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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Fleet Data Centers

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Position Overview Fleet is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and technical strategy for network infrastructure across our hyperscale campuses. This role serves as ...

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 · 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 ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Denver, CO

$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 ...

Wideopenwest

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 ...

US Bank

Principal Network Engineer z/OS

Denver, CO

Support and optimize GDPS network infrastructure across multi-datacenter and disaster recovery environments to ensure high availability and resiliency. * Manage and maintain TPX Session Manager ...

New

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All JobsPrincipal Network Engineer JobsPrincipal Network Engineer Jobs in Colorado

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 Jul 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 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.

More about Principal Network Engineer jobs
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What cities in Colorado are hiring for Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Principal Network Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Network Engineer jobs in CO? For Principal Network Engineer jobs in CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,108 per year, or $67.4 per hour.

Principal Network Engineer

Fleet Data Centers

Denver, CO • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Fleet Data Centers designs, builds and operates mega-scale data center campuses. Fleet provides its customers flexibility and predictability to meet their upside demand forecasts, addressing a key need in the market as traditional leased models are struggling to keep pace with the demand for new Cloud and AI infrastructure.
Fleet is led by a team of industry veterans that have already made a lasting imprint on the evolution of global digital infrastructure and are committed and uniquely capable of upleveling data center development scale and operations in the face of rising demand. Fleet is well positioned to bring in-house design, engineering, and operational capabilities to collaborate with customers on tailored solutions for campuses of 500MW+. This unique model enables Fleet to provide the world's largest and most sophisticated customers a seamless extension of their own data center fleets with constant access to design innovation.
Fleet is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with satellite offices in Seattle, WA and Alexandria, VA.
Position Overview
Fleet is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and technical strategy for network infrastructure across our hyperscale campuses.
This role serves as Fleet's technical authority for fiber infrastructure, structured cabling, carrier connectivity, and Operational Technology (OT) networks including IoT, BMS, and EPMS. Working across Product, Design, Construction, Operations, customers, and external partners, you'll establish engineering standards, guide infrastructure decisions, and support projects from concept through commissioning and operations.
This is a highly technical, hands-on engineering role focused on building secure, resilient, and scalable network infrastructure for mission-critical data center environments.
What You'll Do
  • Design scalable network architectures supporting hyperscale campus operations
  • Develop standards for fiber infrastructure, structured cabling, OT networks, and carrier connectivity
  • Design inside-plant (ISP) and outside-plant (OSP) fiber systems with redundancy and future capacity in mind
  • Serve as Fleet's technical SME for network and fiber infrastructure
  • Establish engineering standards, documentation, and best practices across the organization
  • Review engineering packages, vendor designs, and construction documents
  • Support commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, and operational readiness
  • Partner with customers to translate connectivity requirements into scalable design standards
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements to reliability, performance, and scalability
  • Lead technical evaluations, RFPs, vendor selection, and carrier relationships
  • Support budgeting, lifecycle cost analysis, procurement, and project execution

What We're Looking For
Experience:
  • 10+ years in network engineering, telecommunications, fiber infrastructure, or mission-critical environments
  • Experience designing and deploying large-scale network infrastructure
  • Expertise in fiber infrastructure, structured cabling, and carrier connectivity
  • Experience supporting projects through design, construction, commissioning, and operations
  • Background serving as a Principal Engineer, Technical Lead, or Subject Matter Expert
  • Data center, cloud, or other critical infrastructure experience strongly preferred

Technical Expertise:
  • Fiber optic systems, structured cabling, and network architecture
  • DWDM, CWDM, optical transport technologies
  • Routing, switching, and carrier networking
  • OT networks including IoT, BMS, and EPMS
  • AutoCAD, Visio, GIS, and infrastructure design tools
  • Network testing, validation, troubleshooting, and commissioning
  • Industry standards including ANSI/TIA, IEEE, ITU-T, ISO/IEC, BICSI, NEC, and NFPA

Travel:
  • Up to 25% travel to Fleet campuses and project sites

Expected Salary range: $120,000-$150,000 + discretionary bonus
Fleet Data Centers Employment
Fleet Data Centers employees enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including 100% employer-covered medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401K program, standard paid holidays, and unlimited PTO.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
Fleet Data Centers is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment regardless of age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran status. If you need assistance applying for any of our open positions, please contact us at info@fleetdatacenters.com.

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