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Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Via Logic LLC

Principal Network Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Position Overview The Principal Network Engineer provides advanced network engineering support for the design, integration, optimization, and sustainment of complex enterprise and mission networks.

Apex Systems

Principal Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Job#: 3047819 MUST BE ABLE TO OBTAIN/MAINTAIN A DOD SECRET CLEARANCE Principal Network Engineer Location: Rosslyn, Virginia (Hybrid) Role Overview This is a hands-on network engineering role focused ...

Cedar Cares, Inc

Principal Network Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$163.62 - $240.62/hr

Role Overview Cboe Global Markets is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to serve as a deep technical anchor for our global network infrastructure. This role is responsible for shaping the design ...

DLS Engineering

Principal Network Engineer

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$130K - $138K/yr

DLS Engineering is seeking a Principal Network Engineer professional for a full-time position in support of the Air Force Intranet Control (AFINC) program at Gunter Annex in Montgomery, Alabama. This ...

Arctiq

Principal Network Engineer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer for our client. This role serves as the senior-most technical authority for enterprise networking, network security, connectivity, and perimeter ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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.
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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, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% 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

Via Logic LLC

Columbia, MD • On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

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
  • Master’s Degree in a related technical discipline and 15+ years of related experience, or Bachelor’s Degree in a related technical discipline and 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)
Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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