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Senior Principal Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Sr. Principal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$137K - $189K/yr

The Senior Principal Network Engineer plays a vital role in the management and maintenance of the enterprise network infrastructure. This position requires significant expertise in network support ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support advanced defense communication network systems. Join our innovative team and contribute to mission-critical efforts in ...

Senior Principal Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K - $151K/yr

SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support advanced defense communication network systems. This role involves advising the government on the design, development, testing, and implementation ...

Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support advanced defense communication network systems. Join our innovative team and contribute to mission-critical efforts in network design ...

ORA_ON_SITE Description SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support advanced defense communication network systems. Join our innovative team and contribute to mission-critical efforts in ...

Sr. Principal Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$137K - $189K/yr

The Senior Principal Network Engineer plays a vital role in the management and maintenance of the enterprise network infrastructure. This position requires significant expertise in network support ...

Principal Network Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's, Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

Principal Network Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$139K - $251K/yr

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Engineer in our Intelligence Sector's, Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security ...

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Senior Principal Network Engineer information

See salary details

$21K

$133.2K

$204.5K

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.
More about Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Senior Principal Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Principal Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Principal Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Principal Network Engineer jobs include:
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

Principal Network Engineer

Bloom Energy

San Jose, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Bloom Energy rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

At Bloom Energy, our vision for a world powered by clean, reliable, and affordable energy is more than just a dream-we're making it reality.
For over two decades, we've been at the forefront of the global energy transition, pioneering solutions that empower critical industries to thrive in a rapidly digitizing, energy-intensive world. From revolutionizing power for AI-driven data centers to ensuring resilience for hospitals, electric grids, manufacturing facilities, and utilities, our solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) and solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) technologies are redefining what's possible by delivering energy abundance for all. With more than 30,000 fuel cell modules deployed worldwide, we are the trusted partner for Fortune 100 companies and innovators alike. Our cutting-edge solutions enable unparalleled "time-to-power" capabilities, reliability, and sustainability, ensuring our customers remain ahead in a world where soaring energy demand and intensifying energy scarcity are rapidly becoming the new norm.
At Bloom, we thrive on collaboration, bold thinking, and relentless innovation. We believe that, together, we can create a brighter, more sustainable future while tackling the most pressing challenges of the 21st century.
We are looking for a Principal Network Engineer to join our team in one of today's most exciting technologies. This role will report to our Senior Network Manager, and based in San Jose, CA. This is a fully on-site, in office role 5 days a week.
Bloom Energy, a solid oxide fuel cell company, is looking for a Senior Network Engineer to join its world class team. This individual should be a dynamic professional who is looking for a rewarding future in one of today's most exciting technologies. As a Principal Network Engineer- should have a high level of expertise in many of the following areas: network routing (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), Multicast, Anycast, VLANs, MPLS, Data Center Spine-and-Leaf Architectures, QoS, VoIP, Wifi, 802.1x, Wan Optimization, SNMP, IPSec, VPN, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and virtualization technologies (SDN, SD-WAN, NFV, VXLAN, EVPN).. In addition, the Principal Network Engineer will participate with the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links. This individual will also analyze and resolve network hardware and software problems in a timely and accurate fashion and provide end user training.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design, evolution and implementation of wired and wireless LAN, SD-WAN, IPAM and WAN solutions from major vendors across corporate, manufacturing, and field environments.
  • Define and maintain network architecture standards, operational processes, and best practices.
  • Ensure secure network designs using Palo Alto firewalls, VPNs, IDS/IPS, NAC, Policy management and network segmentation.
  • Support data center networking and connectivity to cloud and customer environments.
  • Act as a senior escalation point for complex network issues and drive long-term improvements.
  • Partner with security, IT, manufacturing, and operations teams to support business initiatives.
  • Mentor engineers and provide architectural guidance for high-impact projects.
  • Develop roadmaps for technology and Hardware/Software lifecycle management.
  • Ensures that records of system downtime and equipment inventory are properly maintained.

Skills and Experience Requirements:
  • Minimum 7-10 years of experience designing and implementing large enterprise networks.
  • Proven experience and knowledge of wired and wireless LAN, SD-WAN, WAN optimization, firewalls, VPNs, and data center networking
  • Experience defining operational standards, documentation, and network processes.
  • In depth knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, ISIS), LAN Switching (STP, REP), Security (IPSec, MACSec)
  • Experience with Palo Alto firewalls, IDS/IPS and VPN design and administration
  • Experience with Zscaler implementations.
  • Ability to lead technically, influence across teams, and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision and effectively prioritize workload with attention to detail.
  • Experience of design and implementation of OT network environments is a plus.

Bloom Energy is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We are committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability. Bloom Energy makes reasonable accommodations, consistent with applicable laws, for the known physical or mental
limitations of an otherwise qualified applicant or employee with a disability, who can perform the essential job functions, unless undue hardship would result.
At Bloom Energy, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees includes competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans with a large employer contribution, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, generous Mental Health Support services, Legal services, virtual Physical Therapy access, and Fertility & Family Forming benefits.
Bloom Energy is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices.
FULL TIME ROLE ONLY: The total compensation for this position includes standard company benefits and is based on various factors including, but not limited to, relevant skills and experience.
#LI-JM
Salary Ranges:
$155,800.00 - $224,200.00