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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akamai

Principal Network Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$132K - $237K/yr

As a Principal Network Engineer, you will be responsible for: * Designing, building, and maintaining our global network infrastructure * Developing and maintaining Akamai\'s core network ...

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 ...

Leidos

Principal Network Engineer

Columbia, MD

$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 ...

Upbound

Principal Network Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

Principal Network Engineer (Plano Texas, In-Office) Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD) is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial solutions that address the evolving ...

Upbound

Principal Network Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

Principal Network Engineer (Plano Texas, In-Office) Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD) is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial solutions that address the evolving ...

SAIC

Principal Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $160K/yr

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to support defense communication network systems ON-SITE in San Diego, CA . Join our innovative team and contribute to mission ...

Upbound

Principal Network Engineer

Plano, TX · Hybrid

Principal Network Engineer (Plano Texas, In-Office) Upbound Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: UPBD) is a technology and data-driven leader in accessible and inclusive financial solutions that address the evolving ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPrincipal Network Engineer Jobs

Principal Network Engineer information

See salary details

$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

How much do principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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.

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Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% 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

Akamai

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$132K - $237K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Are you excited about working with cutting-edge network technologies?

Do you enjoy acting quickly to solve problems?

Join our Global Network Engineering team

The Network Engineering team is a highly skilled group of individuals that work on various technologies in building, configuring and maintaining network infrastructure in support of Akamai\'s global platform providing the technical underpinning of Akamai\'s products and services.

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, data center fabrics, and automation to ensure scalability, reliability, and security. This role involves driving the evolution of network infrastructure, from initial architecture through to implementation.

As a Principal Network Engineer, you will be responsible for:

  • Designing, building, and maintaining our global network infrastructure
  • Developing and maintaining Akamai\'s core network configuration templates using Jinja2
  • Implementing new hardware platforms and network features within the automation framework
  • Serving as a subject matter expert for complex network issues, performing deep-dive troubleshooting and analysis
  • Creating and maintaining clear documentation & procedures

Do what you love

To be successful in this role you will:

  • Have 12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor\'s degree in Computer Science or related technical field
  • Demonstrate extensive experience in IP network design and implementation of scalable BGP routing architecture
  • Understand Data Center architecture, including CLOS Fabric and overlay technologies such as VxLAN and EVPN
  • Have experience in managing and troubleshooting multi-vendor environments like Juniper, Cisco, Arista & routing platforms like BIRD, FRR and Cumulus
  • Understand of end-to-end data flows and traffic patterns
  • Develop and manage network configuration templates utilizing automation tools like Python, Ansible, and Jinja2 effectively and efficiently

Build your career at Akamai

Our ability to shape digital life today relies on developing exceptional people like you. The kind that can turn impossible into possible. We’re doing everything we can to make Akamai a great place to work. A place where you can learn, grow and have a meaningful impact.

With our company moving so fast, it’s important that you’re able to build new skills, explore new roles, and try out different opportunities. There are so many different ways to build your career at Akamai, and we want to support you as much as possible. We have all kinds of development opportunities available, from programs such as GROW and Mentoring, to internal events like the APEX Expo and tools such as Linkedin Learning, all to help you expand your knowledge and experience here.

Learn more

Not sure if this job is the right match for you or want to learn more about the job before you apply? Schedule a 15-minute exploratory call with the Recruiter and they would be happy to share more details.


 

Compensation

Akamai is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For US based candidates only - the base salary for this position ranges from $132,100 - $237,900/year; a candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. Compensation for candidates outside the US will vary. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of annual bonus or incentives, equity awards and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Akamai provides industry-leading benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation (in the form of PTO), sick time, family friendly benefits including parental leave and an employee assistance program including a focus on mental and financial wellness; Eligibility requirements apply.

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