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Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX (NOW HIRING)

EOS

Principal Architect - Network Services

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$170K - $200K/yr

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

EOS

Principal Architect - Network Services

Dallas, TX · On-site

$170K - $200K/yr

ROLE SUMMARY We are seeking a Principal Architect for Network Services who will understand existing engineering standards and reference architectures. The ideal candidate will guide application teams ...

1 point system

Network Engineer (Firewall)

Irving, TX · On-site

$45.75 - $61.50/hr

* Network Security Experience including work in firewalls, firewall rules/policies * Utilize subject ... Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Security Architecture, Principal Engineers, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPrincipal Network Engineer JobsPrincipal Network Engineer Jobs in Dallas, TX

Principal Network Engineer information

See Dallas, TX salary details

$20.8K

$131.8K

$202.3K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in Dallas, TX is $131,809.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,700.00 and $156,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How much does a principal network engineer make in the US?

A principal network engineer in the US typically earns between $120,000 and $180,000 annually, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and industry. They often hold advanced certifications like CCNP or CCIE and have extensive knowledge of network architecture, security, and troubleshooting tools.
More about Principal Network Engineer jobs

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For Principal Network Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Cities near Dallas, TX with the most Principal Network Engineer job openings:

Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in Dallas, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,809 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

Principal Network Engineer

Fidelity Investments

Westlake, TX • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago

Fidelity Investments rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 272 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 151 rated financial services

Job description


Note: Fidelity is not providing immigration sponsorship for this position.
Job Title: Principal Network Engineer - Network Segmentation
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Network Engineer to support a data center network segmentation initiative focused on implementing micro segmentation and Zero Trust architecture. The role involves designing, deploying, and optimizing segmentation policies using Segmentation platforms. You will be part of the team that leads the strategic shift from traditional flat networks to highly secure, micro-segmented environments across on-premises data centers, global offices, and multi-cloud infrastructure.
You will work closely with security, infrastructure, and application teams to improve east-west traffic visibility, reduce attack surface, and enforce least-privilege communication.
Location
Westlake, Texas (Onsite)
Key Responsibilities
Design and Architecture
  • Design and implement network segmentation and micro segmentation strategies across data center environments
  • Develop Zero Trust network architectures aligned with enterprise security policies
  • Define segmentation models (application-centric, environment-based, etc.)

Implementation
  • Deploy and configure:
  • Segmentation Platforms across On-Prem and Cloud Data Centers
  • Create and enforce security policies for east-west traffic
  • Integrate segmentation tooling with:
  • Firewalls
  • SIEM/SOAR platforms
  • CMDB / asset inventory systems

Traffic Analysis and Policy Creation
  • Analyze application dependencies and traffic flows
  • Build and validate allow/deny rules and segmentation policies
  • Support policy simulation, testing, and enforcement phases

Operations and Optimization
  • Monitor segmentation effectiveness and tune policies
  • Troubleshoot connectivity issues related to segmentation enforcement
  • Ensure high availability and scalability of segmentation deployments

Collaboration
  • Partner with:
  • Application owners
  • Security teams
  • Infrastructure/Cloud teams
  • Drive workshops and onboarding sessions for segmentation adoption

Qualifications and Skills
  • 7 - 10 plus years of experience in:
  • Network engineering
  • Data center networking
  • Prior experience in large-scale segmentation or migration projects
  • Hands-on experience with Segmentation platforms (Illumio, Guardicore (Akamai), Cisco Secure Workload/Tetration)
  • Strong understanding of:
  • Networking: Cisco, HP, Arista, Palo Alto, Check Point, Juniper
  • TCP/IP, routing, switching
  • Firewalls and ACLs
  • Network security principles
  • Experience with:
  • Application dependency mapping
  • East-west traffic inspection
  • Experience with Enterprise Security:
  • Strong understanding of Zero-Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architectures, and stateful firewalling.
  • Experience with:
  • Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
  • Kubernetes / container networking
  • Scripting/automation skills:
  • Python, PowerShell, or APIs
  • Experience CMDB Tools and Technologies (ServiceNow)
  • Familiarity with Linux and Windows server environments
  • Experience working in financial services or highly regulated environments

Fidelity's Onsite Working Model
Fidelity is transitioning to a full-time onsite working model through a phased rollout across regions and roles. Currently, some roles and locations require 100% onsite presence, while others require less. Onsite expectations are likely to evolve as the rollout continues. This transition does not apply to fully remote roles.
Certifications:
Category:
Information Technology
Please be advised that Fidelity's business is governed by the provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, ERISA, numerous state laws governing securities, investment and retirement-related financial activities and the rules and regulations of numerous self-regulatory organizations, including FINRA, among others. Those laws and regulations may restrict Fidelity from hiring and/or associating with individuals with certain Criminal Histories.

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