • Experience applying DevOps principles to streamline network operations and enhance automation.
  • Current and relevant certification: CCIE, with a commitment to ongoing certification alignment with industry standards.

***This position is contingent upon award of contract***

In this role, you will serve as Lead Principal Engineer for a Multi-Level Secure Voice and Video (MLSV2) program—a software and hardware integration effort to develop and operate a prototype secure conferencing system supporting multi-level voice, video, and chat for Senior National Leadership. You will initiate, plan, monitor, control, and report on a variety of small- to mid-level IT projects, applying deep technical and managerial expertise in advanced Multi-Level Secure Voice and Video, software, networking, information assurance, and cybersecurity.

  • Design, implement, and maintain scalable and secure network architectures.
  • Provide architectural guidance for the development and implementation of network solutions.
  • Utilize expertise in Cisco technologies, including routers, switches, firewalls, and other networking devices.
  • Optimize network performance to ensure high availability, reliability, and scalability.
  • Collaborate with security teams to implement and maintain network security measures.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and provide appropriate network solutions.
  • Provide advanced troubleshooting and Tier IV-level support for complex network issues.
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About Peraton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Peraton, we re at the forefront of delivering the next big thing every day. We re the partner of choice to help solve some of the world s most daunting challenges, delivering bold, new solutions to keep people around the world safer and more secure.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

2017

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