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Principal Network Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Engineer - SME This position requires an active TS/SCI with a Polygraph. The Network Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership in the design ...

A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems ... Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to help design, deploy, and optimize ...

A melting pot of AI research specialists, silicon designers, software engineers and systems ... Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to help design, deploy, and optimize ...

$250/hr

Lead solution design and customization, orchestrating input from specialists, systems engineers ... network infrastructure Architecture, design and solutions consulting, designing large-scale AI ...

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As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal network specialist in the United States is $80,093.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,500.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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Infographic showing various Principal Network Specialist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,093 per year, or $38.5 per hour.

Network Engineer- SME

Chantilly, VA โ€ข On-site

Cherokee Federal
Architectural Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


Job description


Network Engineer - SME
This position requires an active TS/SCI with a Polygraph.
The Network Engineer - Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides advanced technical leadership in the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network infrastructures. The SME collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable, and resilient network solutions that align with organizational and mission-critical objectives.
Compensation & Benefits:
Estimated Starting Salary Range for Network Engineer - SME: 200k
Pay commensurate with experience.
Full time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, and other possible benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.
Network Engineer - SME Responsibilities Include:
  • Design, implement, and manage firewall solutions utilizing Cisco, Pala Alto, and Juniper network devices
  • Perform configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of firewall policies and rules
  • Monitor network traffic for potential security threats and proactively address vulnerabilities
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network security standards align with business objectives
  • Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices in network security and firewall technologies
  • Ability to translate customer requirements into enterprise network solutions
  • Proven experience as a Network Engineer with a focus on firewall technologies
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned

Network Engineer - SME Experience, Education, Skills, Abilities requested:
  • Minimum of 16 years' experience.
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degrees are preferred in one or more of the disciplines described below where specific skills may include the following:
  • Strong proficiency with Palo Alto & CISCO firewall platforms, Palo Alto firewall platforms is a plus
  • In-depth knowledge of network protocols, TCP/IP stack, and OSI model
  • Experience with firewall management software such as Cisco FTD and Palo Alto Panorama
  • Experience with a wide variety of network technologies and solutions architectures is a plus
  • Broad understanding of technical principles, theories and concepts in the networking field
  • Knowledge of state-of-the-art systems engineering principles and network design concepts
  • Cloud Service Provider and hybrid cloud experience (extending on-premise networks to cloud providers such as AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google)
  • Strong proficiency with Palo Alto and Cisco firewall platforms is a plus
  • Industry certifications such as CCNA Security, CCNP Security, Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), or similar industry certifications are preferred
  • Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Company Information:
Cherokee Preting (Preting) is a part of Cherokee Federal - the division of tribally owned federal contracting companies owned by Cherokee Nation Businesses. As a trusted partner for more than 60 federal clients, Cherokee Federal LLCs are focused on building a brighter future, solving complex challenges, and serving the government's mission with compassion and heart. To learn more about Preting, visit cherokee-federal.com.
#CherokeeFederal #LI-CK4 #IntelCareers
Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.
Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
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About Cherokee Federal

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cherokee Federal - a division of Cherokee Nation Businesses - is a team of tribally owned federal contracting companies focused on building solutions, solving complex challenges, and serving the nation's mission around the globe for more than 60 federal clients. Our team of companies manages nearly 1,000 projects of all sizes across the construction, consulting, engineering and manufacturing, health, and technology portfolios. Since 2012, the Cherokee Federal team of companies has won more than $5 billion in government contracts. Our 3,000+ employees work in 26 countries, 50 states and 2 U.S. territories. Why choose Cherokee Federal? Visit our website and learn about the great reasons to join our team. cherokee-federal.com

Industry

Architectural services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Tulsa, OK, US

Year founded

1969

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