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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's, Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Akamai

Principal Network Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$132K - $237K/yr

Partner with the best As a Principal Network Engineer you will lead efforts in designing, implementing, and automating our global network infrastructure. You will address complex issues in routing ...

National Grid

Principal Network Engineer

Brooklyn, NY · Hybrid

In the Principal Network Engineer role, you will lead the design, implementation, and lifecycle management of resilient, secure, and scalable WAN, LAN, WLAN, and SD-WAN network services. You will ...

Cyxtera

Principal Network Engineer

CA · Remote

Role Overview The Principal Network Architect is the highest-level individual contributor in the Network Engineering organization and the technical authority for the entire Phoenix network: its ...

New

Roblox

Principal Network Engineer

San Mateo, CA

As a Principal Network Engineer, you will work cross-functionally to plan the growth of Roblox's global production network to support rapid user growth. In this role, you are responsible for ...

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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 Aug 14, 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 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.

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Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,243 per year, or $64.1 per hour.

Principal Network Engineer

Leidos

Columbia, MD • On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 491 rated business services

Job description

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's, Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management.
At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!
Position Overview
The Principal Network Engineer provides advanced network engineering support for the design, integration, optimization, and sustainment of complex enterprise and mission networks. This role focuses on enhancing network performance, implementing scalable solutions, and supporting architectural improvements across LAN, CAN, WAN, and telecommunications environments.
The engineer translates mission and business requirements into secure, high-performing network solutions and collaborates with operations personnel, program management, and engineering teams to ensure reliable network performance in DoD/IC environments.
Primary Responsibilities
  • Optimize end-to-end system performance and dataflow through analysis, monitoring tools, and data captures, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput.
  • Design, integrate, configure, deploy, test, maintain, and enhance network devices and infrastructure across LAN, CAN, WAN, and telecommunications systems.
  • Implement network solutions supporting server and mission requirements, including load balancing, VPNs, firewall contexts, traffic shaping, VoIP, GRE, IPSec, IP encryption, MoIP, and NAT.
  • Contribute to the design and improvement of network and mission architecture to support evolving partner and mission requirements.
  • Resolve complex network issues using advanced diagnostic tools such as network analyzers, WAN test equipment, and simulators.
  • Support network operations by maintaining system documentation, diagrams, and accreditation artifacts while ensuring compliance with ISO 9000 and DoD/IC standards.
  • Collaborate with engineering teams to support network equipment, system integrations, and infrastructure changes, including conversions and cutovers.

Basic Qualifications
  • Masters Degree in a related technical discipline and 15 or more years related experience or Bachelors Degree in a related technical discipline and seventeen (17) years of experience providing network engineering support.
  • Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level I certification in accordance with DoD 8570.01-M.
  • Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures.
  • Experience troubleshooting and resolving advanced network performance and integration issues.
  • Security Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph
  • Participate in a rotational on-call schedule (estimated every 4-6 weeks), with flexible team-managed scheduling and guaranteed on-call compensation
  • Provide primarily remote on-call support; occasional on-site response may be required (rare)

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If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
April 8, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $139,100.00 - $251,450.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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