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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Principal Cyber Engineer (Network Focus) to join our team in Chantilly, VA . In this role, you will provide advanced engineering expertise to design ...

New

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Principal Cyber Engineer (Network Focus) to join our team in Chantilly, VA . In this role, you will provide advanced engineering expertise to design ...

New

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Principal Cyber Engineer (Network Focus) to join our team in Chantilly, VA . In this role, you will provide advanced engineering expertise to design ...

New

Principal Cyber Engineer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$141K - $236K/yr

MANTECH seeks a motivated, mission-focused Principal Cyber Engineer (Network Focus) to join our team in Chantilly, VA . In this role, you will provide advanced engineering expertise to design ...

New

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 ...

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 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

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 10, 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.

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:
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.

NW Deploy Planning Mgr II, GND, GND-US-CORE-Build-NWPlanning

Amazon

Herndon, VA

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,073 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

AWS Infrastructure Services owns the design, planning, delivery, and operation of all AWS global infrastructure. In other words, we're the people who keep the cloud running. We support all AWS data centers and all of the servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment that ensure our customers have continual access to the innovation they rely on.

We work on the most challenging problems, with thousands of variables impacting the supply chain - and we're looking for talented people who want to help.
You'll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You'll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you'll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
Amazon's network is a key differentiator for Amazon Cloud Computing and Web Services (AWS), enabling the global operation of thousands of applications across a highly complex global infrastructure

The AWS Networking team develops and operates the network platform for all of Amazon including e-commerce products and cloud computing solutions. This platform is industry-leading for its efficiency, throughput and reliability, and it is critical to the success of hundreds of thousands of AWS customers.
Are you ready to own the end-to-end Infrastructure Delivery for the largest cloud network on the planet. The Global Network Delivery Team (GND) is responsible for structured cabling, hardware deployment, and hardware commissioning related to network deployment during the initial phase of a data center

A Build Manager is responsible for a team of highly qualified network engineers. This leader will be responsible for end-to-end delivery of our Network Infrastructure, including Safety, Scheduling, Standards and Implementation for new builds across the AMER region. This leader is expected to significantly enhance our speed, quality, and safety in deploying new capacity to our network in Data Center sites.

You will ensure the right resources/structure is in place to proactively stay ahead of our capacity demands while applying thinking around capital efficiency. Our leaders are deeply technical, understanding their environment to accurately represent issues and implement a strategy that continues to set new records for cycle time, quality and staff efficiency.
In this role, you will own the resources responsible for planning network infrastructure in new AWS data centers. This leader will drive the strategy to innovate and optimize our new deployments while instilling the highest level of operational excellence in tools and processes

The mission of the team is to deliver network capacity on time with zero rework.
This leader will be integral to the wider infrastructure management senior leadership team, collaborating with our engineering and operations teams on new solutions and designs. They will own all aspects of people management.
Our engineers, managers, and leaders are innovators at heart; come join us and become integral to the technology company that is the past, present and future of Cloud Computing.
Key job responsibilities
Amazon's network is a key differentiator for Amazon Cloud Computing and Web Services (AWS), enabling the global operation of thousands of applications across a highly complex global infrastructure

The AWS Networking team develops and operates the network platform for all of Amazon including e-commerce products and cloud computing solutions. This platform is industry-leading for its efficiency, throughput and reliability, and it is critical to the success of hundreds of thousands of AWS customers.
Are you ready to own the end-to-end Infrastructure Delivery for the largest cloud network on the planet. The Global Network Deployment (GND) is responsible for structured cabling, hardware deployment, and hardware commissioning related to network deployment scaling and integration

The NW Delivery Planning Manager is responsible for a team of highly qualified network planners. This leader will be responsible for end-to-end delivery of our Network Infrastructure, including Safety, Scheduling, Standards and Implementation for new builds across the AMER region. This leader is expected to significantly enhance our speed, quality, and safety in deploying new capacity to our network in Data Center sites.

You will ensure the right resources/structure is in place to proactively stay ahead of our capacity demands while applying thinking around capital efficiency. Our leaders are deeply technical, understanding their environment to accurately represent issues and implement a strategy that continues to set new records for cycle time, quality and staff efficiency.
In this role, you will own the resources responsible for planning all network infrastructure in new AWS data centers. This leader will drive the strategy to innovate and optimize our new deployments while instilling the highest level of operational excellence in tools and processes

The mission of the team is to deliver network capacity on time with zero rework.
This leader will be integral to the wider infrastructure management senior leadership team, collaborating with our engineering and operations teams on new solutions and designs. They will own all aspects of people management.
Other Key responsibilities:
- Manage the planning scopes associated with network and cabling infrastructure in a data center environment
- Guide, train and educate staff on the best practices related to all service owner issues
- Manage tasks and deliverables across small to large-size projects
- Recommend, document, and oversee policies and procedures to meet industry best practices and to meet required SLAs
- Provide weekly report to the leadership on on project status
- Coordinate team resources to support project and delivery needs, to include emergency projects, change management and maintenance window support, and potential off-hours and on-
- Recruit and train to ensure appropriate staffing levels
- Host weekly staff meetings
- Drive compliance to Amazon performance management requirements
Our engineers, managers, and leaders are innovators at heart; come join us and become integral to the technology company that is the past, present and future of Cloud Computing.


What Amazon employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Amazon logo

About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate and computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US