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Senior Principal Network Engineer Jobs in Springfield, VA

As a Principal Network Engineer supporting the IHS EHR program, you will be trusted to engage in a variety of technical topics to ensure the success of our customer. This is a remote position, US ...

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Experience with Palo Alto firewalls and Cloud security a plus Overview We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to join our team supporting the US Patent & Trademark Office ENISS program in ...

The Network Engineer Sr Principal must have: Education: Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science (or equivalent experience) Experience: 10+ years of related experience. Required Technical skills:

Network Engineer - Expert

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Senior Network Architect * Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer * Principal Network Engineer * Network Solutions Architect * Network Systems Engineer - Senior Level Keywords: * Network Architecture

Network Engineer - Expert

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Senior Network Architect * Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer * Principal Network Engineer * Network Solutions Architect * Network Systems Engineer - Senior Level Keywords: * Network Architecture

Network Engineer - Expert

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Senior Network Architect * Lead Network Infrastructure Engineer * Principal Network Engineer * Network Solutions Architect * Network Systems Engineer - Senior Level Keywords: * Network Architecture

Network Engineer SME

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Senior Network Consultant * Network Solutions Expert * Principal Network Specialist * Lead Network Engineer Keywords: * Network Design & Optimization * Cisco Technologies * BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Protocols

Network Engineer SME

Herndon, VA · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Senior Network Consultant * Network Solutions Expert * Principal Network Specialist * Lead Network Engineer Keywords: * Network Design & Optimization * Cisco Technologies * BGP/OSPF/EIGRP Protocols

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Principal Network Engineer information

See Springfield, VA salary details

$21.9K

$139.2K

$213.6K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal network engineer in Springfield, VA is $139,176.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $122,200.00 and $165,000.00 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 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.
What are popular job titles related to Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA? For Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs in Springfield, VA are:
What cities near Springfield, VA are hiring for Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities near Springfield, VA with the most Senior Principal Network Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Principal Network Engineer job openings in Springfield, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,176 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 360 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 536 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: YesCLEARANCE TYPE: PolygraphTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt 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.

Join Northrop Grumman on our continued mission to push the boundaries of possible across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. Enjoy a culture where your voice is valued and start contributing to our team of passionate professionals providing real-life solutions to our world's biggest challenges. We take pride in creating purposeful work and allowing our employees to grow and achieve their goals every day by Defining Possible. With our competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, we have the right opportunities to fit your life and launch your career today.

At the heart of Defining Possible is our commitment to missions. In rapidly changing global security environments, Northrop Grumman brings informed insights and software-secure technology to enable strategic planning. We're looking for innovators who can help us keep building on our wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies that fuel those missions. By joining in our shared mission, we'll support you expanding your personal network and developing skills, whether you are new to the field, or an industry thought leader. At Northrop Grumman, you'll have the resources, support, and team to do some of the best work of your career.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is seeking a candidate to join our diverse team of engineers, system administrators, and operators as a Sr. Principal Cyber Systems Engineer professional in Chantilly, VA. The successful candidate will be expected to monitor, maintain, and provide Tier-2 and Tier-3 support of a mission critical network infrastructure, collect data for analysis, perform network upgrades, and be able to produce documentation and diagrams of the work they perform. The work is unique, challenging and rewarding. Most of all, its work that makes a difference.

The successful candidate should thrive in a fast-paced, quick response, work environment with high expectations, diverse assignments, and possess the ability to communicate and collaborate with multiple teams across all technical levels. The candidate must be able to lead the way to maintain and develop creative solutions to complex problems.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide Engineering and Administrative support onsite for a team of developers and testers, often deviating from industry standard procedures to meet mission needs but maintaining system security standards.

  • Develop, implement, and support solutions for systems that support mission critical and mission essential infrastructure.

  • Analyze existing systems & networks and make proactive recommendations to drive change and create efficiencies.

  • Collaborate with mission system developers to create and deploy solutions in support of customer mission needs.

  • Maintain, evaluate, test, and apply STIG configurations for network devices.

  • Respond to security findings and Break Fix events across the infrastructure.

  • Create and maintain network documentation including but not limited to Standard Operating Procedures and VISIO diagrams.

Senior Principal Engineer Network Basic Qualifications:

  • Must have an active TS/SCI with Polygraph to be considered, and ability to maintain polygraph level clearance; required to start, and must be maintained.

  • Active DoD 8570 IAT Level II, or higher, certification such as CompTIA Security+; required to start, and must be maintained.

  • 8 Years with Bachelors Degree; 6 Years with Masters; 4 Year with PhD; 12 years of experience in lieu of a degree.

  • Experience troubleshooting technical issues based on OSI model.

  • Experience making ethernet cables, pulling fiber, racking equipment.

  • Firm understanding of Cisco CLI commands

  • Firm understanding of Juniper JunOS commands and or firewall concepts

  • Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) and Authority to Operate (ATO) process

  • Experience working in an integrated team environment with other systems, software and specialty engineers to develop solutions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Understanding of dynamic routing protocols

  • Previous experience troubleshooting network procedures and best practices; experience with network challenges associated with systems integration, including COTS integration, and capacity analysis.

  • Experience with Linux and Windows operating systems

  • Previous experience contributing to building ATO packages

  • Experience working in Agile and O&M environments.

  • Ability and willingness to lift 50 pounds for racking server and network equipment.

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company.

Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family. Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

Northrop Grumman has approximately 90,000 employees in all 50 states and in more than 27 countries. We strive to attract and retain the best employees by providing an inclusive work environment wherein employees are receptive to diverse ideas, perspectives, and talents to help solve our toughest customer challenges: to develop and maintain some of the most technically sophisticated products, programs, and services in the world.

Our Values. The women and men of Northrop Grumman Corporation are guided by Our Values. They describe our company as we want it to be. We want our decisions and actions to demonstrate these Values. We believe that putting Our Values into practice creates long-term benefits for shareholders, customers, employees, suppliers, and the communities we serve.

Our Responsibility. At Northrop Grumman, we are committed to maintaining the highest ethical standards, embracing diversity and inclusion, protecting the environment, and striving to be an ideal corporate citizen in the community and in the world.

Primary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00The 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.

What Northrop Grumman employees say

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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