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Principal Infrastructure Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NASCO

Principal Infrastructure Architect

We are seeking a Principal Infrastructure Architect to provide direction for NASCO's infrastructure strategy and play a key role in shaping the future of our technology ecosystem. In this role, you ...

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Principal Infrastructure Architect information

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$60K

$132.4K

$178K

How much do principal infrastructure architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal infrastructure architect in the United States is $132,442.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Principal Infrastructure Architect vs Infrastructure Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Infrastructure ArchitectInfrastructure Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or related field, with certifications like Cisco CCNP, AWS, or AzureUsually holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field, with certifications such as Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentFocuses on designing and planning large-scale infrastructure strategies, often in leadership rolesImplements, maintains, and supports infrastructure systems, working closely with architects and operations teams
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly employed in large enterprises, cloud providers, and consulting firmsFound in a wide range of organizations, including tech companies, service providers, and corporate IT departments

The Principal Infrastructure Architect primarily focuses on designing and overseeing complex infrastructure strategies, while the Infrastructure Engineer handles the implementation and maintenance of infrastructure systems. Both roles require relevant certifications and technical expertise, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is a Principal Infrastructure Architect?

A Principal Infrastructure Architect is a senior-level IT professional responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of complex technology infrastructure systems within an organization. They develop strategies to ensure that technology platforms are scalable, secure, and aligned with business goals. Their role often involves collaborating with stakeholders, evaluating new technologies, and providing guidance to technical teams. Principal Infrastructure Architects also play a key part in setting architectural standards and ensuring the reliability and efficiency of IT operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Principal Infrastructure Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Infrastructure Architect, you need deep expertise in IT infrastructure design, cloud platforms, virtualization, and a relevant degree or certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect. Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code tools (e.g., Terraform, Ansible), network and security protocols, and enterprise architecture frameworks is typically required. Strong leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills help drive cross-functional alignment and effective stakeholder management. These competencies ensure robust, scalable, and secure infrastructure solutions that meet business goals and support digital transformation.

How does a Principal Infrastructure Architect typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during large-scale projects?

A Principal Infrastructure Architect works closely with cross-functional teams by facilitating communication between IT, development, security, and business stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. They translate business requirements into scalable infrastructure solutions, guide technical decisions, and ensure alignment with organizational goals. Regular meetings, architectural reviews, and workshops are common ways they engage with diverse teams, helping to resolve complex technical challenges and maintain project momentum. Their leadership and broad technical expertise are essential for bridging gaps and ensuring cohesive project delivery.
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Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Infrastructure Architect jobs? The top employers for Principal Infrastructure Architect jobs are:
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Principal Infrastructure Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Infrastructure Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,442 per year, or $63.7 per hour.
Principal Infrastructure Architect

Principal Infrastructure Architect

ISO New England, Inc.

Holyoke, MA • On-site

$191K - $230K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

ISO New England is the independent system operator responsible for ensuring the safe and reliable flow of electricity in our region and planning for the future of the electric grid. We are at the forefront of New England's ongoing transition to clean energy.
The Principal Infrastructure Architect is a technical leader responsible for defining and evolving ISO New England's enterprise infrastructure architecture. This role drives long-term strategy across cloud, hybrid, compute, storage, virtualization, reliability, observability, and performance, ensuring highly resilient, scalable, and mission-critical systems.
Partnering with Enterprise Architecture, Network Architecture, Security, Infrastructure Engineering, Site Reliability, and business leaders, this role ensures infrastructure designs anticipate future needs, embed security by design, and support the reliability of the New England electric grid, wholesale markets, and internal IT services.
The ideal candidate will have a breadth of experience across infrastructure domains with deep expertise in one or two areas. Flexibility, range, and the ability to thrive in a heavily regulated environment matter more than mastery of any single technology stack.
What we offer you
  • A stable, mission-driven workplace where your impact truly matters
  • A highly engaged work environment that values inclusion, collaboration, and employee safety and wellbeing
  • Competitive compensation with a base salary + performance bonus
  • Robust benefits package, including:
    • Enhanced 401(k) and financial planning support
    • Tuition reimbursement and professional development
    • Wellness programs, including an onsite gym
    • Flexible work hours
    • Employee Business Networks
    • Free coffee at our onsite café
  • Hybrid work environment (3 days/week onsite)'
  • Distance-based relocation assistance available

How you will make an Impact
• Strategy & Architecture
    • Own the 3-5 year infrastructure architecture roadmap, including technology lifecycles and technical debt reduction
    • Influence infrastructure strategy supporting grid operations, markets, and enterprise IT
    • Align infrastructure architecture with modern reliability, performance, and observability practices

• Infrastructure Design
    • Design and evolve enterprise infrastructure platforms across cloud, hybrid, compute, storage, and virtualization
    • Evaluate existing solutions for architectural integrity, scalability, and alignment with security standards
    • Define standardized architecture patterns and reusable components to accelerate adoption

• Reliability & Operational Excellence
    • Architect for high availability (HA), disaster recovery (DR), automated failover, and resilience
    • Embed observability, telemetry, and capacity planning into all designs
    • Support complex incident response and ensure lessons learned inform future architecture

• Leadership & Governance
    • Partner with Enterprise Architecture, the Principal Network Architect, and Security to ensure cross-domain alignment
    • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and implementation guidance to engineers and architects across the organization
    • Participate in architecture reviews, governance forums, and post-incident retrospectives
    • Champion SRS reliability, observability, and performance standards

What we are looking for
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Information Security, or related field
  • 10+ years' experience with enterprise infrastructure technologies
  • 5+ years in infrastructure or platform architecture roles
  • Track record of building and operating infrastructure before moving into pure architecture work
  • Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code and automation (Terraform, Ansible, GitOps)
  • Breadth across cloud, hybrid, compute, storage, and virtualization, with deep expertise in at least one or two areas
  • Strong understanding of reliability engineering, capacity planning, and performance engineering
  • Proven ability to lead complex initiatives and collaborate across teams
  • Desired not required:
    • Advanced degree in a technical field
    • Certifications such as AWS Solutions Architect (Professional), VCDX, CKA, Microsoft Enterprise, Terraform/Ansible
    • Experience working in heavily regulated or audited environments (NERC CIP, SOC, FedRAMP, PCI, HIPAA, or similar) where change control, documentation, and process rigor are non-negotiable

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).
The expected salary range for this position is $191,000 - $230,000 per year. This role is also eligible for an annual performance bonus, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental and vision), flexible spending and health savings accounts, a 401(k) plan with generous employer contributions and a student debt benefit, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, critical illness and hospital indemnity benefits, paid time off, paid leave, a wellness program, an employee assistance program and other great company perks.
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This is a U.S. based role. If the successful candidate resides outside of the U.S., relocation will be required.
Equal Opportunity: We are proud to be an EEO employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship, national origin, age, ancestry, marital status, disability (including learning, mental, intellectual, and physical), service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Drug Free Environment: We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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