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Senior Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Zachary Piper Solutions

$160 - $180/hr

The Senior Principal Network Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network environments supporting high-priority government operations. Responsibilities for the ...

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 ...

TechData Service Company LLC

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Sr. Principal Network Engineer - BB341

Alameda, CA · On-site

$70 - $95/hr

Sr. Principal Network Engineer - BB341 BB341 12+ Months Alameda, CA SUMMARY/JOB PURPOSE (Basic purpose of the job): Client is growing and our IT Infrastructure needs to grow and evolve to continue to ...

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Senior Principal Network Engineer information

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$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

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

As of Sep 3, 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 a senior principal network engineer?

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.

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 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.

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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 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.

Senior Principal Network Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions

Newington, VA • On-site

$160 - $180/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

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

Job description

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to support a federal defense program focused on national security, mission-critical communications, and critical infrastructure protection. This position is on-site in Newington, VA. The Senior Principal Network Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network environments supporting high-priority government operations.

Responsibilities for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include:
  • Design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks in collaboration with engineering, security, cloud, and operations teams.
  • Develop high-level and low-level network designs (HLDs/LLDs) and support the deployment and integration of enterprise and data center networking solutions.
  • Troubleshoot complex network issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements.
  • Act as a trusted technical advisor by translating mission requirements into scalable network architectures and strategic solutions.
  • Utilize advanced routing, switching, security, and automation technologies to optimize and modernize network infrastructure.
Required Qualifications for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include:
  • 8+ years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, or complex enterprise networking environments.
  • Strong expertise with routing and switching technologies including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, and EVPN.
  • Hands-on experience with Cisco technologies including Catalyst, Nexus, ACI, Next-Generation Firewalls, and enterprise LAN/WAN environments.
  • Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, and NetFlow.
  • Strong communication, presentation, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required with eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) approval.
Compensation for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include:

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 depending on experience

Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as required by law.

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