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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zelis

Principal Network Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · Hybrid

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

Boston, MA · Hybrid

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

Morristown, NJ · Hybrid

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

Saint Petersburg, FL · Hybrid

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

Morristown, NJ · 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 · Hybrid

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 · Hybrid

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

GDIT

Principal Network Engineer

WV · On-site +1

As a Principal Network Engineer supporting the IHS EHR program, you will be trusted to engage in a variety of technical topics to ensure the success of our customer. This is a remote position, US ...

Astrion

Overview Principal Network Engineer LOCATION: Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA JOB STATUS: Full-time CLEARANCE: Secret Salary Range: 150-180k dependent upon customer requirements when position is awarded ...

Northrop Grumman

Principal Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $187K/yr

As a Principal Network Engineer at Northrop Grumman, you will have a challenging and rewarding opportunity to be a part of our Enterprise-wide digital transformation. Through the use of Model-based ...

Akamai

Principal Network Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$132K - $237K/yr

Partner with the best As a Principal Network Engineer you will lead efforts in designing, implementing, and automating our global network infrastructure. You will address complex issues in routing ...

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Principal Network Engineer information

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$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in the United States is $133,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,000.00 and $158,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal network engineer?

Principal Network Engineers are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures within an organization. They lead network architecture initiatives, oversee security protocols, and ensure high availability and performance of network systems. In addition, they often mentor junior engineers, set technical standards, and collaborate with other IT teams to align network solutions with business goals. Their expertise is crucial for maintaining reliable and scalable connectivity in large enterprises.

What does a principal network engineer do?

As a principal network engineer, you are responsible for the daily operations of a computer system. Your responsibilities are to install, organize, and support systems for an organization. The systems you work with often aid a company in its communications, as with local area networks and wide area networks. Other duties include the installation of hardware, regular system maintenance, and optimization of network performance. You might also train individuals in the use of relevant software or hardware. In some cases, you might help with email and data storage.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal network engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Principal Network Engineer, you need deep expertise in network architecture, routing and switching, security protocols, and typically a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with enterprise networking hardware, software-defined networking (SDN), firewalls, and certifications such as CCNP or CCIE are essential. Outstanding problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills help you manage complex projects and guide technical teams. These competencies are critical to ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable network infrastructures that support organizational goals.

What are the main challenges principal network engineers face when leading large-scale network projects?

Principal Network Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating cross-functional teams, designing scalable solutions that align with business goals, and managing the integration of emerging technologies into existing infrastructure. Balancing competing priorities—like security, performance, and budget constraints—while ensuring minimal downtime is a common part of the role. Effective communication and leadership skills are essential, as Principal Network Engineers frequently serve as the technical authority and must guide both junior engineers and stakeholders through complex decisions.

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

AspectPrincipal Network EngineerNetwork Architect
CredentialsBS in Computer Science or related, Cisco/Juniper certificationsBS in Computer Science or related, Cisco/Juniper certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and troubleshoot network solutions within organizationsDesign overall network infrastructure and architecture for organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for senior technical rolesUsed in enterprise and large organizations for planning network systems
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for senior technical expertiseCompared for strategic network planning roles

The main difference is that a Principal Network Engineer focuses on implementing and troubleshooting network solutions, while a Network Architect designs the overall network architecture and strategy. Both roles require similar certifications and work in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

How much does a principal network engineer make in the US?

A principal network engineer in the US typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and industry. They often hold advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE and have extensive knowledge of network architecture, security, and troubleshooting tools.
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Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,243 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Senior Principal Network Engineer with Security Clearance

Zachary Piper Solutions, LLC

Newington, VA • On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 3 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to support a federal defense program focused on national security, mission-critical communications, and critical infrastructure protection. This position is on-site in Newington, VA. The Senior Principal Network Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network environments supporting high-priority government operations. Responsibilities for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: * Design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks in collaboration with engineering, security, cloud, and operations teams.
* Develop high-level and low-level network designs (HLDs/LLDs) and support the deployment and integration of enterprise and data center networking solutions.
* Troubleshoot complex network issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements.
* Act as a trusted technical advisor by translating mission requirements into scalable network architectures and strategic solutions.
* Utilize advanced routing, switching, security, and automation technologies to optimize and modernize network infrastructure. Required Qualifications for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: * 8+ years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, or complex enterprise networking environments.
* Strong expertise with routing and switching technologies including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, and EVPN.
* Hands-on experience with Cisco technologies including Catalyst, Nexus, ACI, Next-Generation Firewalls, and enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
* Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, and NetFlow.
* Strong communication, presentation, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
* Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
* Active TS/SCI clearance required with eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) approval. Compensation for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 depending on experience Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as required by law. #LI-MC1 #LI-ONSITE SEO Keywords: Senior Principal Network Engineer, Principal Network Engineer, Network Architect, Network Engineering, Network Design, Enterprise Networking, Data Center Networking, Cisco Network Engineer, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Nexus, Cisco ACI, Cisco NGFW, LAN/WAN Engineer, Routing and Switching, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN, Network Security, TS/SCI Clearance, SAP Clearance, Cleared Network Engineer, Defense Contractor, Federal Government, Mission Critical Systems, Critical Infrastructure, Network Automation, Python, Ansible, Terraform, AWS Networking, Azure Networking, Cloud Networking, SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark, Cisco ISE, Cisco Intersight, Newington VA Jobs, Virginia Cleared Jobs.

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