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Principal Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Architect

Odenton, MD · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for advancing enterprise network innovation ... Partners with architecture, cybersecurity, operations, project management, and technical SME teams ...

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.

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

OR · Hybrid

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

Architect and champion the enterprise networking strategy, creating a foundation for seamless ... including principal-level accountability. * Deep expertise defining and owning enterprise ...

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.

Showing results 21-40

Principal Network Architect information

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$115K

$187.4K

$237K

How much do principal network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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.

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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Network Architect jobs? The most popular types of Principal Network Architect jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Principal Network Architect job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $187,440 per year, or $90.1 per hour.
Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer

K2 Space Corporation

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
K2 Space Corporation is focused on building the largest and highest-power satellites ever flown, aiming to unlock unprecedented performance across various orbits. The Principal Network Engineer will establish the network foundations crucial for the development and operation of these satellites, ensuring resilient and high-performance networking across multiple environments. This role involves defining network architectures, mentoring engineers, and leading complex initiatives to support the company's ambitious mission.
Responsibilities:
• Serve as the principal technical authority for enterprise networking, defining long-term network architecture and strategy aligned with business and security objectives
• Architect, design, and govern large-scale, highly available, and secure network environments across data centers, cloud, hybrid, and global WANs
• Own network reference architectures, standards, and design patterns, ensuring scalability, resiliency, performance, and operational consistency
• Lead the design and execution of complex initiatives such as data center modernization, cloud networking transformations, SD-WAN deployments, and zero-trust network architectures
• Evaluate network technologies, service providers, and vendors; make strategic recommendations on adoption, optimization, and deprecation
• Mentor senior and staff-level network engineers, raising the technical bar and building organizational depth
Qualifications:
Required:
• 8+ years of demonstrated experience in the Networking Architecture and Design, Network Implementation and Network Test Automation
• Strong foundation in IT network and systems methodology (analysis, design, development, testing, implementation, and post-implementation support)
• In-depth knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, TCP/IP)
• Experience with logical design models (L2/L3, VPC, VDC, Datacenter Zones, Spanning Tree, VRF, VTP, VLANs, and cabling)
• Working technical knowledge of network control protocols (QoS, PfR, PoE, NTP, DHCP), network management protocols (CDP, FTP, TFTP, SNMP)
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, ITIL Foundations v3, etc.)
Preferred:
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in computer science or engineering
• Technical certifications (i.e., Network+, MCSE, Security+)
Company:
Making previously impossible missions possible Founded in 2022, the company is headquartered in Torrance, USA, with a team of 51-200 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

K2 Space logo

About K2 Space

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

2022