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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$160K - $180K/yr

Overview/ Job Responsibilities We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for ...

Principal Network Engineer

Denver, CO · Hybrid

$160K - $180K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Network Engineer to support the US Space Force meshONE-T program. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and ...

We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to help build and evolve an enterprise network that simplyworkssecure by design, observable by default, resilient across manufacturing and launch ...

The Senior Principal Network Engineer will design, deploy, and optimize next-generation AI data center networks, ensuring high performance for AI workloads. Responsibilities : • Assist in defining ...

Serve as the principal technical authority for enterprise networking, defining long-term network ... Mentor senior and staff-level network engineers, raising the technical bar and building ...

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Principal Network Engineer information

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$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network engineer in the United States is $133,243.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,000.00 and $158,000.00 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 cities are hiring for Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Principal Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Network Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Principal Network Engineer jobs? The top employers for Principal Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Principal Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Principal Network Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,243 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer

Berkshire Hathaway Energy

Reno, NV • On-site

$134K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Description
The Principal Network Engineer leads the design, standardization, implementation and evolution of secure enterprise network infrastructure to continuously improve efficiency and reliability of IT services across on-premise and cloud environments. This position serves as a technical lead within the organization and is a subject matter expert for the team in one or more business critical skillsets.
Responsibilities
Serves as enterprise-wide subject matter expert for network design, standards, and operations. Leads the development and execution of network transformation implementation, including data center modernization, cloud connectivity, and secure edge networking. Provides technical mentorship to network engineers and cross-functional teams.
Champion network inventory management processes, automation and orchestration tools such as Ansible, Python, and other tools to reduce manual effort and improve network agility through programmatic means.
Define and enforce network engineering standards, best practices and operational procedures.
Develop and maintain comprehensive well-documented detailed designs, standards, and diagrams.
Stay current on vendor product roadmaps and maintain escalation points with key vendors to ensure a consistent focus on the technical roadmap and future technology enhancements.
Analyze and test new technology trends validating the impact to cloud strategy and reduction to overall TCO.
Perform research of new technologies and make recommendations to organizational management on new solutions.
Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, application and infrastructure teams to ensure cohesive and secure network integration.
Act as key liaison with vendors, partners, and service providers for technology evaluation and support.
Present technical strategies and project updates to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Provides technical input to assist in development of project planning.
Performs additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in information systems, computer science or related technical field or equivalent work experience. (Typically four years of additional related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree. A minimum of three years additional directly related technical experience is required.)
Ten years of experience implementing and running large-scale enterprise IT network in network engineering.
Proven experience with network automation and scripting such as Ansible, Terraform, Python, or purpose-built applications for same.
Expert-level knowledge of multiple areas of technology, including Cisco technologies (ACI, SD-WAN, Nexus, Catalyst and wireless solutions), Palo Alto firewalls, F5 load balancers and Cloudflare, DNS and Domain Registration.
Strong understanding of dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), firewalls, VPNs, and load balancers.
Experience with hybrid cloud networking and integrations with AWS, Azure, OCI.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
About Us
MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.
About the Team
MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

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