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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Sev1Tech LLC

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$160 - $180/hr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ...

Entarian

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$160K - $180K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ...

Entarian

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and ...

Entarian

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$160K - $180K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ...

Entarian

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ...

CEDENT

Principal Network Development Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Principal Network Development Engineer Qualification: * Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field or equivalent work experience * 7+ years experience in one or ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

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Principal Network Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$22.1K

$140.1K

$215K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in Colorado is $140,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,000.00 and $166,100.00 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 Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,108 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Principal Network Engineer

Sev1Tech LLC

Denver, CO • On-site

$160 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Overview/ Job Responsibilities

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining a complex network infrastructure. This position is based out of the Denver, CO area. However, for this role we're looking for a candidate to work out of our Denver Tech Center office.

meshONE-T is the ground component of the larger meshONE concept and will eventually integrate with the Air and Space components of meshONE to provide an end‑to‑end network solution across all mediums, environments, and warfighting domains.

meshONE-T is a closed network and the expectation is at least 4‑days/week on‑site or at a customer location.

  • Plan, design, and provide scalable and secure network solutions to meet the evolving mission environment of the US Space Force and other DOD entities.
  • Diagnose and resolve complex network issues to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.
  • Create and maintain documentation relating to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records.
  • Establish and document network technical support processes and procedures.
  • Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports for internal and external uses.
  • Act as technical liaison and subject matter expert between clients and customers.
  • Update technical documentation when there are changes in the transport design and/or technologies.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to test all related systems and processes to verify that the systems meet requirements and can host applications with no degradation to performance or security.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to other networking team members.
  • Recommend and justify design and architecture changes to enhance and improve network performance.

Salary Range: $160,000 to $180,000

Minimum Qualifications
  • 15+ years of overall network engineering experience, with at least 5+ years working service provider functions of a network, including on‑site experience activating and troubleshooting underlay carrier circuits.
  • Proficiency in routing and switching protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and managing enterprise‑grade network devices (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).
  • Hands‑on experience with network security tools and equipment (e.g. – Cisco ISE, Palo Alto, etc.).
  • Less than 10% travel out of state.
  • Non‑supervisory position: however, position will be expected to lead operational actions and facilitate work amongst a technical team.
  • meshONE‑T is a closed network and the expectation is at least 4‑days/week on‑site or at a customer location.

SECURITY CLEARANCE: Must be currently eligible for a TS/SCI.

Desired Qualifications
  • Project experience implementing and overseeing large‑scale networks.
  • Experience with segment routing.
  • Experience designing ground stations for space mission systems.
  • Experience working in Department of Defense, or with Department of Defense or Federal contracts.

Entarian is an Equal Opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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