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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Judge Group, Inc.

Principal Engineer - C++

Reston, VA · On-site

$155K - $255K/yr

Senior Software Engineer / Lead Engineer / Principal Engineer (C++) Location: Hybrid - Reston, VA ... Strong understanding of network programming concepts * Experience with database-backed applications ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Sr Principal

Chantilly, VA

$160K - $200K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is looking for a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command/Control Scheduler . Duties will include coordinating and managing end to end architecture by ...

Zetier

Principal CNO Software Engineer

Arlington, VA

$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 ...

Zetier

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 ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Sr Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

SAIC is looking for a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command/Control Scheduler . Duties will include coordinating and managing end to end architecture by scheduling assets ...

Zetier

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 ...

Peraton

Systems Engineer, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

$170 - $230/hr

Peraton is seeking a Systems Engineer, Principal to join our national intelligence program in ... Lead the program engineering strategy for data centers, cloud environments, and network services ...

Peraton

Systems Engineer, Principal

Reston, VA · On-site

... and network services, that include a focus on Technical Refresh. • Bridge the gap between high ... lead or principal engineering capacity. • Proven track record of managing large-scale ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Sr Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Description SAIC is looking for a Systems Administrator/Network Engineer/Spacecraft Command/Control Scheduler . Duties will include coordinating and managing end to end architecture by scheduling ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsPrincipal Network Engineer JobsPrincipal Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia

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 Aug 8, 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 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.

More about Principal Network Engineer jobs
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 job categories do people searching Principal Network Engineer jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Principal Network Engineer jobs in Virginia 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:
Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $132,100 per year, or $63.5 per hour.

Senior Network Engineer - TS/SCI Clearance

Strategic Business Systems (SBS)

Charlottesville, VA • On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Strategic Business Systems is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals.This is part of a team that ensures the customer's ability to provide mission critical intelligence and successful use of its information technology (IT) networks worldwide.
This role is onsite in Charlottesville, VA.
Required Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI (willing to sit for CI Poly)
Required Certifications:
  • DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II/8140 Computing Environment (CE) Certification as determined by the Program Manager is required prior to support on contract
  • IAT II 8570/8140 Baseline Certification Security+ or equivalent
  • Required Computing Environment Certification: minimum of CCNA to start and CCNP within 180 days of your start date. Of course if you have CCNP is preferred to have individual that has this on day one
Education:
  • Bachelor's Degree with 12 years of experience or Master's Degree with 10 years of experience
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provides installation and operational support of voice and data communications hardware and software systems.
  • Designs, develops, implements, tests, debugs, and maintains communications systems.
  • Performs configuration of operating system and security patches for host and distributed systems, and implements incident response procedures during incidents of a network or host security breach.
  • Reviews customer requirements and makes recommendations for changes to existing technical architecture.
  • Complies with prescribed customer, industry and agency standards.
  • Responsible for Installation, configuration, and support of an organization's local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), Agency Internet Network (AIN), Intranet and Internet and other data communications systems or a segment of a network system maintains network hardware and software AND monitors network to ensure network availability to all system users and perform necessary maintenance to support network availability
  • May supervise other network support and client server specialists and plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures; and will provide leadership/mentorship to junior & mid level network engineers.
  • Oversees network control center; provides support to projects that involve networks.
  • Performs a full range of complex network designs encompassing multiple technologies within a single network; evaluates new network technologies and makes recommendations to project managers regarding the integration of these technologies into the existing network.
  • Plans new configurations for integration into the network, using knowledge of the performance characteristics of the systems being added to the network and the specifications for network interfaces to insure effective integration and optimal network performance.
  • Ensures that adequate and appropriate planning is provided for hardware and communications facilities to develop and implement methodologies for analysis, installation and support of voice communications systems; and provides support in the translation of business requirements into telecommunications (e.g., LAN, MAN, WAN, Voice and Video) requirements, designs and orders.
  • The overarching INFOSEC and COMSEC security requirements for the Agency network add to the complexity of these positions.
Required Skillset:
  • Mitigate risks, controls costs and schedule variance, and effectively manages large scale, integrated projects
  • Review and/or approve Network engineering documentation to ensure that processes and specifications meet Network needs and are accurate, comprehensive, and complete
  • Establish and follow a formal procedure for coordinating Network integration activities among multiple teams, ensuring complete coverage of all interfaces
  • Capture all interface designs in a common interface control format, and store interface data in a commonly accessible repository
Additional:
  • Candidates must be willing and able to attain a CI Polygraph for certain positions as determined by the contract
  • Position may require lifting of objects (i.e. IT Hardware), reaching/bending/kneeling (i.e. plug in cables) and other moderately strenuous activity
  • Travel may be required to support the mission

About SBS:
Strategic Business Systems, Inc. (SBS) is a National Information Technology Services company headquartered in the Washington D.C. Metro area. SBS provides IT infrastructure design, integration, and operation services.Our expertise encompasses the full spectrum of infrastructure technologies, including the latest network, server, data storage, disaster recovery, security, and Internet technologies.
Security Requirements:
The candidate selected for hire must possess an active Top Secret/SCI security clearance, per client security requirements. Applicants who do not meet the security clearance requirement will not be contacted for this position.
Due to the nature of the government contract requirements and/or clearance requirements, US citizenship is required.
We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position, however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.
No unsolicited agency referrals please.
If interested in learning more about this opportunity, please send your resume to recruiting@sbsplanet.com .

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