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Senior Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apex Systems

Sr Principal Network Engineer

Aurora, CO

$75 - $140/hr

Job#: 3034514 Sr Principal Network Engineer Location: Aurora, Colorado (Onsite) Employment Type: Contract Candidates must have an active Department of Defense --TS/SCI with an adjudicated full-scope ...

Graphcore

Senior Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to help design, deploy, and optimize nextgeneration AI data center networks. AI training and inference workloads require extremely high ...

Graphcore

Senior Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

Job Summary We are seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to help design, deploy, and optimize next-generation AI data center networks. AI training and inference workloads require extremely high ...

GDIT

Principal Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

Serve as liaison with senior clients, participating in meetings to ensure client needs are met ... The Principal Network Engineer must have: * Education: Bachelor's Degree. An additional 4 years of ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Eden Prairie, MN · On-site +1

$120K - $140K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

KLDiscovery

Principal Network Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site +1

$130K - $150K/yr

The Principal Network Engineer is the senior-most individual contributor in the Networking team and KLDiscovery's deepest network domain expert. This role carries ultimate technical accountability ...

Bloom Energy

Principal Network Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

This role will report to our Senior Network Manager, and based in San Jose, CA . This is a fully on ... As a Principal Network Engineer - should have a high level of expertise in many of the following ...

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Senior Principal Network Engineer information

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How much do senior principal network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior 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 Senior Principal Network Engineer vs Network Architect?

AspectSenior Principal Network EngineerNetwork Architect
CredentialsBS in Computer Science or related, Cisco/Juniper certificationsSimilar certifications, often with additional design or architecture credentials
Work EnvironmentHands-on network management, troubleshooting, and optimizationDesigning network solutions, planning infrastructure, and strategic development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across large enterprises, telecoms, and tech companiesCommon in organizations focusing on network infrastructure design and planning
Search & Comparison IntentFocuses on technical expertise and operational rolesFocuses on design, planning, and high-level network architecture

The Senior Principal Network Engineer primarily handles advanced network operations and troubleshooting, while the Network Architect focuses on designing and planning network infrastructure. Both roles require similar certifications and are vital in large organizations, but they differ in scope—one is more operational, the other strategic.

How does a Senior Principal Network Engineer typically collaborate with other IT teams within an organization?

As a Senior Principal Network Engineer, collaboration with other IT teams is a key aspect of the role. You will regularly work alongside security, systems, and cloud engineering teams to design, implement, and troubleshoot complex network solutions. This often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, providing technical leadership on major projects, and ensuring network infrastructure aligns with organizational goals and security policies. Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills are essential, as you'll frequently serve as an advisor and mentor to both network team members and other departments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Principal Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Principal Network Engineer, you need deep expertise in network architecture, protocol design, troubleshooting, and extensive experience with large-scale enterprise networks, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field and advanced certifications like CCIE or JNCIE. Mastery of network management tools, automation platforms (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting), and security systems is essential. Exceptional problem-solving, leadership, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the reliable design, implementation, and maintenance of complex networks critical to organizational operations and innovation.

What are Senior Principal Network Engineers?

Senior Principal Network Engineers are highly experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures within organizations. They often lead large-scale networking projects, set technical standards, and provide strategic guidance to engineering teams. Their role involves troubleshooting advanced network issues, ensuring security and scalability, and advising on future network technologies. Typically, they collaborate with executives and other departments to align network strategies with business goals.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Network Engineer job openings:
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Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,243 per year, or $64.1 per hour.
Principal Network Engineer/Sr. Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer/Sr. Principal Network Engineer

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Melbourne, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

105th of 516 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: Yes
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman's Aeronautics Systems sector is seeking a Principal Network Engineer/Sr. Principal Network Engineer to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals in defining the future. This position will be located in Melbourne, FL.
**This position may be filled by either at the Principal Network Engineer level OR at the Sr. Principal Network Engineer level based on the qualifications listed.**
Tasks include, but are not limited to:
  • The selected candidate will demonstrate technical skills, organization, be an effective communicator, and problem solver who is able to develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • The candidate will demonstrate a commitment to ethics and integrity, and the capability to innovate.
  • They will have the ability to operate in a team environment and collaborate across the program as required to accomplish tasking.
  • Generally frequent use and application of technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
  • Demonstrates the skill and ability to perform moderately complex professional tasks.
  • Problem Solving
  • Provides solutions to a variety of technical problems of increasing scope and complexity as assigned
  • Work is reviewed for soundness of technical judgment, overall adequacy and accuracy.
  • Work under general supervision.

Basic Qualifications:
Principal Network Engineer: (T03)
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 5 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 3 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 1 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
  • Must have an Active, In-Scope, DOD Secret Security Clearance or higher that has been granted / renewed within the past 6 years.
  • Familiarity with AGILE processes and SCRUM tools (JIRA, Confluence)
  • Familiar with Windows and Linux configuration and troubleshooting.

Basic Qualifications:
Sr. Principal Network Engineer: (T04)
  • Must have a Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) discipline from an accredited university AND 8 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; OR a Master's degree in a STEM discipline from an accredited university AND 6 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering; or a Ph.D. AND 4 years of related professional/military experience in Engineering.
  • Must have an Active, In-Scope, DOD Secret Security Clearance or higher that has been granted / renewed within the past 6 years.
  • Familiarity with AGILE processes and SCRUM tools (JIRA, Confluence)
  • Familiar with Windows and Linux configuration and troubleshooting.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • DODD 8570 certifications, such as CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or similar network/security certifications
  • A professional certification specific to the networking industry like a CCNA/CCNP/CCIE or equivalent.
  • Experience with authentication and data encryption methods, to include securing communications at either the datalink or network layer
  • Experience with embedded systems, Unix and Linux operating systems, single board computers, servers and Network Attached Storage (NAS) solutions
  • Experience with non-Cisco networking environments such as Juniper or Palo Alto.
  • Experience with virtualization environments
  • Working knowledge of cyber security and Risk Managed Framework (RMF), STIGs and associated elements
  • Familiar with network management applications, like Splunk, Firepower Management Center (FMC), and/or Cisco ISE.
  • Experience with HAIPE/TACLANE and other military COMSEC/CRYPTO equipment and procedures.
  • Experience with tactical/military radio networks, like Common Data Link (CDL) and ANW2.
  • Experience performing troubleshooting with traffic capture tools, such as Wireshark and tcpdump, nmap and netcat.

Primary Level Salary Range: $98,400.00 - $147,600.00
Secondary Level Salary Range: $122,800.00 - $184,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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