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Principal Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TAD PGS, Inc.

Network Architect

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$96.15 - $103.36/hr

This role is the principal network designer and highest-level engineering escalation resource ... Design and maintain the integrated enterprise network architecture supporting distributed command ...

Deckers

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

Deckers

Principal Cloud Network Engineer

OR · On-site +1

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

Deckers

Principal Cloud Network Engineer

Indiana, PA · On-site +1

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

Deckers

Principal Cloud Network Engineer

New York, NY · On-site +1

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

Cyxtera

Principal Network Engineer

CA · Remote

Role Overview The Principal Network Architect is the highest-level individual contributor in the Network Engineering organization and the technical authority for the entire Phoenix network: its ...

Zelis

Principal Network Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Position Overview The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, architecture, implementation, automation, and security of the organization's enterprise network infrastructure ...

Zelis

Principal Network Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Position Overview The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, architecture, implementation, automation, and security of the organization's enterprise network infrastructure ...

EOS

Principal Architect - Network Services

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

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 ...

EOS

Principal Architect - Network Services

Dallas, TX · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

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 ...

TensorWave

Principal Network Engineer

Las Vegas, NV · Remote

About the Role We're looking for a Principal Network Engineer to join our team during an exciting ... Own front-end network architecture - DCI, edge, ingress/egress, and control-plane networks

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Principal Network Architect information

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$115K

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How much do principal network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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Principal Network Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $187,440 per year, or $90.1 per hour.

Network Architect

TAD PGS, Inc.

Honolulu, HI • On-site

$96.15 - $103.36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

We have an outstanding Contract to Hire position for a Network Architect to join a leading Company located in the Honolulu, HI surrounding area.

Pay Rate: $96.15 - $103.36

**US Citizenship is required.**
 **Candidate must possess an Active Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.**

This role is the principal network designer and highest-level engineering escalation resource, responsible for leading network modernization initiatives across complex, mission-critical environments. This role provides technical leadership, ensures engineering continuity, supports operational requirements, and maintains the integrity and evolution of the approved network architecture and engineering baseline.

Job Responsibilities:  
  • Design and maintain the integrated enterprise network architecture supporting distributed command, mission, and sustainment requirements across Hawaii, the Pacific, Alaska, Japan / Okinawa, and Government-directed CONUS locations. 
  • Translate operational needs into enterprise, logical, physical, cybersecurity, data-flow, and operations architectures that remain synchronized and traceable. 
  • Own the network technical baseline, including routing, switching, segmentation, QoS, firewalls, encryption, WAN and SDN design, PACE transport, management, monitoring, and high-availability patterns. 
  • Develop and approve network designs, engineering implementation plans, IP and routing plans, bills of material, configurations, rack elevations, cable schedules, interface records, cutover plans, rollback plans, and as-built packages. 
  • Ensure HMR or another Government-selected pilot becomes a validated reference design that can be reused through controlled, Government-approved site differences rather than independent redesigns. 
  • Serve as the senior engineer for Tier 3 and Tier 4 routing, switching, transport, security-boundary, interoperability, latency, QoS, failover, performance, and service-restoration issues. 
  • Provide technical direction and mentoring to network engineers assigned to designs, installations, cutovers, incidents, and corrective actions. 
  • Review engineering work for technical accuracy, interoperability, cybersecurity impact, supportability, configuration control, and compliance with the approved baseline before Government submission or implementation. 
  • Lead root-cause analysis for recurring or mission-significant technical problems and establish corrective actions that can be applied across affected sites. 
  • Advise the Regional Program Manager and Operations Officer when a project is technically ready to proceed, requires modification, or should be paused because an unresolved issue creates unacceptable mission, cyber, safety, or sustainment risk. 
  • Integrate Zero Trust, ICAM, segmentation, privileged access, logging, continuous monitoring, vulnerability management, STIG requirements, and configuration control into the network design in coordination with the Cyber / ATO Lead. 
  • Define system boundaries, trust zones, information exchanges, data paths, classification and releasability considerations, monitoring ownership, latency and QoS needs, and fallback requirements. 
  • Distinguish same-level protected transport from cross-domain or releasability transfers. Support approved CSfC or Type 1 solutions where appropriate and formal approved CDS interfaces when validated domain crossing is required. 
  • Establish Primary, Alternate, Contingency, and Emergency network paths and measurable failover, failback, restoration, bandwidth, latency, and monitoring criteria. 
  • Support the Operations Officer and project managers with technical estimates, dependencies, sequencing, design reviews, site-readiness criteria, engineering risks, and required technical resources. 
  • Approve technical entry and exit criteria for design freeze, installation, cutover, SIT, SAT, failover testing, operational acceptance, and release of the reference design for reuse. 
  • Ensure operational handoff addresses monitoring, ticket escalation, configuration management, patching and scanning, spares, warranty, local support, after-hours response, and restoration responsibilities. 
  • Prepare and execute the technical transition package, including the authoritative architecture, configurations, decision records, cybersecurity artifacts, known risks, open issues, test results, support dependencies, and prioritized recommendations for contract continuation. 
  • Use incidents, testing, user feedback, scans, and lessons learned to recommend controlled improvements to the approved technical baseline. 

Basic Hiring Criteria:  
  • Must possess an active Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or CCIE Security certification at start date. 
  • Minimum 15 years of progressively responsible network engineering experience, including at least 7 years as a senior architect, chief engineer, technical lead, or comparable authority in complex DoD or national-security environments. 
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in network engineering, computer science, information systems, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related discipline. 
  • Expert knowledge of:
    • Enterprise routing and switching, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, multicast, VRF / VLAN segmentation, QoS, firewalls, SDN, WAN transport, encryption, network management, monitoring, high availability, and PACE communications planning. 
  • Demonstrated design experience with:
    • Large classified and unclassified DoD networks, including NIPR and SIPR and relevant experience with JWICS, MPE / CENTRIX, CSfC, Type 1 encryption, or CDS interfaces. 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead senior engineers, enforce technical standards, resolve complex incidents, explain technical risk to senior leaders, and work effectively across multiple locations and time zones. 
  • Working knowledge of DoD architecture, RMF, Zero Trust, STIGs, vulnerability management, configuration and change control, site integration, testing, operational acceptance, and sustainment. 
  • Ability to brief general officers, senior Government civilians, program executives, and nontechnical stakeholders clearly and to distinguish validated requirements from assumptions, proposals, risks, and pending Government decisions. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills addressing senior executive leaders and General Officers. 
  • Able to work both independently and collaboratively, prioritizing tasks as needed.

Desired Qualifications: 
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution in network engineering, computer science, information systems, electrical engineering, cybersecurity, or a closely related discipline.  
  • 20+ years of progressively responsible network engineering experience, or comparable authority in complex DoD or national-security environments. 
  • Other relevant certifications such as ITIL, PMP etc. in ACTIVE status.  
 
 Benefits offered vary by contract. Depending on your temporary assignment, benefits may include direct deposit, free career counseling services, 401(k), select paid holidays, short-term disability insurance, skills training, employee referral bonus, and affordable medical coverage plan, and DailyPay (in some locations). For a full description of benefits available to you, be sure to talk with your recruiter.

Military connected talent encouraged to apply.

VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity Employer / Veterans / Disabled 

To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please visit http://www.tadpgs.com/candidate-privacy/ or https://pdsdefense.com/candidate-privacy/

The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance
Education:Bachelors DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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