1

Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities We are looking for a Principal Engineer who will contribute to and direct the RDMA and fabric networking space. This person, in addition to being a technical expert in networking ...

Career Level - IC4 We are looking for a Principal Engineer who will contribute to and direct the RDMA and fabric networking space. This person, in addition to being a technical expert in networking ...

Career Level - IC4 We are looking for a Principal Engineer who will contribute to and direct the RDMA and fabric networking space. This person, in addition to being a technical expert in networking ...

Principal Platform Software Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

We are seeking a Principal Platform Software Engineer (IC4) who enjoys building reliable software ... The role requires strong expertise in QEMU/KVM, container runtimes, networking, storage, systemd ...

... Principal Engineer to master and elevate the technical craft of their next-generation gaming ... networking and protocols, encryption and security, hardware integration, drivers, tools, and SDK ...

Principal Software Engineer

Nashville, TN

$130K - $174K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with cloud experience to join our development team. The ... networking, search, store). * Written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ...

Principal Software Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with cloud experience to join our development team. The ... networking, search, store). * Written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ...

Principal Software Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$130K - $174K/yr

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with cloud experience to join our development team. The ... networking, search, store). * Written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present ...

We are seeking a Principal Platform Software Engineer (IC4) who enjoys building reliable software ... The role requires strong expertise in QEMU/KVM, container runtimes, networking, storage, systemd ...

We are seeking a Principal Platform Software Engineer (IC4) who enjoys building reliable software ... The role requires strong expertise in QEMU/KVM, container runtimes, networking, storage, systemd ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Principal Network Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$19.1K

$120.9K

$185.6K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in Tennessee is $120,934.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,200.00 and $143,400.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Network Engineer jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Principal Network Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Network Engineer jobs in Tennessee? For Principal Network Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Network Engineer jobs in TN? For Principal Network Engineer jobs in TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,934 per year, or $58.1 per hour.
Principal Network Developer

Principal Network Developer

Oracle

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Oracle rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

56th of 246 rated software companies


Job description


Are you interested in building large-scale distributed networking solutions for the cloud? Do you love the idea of working in an environment with the excitement of a start-up, but the financial backing of a Fortune 100 company? You'll be joining a fast-growing venture that offers a ton of autonomy and a lot of variety. This role offers huge upside potential, high visibility, and fast career growth without the risks of a typical start-up. This is a unique opportunity to work with smart people to solve complex problems in distributed systems, networking, multi-tenant Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and Software Defined Networking (SDN) operating at massive scale.
Customers want higher availability, more throughput, better security, lower latency, reduced jitter, and lower overall cost. We help Oracle build the best-in-class cloud offering by providing the physical infrastructure and software to test and qualify networking hardware, configuration, design, and tooling. We build labs and tools to test physical hardware and simulate large-scale networks and designs. We own top-level network integration testing ensuring our network comes together flawlessly and performs as designed.
Responsibilities
We are looking for a Principal Engineer who will contribute to and direct the RDMA and fabric networking space. This person, in addition to being a technical expert in networking, needs to have good leadership skills and can influence senior leadership in a positive way to make the business successful. They need to be able to see the roadmap of the industry as opposed to just the business. This will enable the business to take decisions that will help deliver better product and make itself competitive.
Are you passionate about architecting, designing, developing, and delivering a great product? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be an integral part of a truly great team? Come join us!
  • 8-10+ years of experience in Networking field
  • Fluent in Cloud architecture, RDMA - RoCE, QoS, EVPN, VxLAN, BGP, MPLS, Tunnels, OSPF, TCP, UDP, IP, Networking device hardware, OSI L1-L7, Networking pluggables, WDM technology.
  • Fluent writing code in Python.
  • Experience with network datacenter and cloud automation.
  • Experience with virtualization, service initiation and maintenance, and meeting customer SLAs.
  • Excellent judgment to influence product roadmap direction, features, and priorities.
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Hardware Engineering or related field.
  • Ability to work with minimal input from leadership and capability to drive, mentor the rest of the team.
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Computer Science or related engineering field.
  • Experience in object-oriented languages.

Qualifications
Disclaimer:
Certain U.S. based or U.S. customer or client-facing roles may be required to comply with applicable requirements, such as immunization/occupational health mandates, and/or drug testing requirements.
Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only
US: Hiring Range in USD from: $102,300 to $209,500 per annum. May be eligible for bonus and equity.
Oracle maintains broad salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, as well as reflect Oracle's differing products, industries and lines of business.
Candidates are typically placed into the range based on the preceding factors as well as internal peer equity.
Oracle US offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following:
1. Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
2. Short term disability and long term disability
3. Life insurance and AD&D
4. Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
5. Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
6. Pre-tax commuter and parking benefits
7. 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
8. Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non-overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
9. 11 paid holidays
10. Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
11. Paid parental leave
12. Adoption assistance
13. Employee Stock Purchase Plan
14. Financial planning and group legal
15. Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance
The role will generally accept applications for at least three calendar days from the posting date or as long as the job remains posted.
Career Level - IC4
About Us
Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life-saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.
True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That's why we're committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.
We're committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing accommodation-request_mb@oracle.com or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.
Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans' status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.

What Oracle employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Oracle logo

About Oracle

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

An Oracle career can span industries, roles, Countries and cultures, giving you the opportunity to flourish in new roles and innovate, while blending work life in. Oracle has thrived through 40+ years of change by innovating and operating with integrity while delivering for the top companies in almost every industry. In order to nurture the talent that makes this happen, we are committed to an inclusive culture that celebrates and values diverse insights and perspectives, a workforce that inspires thought leadership and innovation. Oracle offers a highly competitive suite of Employee Benefits designed on the principles of parity, consistency, and affordability. The overall package includes certain core elements such as Medical, Life Insurance, access to Retirement Planning, and much more. We also encourage our employees to engage in the culture of giving back to the communities where we live and do business. At Oracle, we believe that innovation starts with diversity and inclusion and to create the future we need talent from various backgrounds, perspectives, and abilities. We ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to successfully participate in the job application, interview process, and in potential roles. to perform crucial job functions. That's why we're committed to creating a workforce where all individuals can do their best work. It's when everyone's voice is heard and valued that we're inspired to go beyond what's been done before.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Redwood City, CA, US

Year founded

1977

Social media