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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Network Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Senior Network Manager, and based in San Jose, CA . This is ...

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 ...

Astrion

$165K - $180K/yr

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 ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Network Engineer

San Jose, CA

We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Senior Network Manager, and based in San Jose, CA . This is ...

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Odenton, MD · On-site

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for advancing enterprise network innovation through the execution of strategic design and implementation efforts. This role will lead upcoming and ...

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Odenton, MD · On-site

$116K - $210K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for advancing enterprise network innovation through the execution of strategic design and implementation efforts. This role will lead upcoming and ...

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Odenton, MD · On-site

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for advancing enterprise network innovation through the execution of strategic design and implementation efforts. This role will lead upcoming and ...

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Odenton, MD

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for advancing enterprise network innovation through the execution of strategic design and implementation efforts. This role will lead upcoming and ...

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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All JobsPrincipal Network Engineer Jobs

Principal Network Engineer information

See salary details

$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 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.

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 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 Principal Network Engineers?

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.

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Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,243 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer

Black Duck Software, Inc.

Burlington, MA • Hybrid

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Principal Network Engineer 

Reports to: Sr Manager, Infrastructure 

Department: IT Infrastructure 

Position Summary 

The Principal Network Engineer serves as the technical leader for enterprise networking services across global data centers, cloud platforms, and corporate locations. This roleestablishesnetwork architecture standards, leads modernization and migration initiatives, guides operational excellence, and provides technical leadership across routing, switching,firewall, wireless, and cloud connectivity domains. 

The role requiresdeep enterprise networking experience with strongexpertisein data center networking, dynamic routing protocols,firewalltechnologies, cloud connectivity, and network operations. The Principal Network Engineer will make sound architectural decisions, guide engineers through implementation,identifywhen specializedexpertiseis needed, and partner effectively with vendors, security, cloud, infrastructure, and engineering teams. 

Essential Functions/Responsibilities 

  • Serve as the technical authority and strategic leader for enterprise network architecture across data centers, cloud environments, and corporate locations. 
  • Lead the design and modernization of network infrastructure, including data center migrations, resiliency, high availability, and segmentation initiatives. 
  • Define and govern advanced routing standards, including BGP design, route control, traffic engineering, failover behavior, and multi-site connectivity. 
  • Architect and guide Cisco Nexus-based data center networking solutions, including spine-leaf fabrics, EVPN/VXLAN, Cisco ACI, and related technologies. 
  • Establish secure firewall and network segmentation strategies, including NAT, VPN, perimeter security, and zero-trust network design in partnership with Security teams. 
  • Design and support hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity architectures across AWS, Azure, and GCP using Direct Connect, ExpressRoute, cloud exchanges, and partner interconnects. 
  • Review and approve major network designs, migration plans, implementation standards, operational procedures, and critical infrastructure changes. 
  • Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and escalation support for complex data center networks, firewalls, routing, switching, wireless, and cloud connectivity issues. 
  • Drive operational excellence through observability, documentation standards, automation, and continuous improvement of network services. 
  • Partner with Infrastructure, Cloud, Security, Compliance, and Engineering teams to support business continuity, disaster recovery, operational readiness, and long-term technology strategy. 
  • Other tasks and activities as assigned. 

Required Education/Experience & Skills 

  • 10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience, including senior, lead, principal, or architecture-level technical leadership responsibilities. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. 
  • Deep hands-on experience with enterprise routing, switching,firewalloperations, and data center networking, BGP experience, including route filtering, redistribution, route preference, failover design, traffic engineering, and troubleshooting. 
  • Professional certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, JNCIE, PCNSE, or equivalent demonstrated experience preferred. 

Physical Requirements 

  • General office environment and responsibilities requiring: 
  • Extensive use of the computer which involves viewing a monitor and keyboarding for most of the workday. 
  • Placing and receiving phone calls. 
  • Occasionally moving and lifting objects up to 50 pounds 
  • Hybrid role based in the Burlington, MA office. 
  • May require up to 10% travel as needed  

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