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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

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Principal Engineer 1

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$125/hr

As a Principal Engineer, you will be part of the Network Operations Department supporting wireless infrastructure and network automation teams. The ideal candidate will have strong technical ...

Ursa Major

Principal DevOps Engineer

Berthoud, CO

As a Principal DevOps Engineer within our Digital Operations team, you won't just be managing ... Sitting at the vital intersection of Software Engineering, IT, Zero-Trust Networking, Digital ...

Ursa Major

Principal DevOps Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

As a Principal DevOps Engineer within our Digital Operations team, you won't just be managing ... Sitting at the vital intersection of Software Engineering, IT, Zero-Trust Networking, Digital ...

Ursa Major

Principal DevOps Engineer

Berthoud, CO · On-site

As a Principal DevOps Engineer within our Digital Operations team, you won't just be managing ... Sitting at the vital intersection of Software Engineering, IT, Zero-Trust Networking, Digital ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of ... Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with ...

HDR

Engineering Principal

Denver, CO · On-site

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead innovation, engineer impact, and build a legacy of ... Substantial engineering experience, project history, and professional network in Colorado and ...

AVTC Group

TS/SCI - Principal Software Engineer

Aurora, CO · On-site

$180K/yr

Principal Software Engineer Salary range: $180k+/yr Location: Aurora, CO Clearance: Active TS/SCI ... Troubleshoot anomalies related to software, system configuration, network interfaces, and operating ...

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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 Aug 9, 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 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% 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 or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Aurora, CO

$142K - $213K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: Top SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a Principal or Sr Principal RF Microwave Design Engineer to join our team. This position is based in Aurora, Colorado.

The Radio Frequency Microwave Design Engineer will integrate, troubleshoot, and maintain end-to-end antenna systems and their respective RF processing chains. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of software-defined modems and radios, combined with a solid understanding of IP networking principles, routing protocols, antenna systems, software automation, and troubleshooting methodologies.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Operate and maintain front-end RF components, including software-defined radios and modems.

  • Work collaboratively with network engineering teams to define system architecture and ensure seamless integration of RF systems with network infrastructure.

  • Utilize knowledge of IP addressing and routing protocols to enhance the performance and reliability of RF communications.

  • Troubleshoot network configurations and connectivity issues impacting RF system performance.

  • Work with software developers to integrate new hardware components into the system and deliver end-to-end automated processes.

  • Perform simulations, modeling, and testing to predict system performance and identify enhancements.

  • Maintain thorough documentation of designs, specifications, and network configurations.

  • Collaborate with system administrators to install, update, and optimize software running on virtual machines.

  • Stay current with advancements in RF and networking technologies, recommending improvements to optimize product performance.

This position can be staffed at the Principal Sr Principal level based on the basic qualifications below.

Basic Qualifications

  • Principal: 5 Years with bachelor's in science STEM; 3 Years with Masters

  • Sr Principal: 8 Years with bachelor's in science STEM; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Years with PhD

  • Must have an active U.S. Government Top Secret security clearance at time of application, current and within scope, with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI approval/access.

  • The ability and willingness to travel up to 25%

  • The ability and willingness to work off-shift hours if needed, to include stints of 24/7 shifts in support of mission needs

    • Education/years of experience based on position level

    • Expertise in software-defined radios and modems, including operation and implementation.

    • Strong understanding of IP networking principles, including address allocation, subnetting, and routing over WANs and LANs.

    • Experience troubleshooting network issues related to digital RF communications, and RF analog communications.

    • Knowledge of basic antenna design and electromagnetic principles.

    • Proficient in RF simulation tools and networking software (e.g., STK, network monitoring tools).

    • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

    • Ability to work effectively both independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Strong understanding of radio frequency principles and antenna design.

  • Experience in configuring and managing network devices (e.g., routers, switches).

  • Basic understanding of virtual machines and Linux commands.

  • Hands-on experience with RF testing equipment and lab setups.

Primary Level Salary Range: $114,000.00 - $171,000.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $142,000.00 - $213,400.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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