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Cisco Principal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Electronics Engineer - Hardware ... Experience with Cisco Unified Communications / VoIP. * Familiar with network management ...

... Cisco, Juniper, Dell, NetApp, etc.). * Design, develop and manage engineering lifecycle platforms ... in a management (or Principal-level) role leading a engineering team. * DevOps / Platform ...

Principal Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$231K - $331K/yr

Meet the Team You will join Cisco's Platform & Identity Engineering Group, a foundational group responsible for building and scaling the core platform services that power Cisco's products and ...

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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 8, 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:
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.

Principal Electronics Engineer - Hardware/Software Integration

Northrop Grumman Corporation

On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is looking to add a Principal Electronics Engineer - Hardware/Software Integration to join our team of qualified and diverse individuals in Misc, GA. This position will be in our Avionics Integration Organization. The candidate should be a self-starter with familiarity working in an Integrated Product Team construct.

Roles and Responsibilities will include:

  • Deploy and configure operating systems including Windows, Linux, Solaris, and VMware ESXi

  • Perform troubleshooting and root cause analysis across enterprise operating systems and networking devices.

  • Perform datacenter hardware and software integration, ensuring seamless interoperability across computers, storage and network environments.

  • Physically construct rack-based datacenter systems with a focus on safety, quality, and ease of repair

  • Install system interconnect cabling for communications, audio, networking, and serial interfaces

  • Interpret, markup/redline, and audit released engineering drawings

  • Configure IT hardware such as switches, keyboard Video Mouse (KVM)/PCOIP devices Implement engineering changes to the system as scheduled. Collaborate closely with Engineers and Technicians in a lab and production environment.

  • Good planning, coordination, communication, and documentation skills are required.

The selected candidate will be required to work full-time, on-site at our facility. There is NO remote / hybrid / telework available for this position. Travel up to 25% may be required.

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics) discipline and 5 years of related engineering experience; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline and 3 years of related engineering experience; OR a PhD in a STEM discipline and 1 year of related engineering experience

  • Ability to obtain and maintain CompTIA Security+ Certificate. This certificate must be obtained within a reasonable amount of time as determined by the company to meet its business needs.

  • Ability to lift up to 50+ pounds to support equipment installation

  • Familiar with Windows, Linux, VMWare configuration and troubleshooting.

  • Understanding of TCP/IP, IPv4 addressing and network design including IP subnetting, VLANs and routing protocols.

  • Experience in integration and testing of software and hardware components in unix and windows environments.

  • Must have an active US Government Top-Secret Clearance (with a background investigation within the past 6 years or enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).

  • Ability to obtain and maintain US Government SCI clearance

  • Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Special Access Program (SAP) clearance, within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs

Preferred Qualifications

  • Good understanding and knowledge of network security features like IP access-lists.

  • Good understanding of advanced features like GRE, DMVPN, IPSEC.

  • Experience with network firewalls such as Cisco ASA, Cisco Firepower or Palo Alto Networks.

  • Experience with network management protocols like SNMP, SSH, syslog, RADIUS/TACACS.

  • Understanding of advanced features like SD-WAN, GRE, IPSEC, DMVPN, MPLS, QoS, Multicast.

  • Experience with Cisco Unified Communications / VoIP.

  • Familiar with network management applications, like SuzieQ and/or Cisco ISE.

  • Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE encryptors and other military COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures.

  • Working knowledge of DISA security STIGs and maintaining security best practices.

  • Experience with Jira, Bitbucket, Gitlab, GitHub

  • Experience in automation of installation, configuration, and test.

  • Experience with scripting languages (developing, debugging, and maintaining.

  • Current applicable Special Access Program (SAP) clearance.

  • Active CompTIA Security+ Certification

  • Experience with mechanical assembly skills for building IT racks and training equipment

  • Experience with datacenter design and/or hardware/software field installations

  • Experience with Agile methodologies and use of JIRA or other work tracking systems

  • Experience installing and troubleshooting one or more of the following: Windows, Solaris, VMware ESXI, networking or Storage

  • Experience with IT/documentation tools such as Sphinx, Jinja, YAML, rest

  • Experience with Compunetix systems

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939