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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Network Engineer Sr Principal must have: Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (or equivalent experience) Experience: 10+ years of related experience. Required Technical skills:

Sr. Network Engineer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$100K - $137K/yr

P osition Summary: Are looking for an exciting career in Network Engineering. You will be ... Advanced knowledge of Network security principals and protocols * Advanced knowledge of Cisco Call ...

Clear path toward Principal Engineer / Architect roles Education & Certifications * Degree in Computer Science or a related field * AWS and/or networking certifications are a plus (e.g., AWS Advanced ...

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$155K - $208K/yr

Principal CNO Software Engineer Zetier is seeking Principal CNO Software Engineers to develop ... Experience working in networking (802.11ac, Zigbee, GSM, SATCOM, SDN, UHF/VHF, 5g) * Integration ...

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Principal Network Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$20.8K

$132.1K

$202.7K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in Virginia is $132,100.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $156,600.00 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Principal Network Engineer jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Network Engineer jobs in Virginia? For Principal Network Engineer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Principal Network Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Principal Network Engineer jobs in VA? For Principal Network Engineer jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Network Engineers for USPTO IT Support

Network Engineers for USPTO IT Support

Management Applications, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Network Engineers for USPTO IT Support
Management Applications, Inc., a leading provider of Network Management, Design and Implementation is seeking Network Engineers for a long-term contract with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The mission of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is to promote industrial and technical progress and to strengthen the national economy through the administration of laws and regulations related to United States patents and trademarks. USPTO conducts its mission by examining patent and trademark applications, issuing patents and registering trademarks, disseminating patent and trademark information to the public, and encouraging a domestic and international climate in which intellectual property can flourish. The agency is comprised of two major components - the patent organization and the trademark organization. The organizations are supported by business units comprised of engineers, scientists, attorneys, analysts and computer specialists and have a combined workforce that exceeds twelve thousand (12,000) Federal employees and approximately two hundred fifty (250) regional employees.
Personnel must possess excellent communication skills (e.g., excellent written and verbal communication skills acquired via customer service work). Excellent verbal communication skills include the ability to establish a professional rapport with customers; be a good listener and obtain required information; see things from another person's perspective; express knowledge in a clear, simple manner; explain technical matters to non-technical people; and be able to uphold the interests of the USPTO and convince others by making valid and relevant points in a professional manner. Excellent written communication skills includes ensuring text is accurate and is expressed in clear, straightforward manner.
Personnel must possess administrative and project management skills. The USPTO uses Microsoft Project Professional for all project management needs and Microsoft SharePoint for documentation version control and repository needs. Staff should be skilled with these tools to electronically update project plans and upload documents to our EMS.
Network Engineer
Assists in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network devices such as routers, switches, hubs, and gateways to enable connectivity between servers, LANs and WANs.
Senior Network Engineer
Experience in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network devices such as routers, switches, hubs, & gateways to enable connectivity between servers, LANs and WANs and Voice and Video Teleconferencing.
Principal Network Engineer
Advanced experience in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network devices such as routers, hubs, switches, and gateways to enable connectivity between servers, LANs and WANs and Voice and Video Teleconferencing. Performs in a supervisory role as needed.
Staff Network Engineer
Advanced experience in the installation, configuration, and maintenance of network devices such as routers, switches, hubs, and gateways to enable connectivity between servers, LANs and WANs and Voice and Video Teleconferencing.. Experience providing analysis and recommendations for information technology requirements. Assists in planning and organization both technically and administratively. Performs in a management capacity as needed.
Network Operations Manager
Network operation management in the areas of LAN/WAN, Server Support, Network Security, Cabling, and Network Operations Center Support.
Areas of IT Support for the USPTO:
1. Desktop Deployments and Moves
2. Desktop Field Support
3. Warehouse Operations Support
4. Audio Visual Support
5. Technical Writing / Document Development
6. Test & Evaluation Hardware Support
7. Security Operations & Enterprise Monitoring
8. Release Control Branch Support
9. Network Operations & Maintenance
10. Network Cabling
11. Collaboration Services and Support
12. Authorization & Assessment (A&A)
13. Remote Site End User Support
14. Electronic Business Center Support
15. Future Requirements
Job Application Instructions:
To be considered for these positions please submit a clear and concise resume (2 pages max.) as well as your minimum salary requirements. We will NOT consider your application without the REQUIRED minimum salary requirements.