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Principal Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Principal Network/Systems Architect ensures that the network transport layer and the systems/server layer work in perfect synchronization to support the customer's mission-critical applications.

We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting ... Define and maintain network architecture standards, operational processes, and best practices.

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to help build and evolve an enterprise network that ... You will provide technical leadership, architecture direction, design guidance, standards ...

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

SDWAN Strategy & Network Security Architecture * Senior Escalation, Incidents & Vendor Strategy ... principal or senior technical lead individual contributor experience required * Expert-level ...

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Principal Network Architect information

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$115K

$187.4K

$237K

How much do principal network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network architect in the United States is $187,440.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $159,000.00 and $214,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of a Principal Network Architect?

Your job duties and responsibilities as a principal network architect are to create designs and find solutions to networking problems. You do this while making sure to follow the appropriate design procedures and policies for your industry. Network architectures are important in several industries, including information systems and power generation and provision, so your specific role depends on whether you are dealing with network architecture in a corporate context or designing networks that control power grids or other public utilities. However, in both scenarios, many of the network standards and technologies are similar.

What is a Principal Network Architect?

A Principal Network Architect is a senior-level professional responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of complex network systems within an organization. They develop high-level network strategies, ensure network security, and set architecture standards to support business goals. Principal Network Architects often collaborate with IT teams, leadership, and vendors to ensure optimal network performance, scalability, and reliability. Their role also involves staying updated with emerging technologies and best practices to future-proof the organization's network infrastructure.

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

To thrive as a Principal Network Architect, you need extensive expertise in network design, routing and switching, security protocols, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of network management tools, enterprise-level hardware, and certifications such as Cisco CCIE or Juniper JNCIE are highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving skills, leadership, and clear communication abilities help drive complex projects and mentor teams. These skills and qualifications are critical for designing robust, scalable networks that support business goals and ensure secure, efficient operations.

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

AspectPrincipal Network ArchitectNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Computer Science, Cisco/Juniper certifications, extensive experienceAssociate's or Bachelor's in IT or related field, Cisco/Juniper certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, design, and oversight of network infrastructure at an enterprise levelImplementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems
Employer & Industry UsageLarge corporations, service providers, government agenciesIT departments across various industries, small to medium businesses

The Principal Network Architect focuses on designing and planning complex network systems at an enterprise level, requiring advanced certifications and strategic expertise. In contrast, Network Engineers handle the day-to-day implementation and troubleshooting of network infrastructure. Both roles are essential but differ in scope, responsibilities, and experience requirements.

Is network architect in demand?

Network architects are in high demand due to the increasing need for secure and efficient network infrastructure in organizations. They typically require strong skills in network design, security, and familiarity with tools like Cisco or Juniper, and certifications such as CCNP or CISSP can enhance job prospects.

How much does a network architect get paid?

A network architect typically earns between $90,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in cloud networking or security can earn higher salaries. Many network architects also receive benefits such as bonuses and professional development opportunities.

What are some common challenges Principal Network Architects face when leading large-scale network transformation projects?

Principal Network Architects often encounter challenges such as aligning new network architectures with legacy systems, ensuring security and compliance throughout the transformation, and managing stakeholder expectations across multiple departments. They must also balance the need for innovation with operational stability, all while coordinating with teams such as security, operations, and software development. Effective communication and project management skills are critical to overcoming these hurdles and delivering robust, future-ready network solutions.

What is the salary of a principal architect in the US?

A principal network architect in the US typically earns between $130,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles often include additional benefits such as bonuses and stock options, and require advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE along with extensive networking expertise.

What does a principal network architect do?

A principal network architect designs, develops, and oversees complex network infrastructure to ensure reliable and secure communication within an organization. They evaluate new technologies, create network strategies, and often hold certifications like Cisco CCNP or CCIE. Their role involves collaborating with IT teams, troubleshooting issues, and setting long-term network standards.
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Principal Network / Systems Architect

kgs

Columbus, OH • Hybrid

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Koniag IT Systems, LLC, a Koniag Government Services company, is seeking a Principal Network / Systems Architect to support KITS and our government customer in Carson, CA. This position is for a Future New Business Opportunity.

The customer may need support as needed at other locations Columbus, OH, Bedford, MA, Fort Lee, VA, and Smyrna, GA.

We offer competitive compensation and an extraordinary benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, 401K with company matching, flexible spending accounts, paid holidays, three weeks paid time off, and more.

The Principal Network/Systems Architect ensures that the network transport layer and the systems/server layer work in perfect synchronization to support the customer’s mission-critical applications.

Essential Functions, Responsibilities & Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Converged Infrastructure Design:

  • Architect integrated solutions where Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI), such as Nutanix or VMware vSAN, overlap to provide a resilient foundation for agency data.

Zero Trust & Secure Access Service Edge (SASE):

  • Lead the design of a Zero Trust environment that integrates identity-based systems (Active Directory/ICAM) with network-level micro-segmentation.

Hybrid-Cloud Orchestration:

  • Design the "on-ramps" and "inter-connects" between the customer on-premises data centers and DoD Impact Level 5/6 cloud environments (AWS/Azure), ensuring seamless data flow and high availability.

Virtual Environments:

  • Architect, Manage, and Support Remote Access - Virtual Private Network (VPN) and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Disaster Recovery & Continuity of Operations (COOP):

  • Architect high-level strategies for cross-site failover, ensuring that both the network routing and the system data replication can recover within agency-mandated RTO/RPOs.

Innovation & Technical Whitepapers:

  • Act as the primary author for technical proposals, exploring the use of AI for network/system telemetry, automated remediation, and predictive maintenance.

Technical Proficiencies:

  • Network Engineering & Traffic Shaping
  • Network Access Control (NAC) & Firewalls
  • Vulnerability Remediation
  • Intrusion Prevention & Web Proxy
  • Log Aggregation & Security Information and Event Management (SIEM
  • Privileged Access Management (PAM)
  • XaaS (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS)

Required Qualifications:

Clearance Requirement:

  • Most roles require at least a Secret clearance, with some requiring Top Secret (TS/SCI) depending on the sensitivity of the systems.

Education:

  • Master’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related Engineering field.

Certifications (DoD 8570/8140):

  • IAT Level III: (e.g., CISSP or CASP+).
  • Expert Level CE: Dual-domain expertise is expected (e.g., CCIE for Network + MCSE/Azure Solutions Architect for Systems).

Experience:

  • 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, with at least 7 years in a leadership/architectural role managing large-scale DoD enterprise environments.

Our Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

The company is an equal opportunity employer. The company shall not discriminate against any employee or applicant because of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity (except where gender is a bona fide occupational qualification), national origin or ancestry, age, disability, citizenship, military/veteran status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to equal employment opportunity in all decisions related to employment, promotion, wages, benefits, and all other privileges, terms, and conditions of employment.

The company is dedicated to seeking all qualified applicants. If you require an accommodation to navigate or apply for a position on our website, please get in touch with Heaven Wood via e-mail at accommodations@koniag-gs.com or by calling 703-488-9377 to request accommodations.

Koniag Government Services (KGS) is an Alaska Native Owned corporation supporting the values and traditions of our native communities through an agile employee and corporate culture that delivers Enterprise Solutions, Professional Services and Operational Management to Federal Government Agencies. As a wholly owned subsidiary of Koniag, we apply our proven commercial solutions to a deep knowledge of Defense and Civilian missions to provide forward leaning technical, professional, and operational solutions. KGS enables successful mission outcomes for our customers through solution-oriented business partnerships and a commitment to exceptional service delivery. We ensure long-term success with a continuous improvement approach while balancing the collective interests of our customers, employees, and native communities. For more information, please visit www.koniag-gs.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled. Shareholder Preference in accordance with Public Law 88-352