Principal Network Engineer

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Principal Network Engineer based in the United States.

The Principal Network Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex enterprise networking and security infrastructures across on-premises, cloud, data center, and hybrid environments. This senior technical role focuses on building highly available, scalable, and secure network architectures that support critical business operations. You will leverage advanced expertise in routing, switching, cloud connectivity, and network security to solve complex technical challenges and strengthen infrastructure performance. Working closely with cloud, security, infrastructure, and application teams, you will drive modernization initiatives and deliver resilient networking solutions. You will also establish technical standards, guide major infrastructure projects, and mentor fellow engineers. This fully remote opportunity is ideal for an experienced networking professional who combines deep technical knowledge with strategic thinking and collaborative leadership.

Accountabilities:

• Design, implement, maintain, and optimize scalable, highly available enterprise network infrastructures across LAN, WAN, data center, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Provide advanced technical expertise in routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, SD-WAN, VXLAN/EVPN, VPNs, Quality of Service (QoS), firewalls, and load balancers.
• Develop, implement, and support Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid connectivity solutions, ensuring reliable communication between cloud-based and on-premises systems.
• Lead complex network troubleshooting, incident management, and root-cause analysis to resolve connectivity issues, minimize service disruptions, and improve network reliability.
• Contribute to network architecture design, technology assessments, infrastructure modernization, and strategic initiatives that enhance scalability, security, and operational efficiency.
• Establish and maintain network engineering standards, configuration templates, architecture diagrams, technical documentation, and operational procedures.
• Strengthen network security through segmentation, secure connectivity, resilient architecture, and the implementation of appropriate security controls.
• Monitor network performance, capacity, and traffic patterns to identify bottlenecks, assess infrastructure requirements, and recommend optimization strategies.
• Collaborate with cloud, cybersecurity, infrastructure, application development, and operations teams to design and implement integrated technical solutions.
• Coordinate with network vendors, telecommunications carriers, and technology partners to troubleshoot issues, manage technical dependencies, and deliver effective network solutions.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to network engineers, promoting engineering best practices and continuous professional development.
• Lead large-scale network projects throughout the full lifecycle, from requirements gathering and architectural design to implementation, testing, and operational handoff.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and recommend solutions that align with business needs, security requirements, and long-term infrastructure objectives.
• Support operational improvements by identifying opportunities to enhance network availability, performance, maintainability, and service quality.

Requirements

• Professional experience: At least eight years of experience in enterprise networking and network security, including the design, implementation, troubleshooting, and support of complex infrastructure environments.
• Enterprise networking expertise: Strong hands-on experience with LAN/WAN architectures, data center networking, SD-WAN, cloud networking, and hybrid infrastructure.
• Routing and switching: Advanced knowledge of routing and switching protocols and technologies, particularly BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VXLAN/EVPN, VPNs, and QoS.
• Cloud networking: Practical experience implementing and supporting Microsoft Azure networking or equivalent networking solutions on major cloud platforms such as AWS or Google Cloud.
• Network security: Strong understanding of firewalls, network segmentation, secure connectivity, load balancing, and infrastructure resilience.
• Hardware and monitoring tools: Experience working with enterprise routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and network monitoring and diagnostic tools.
• Troubleshooting and incident management: Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex connectivity problems, perform root-cause analysis, and implement sustainable technical solutions.
• Technical leadership: Experience leading network engineering initiatives, coordinating complex projects, making architectural recommendations, and guiding technical teams.
• Infrastructure design and documentation: Ability to develop network architectures, configuration standards, technical diagrams, and comprehensive documentation that supports consistent operations.
• Analytical and problem-solving

  skills

  Strong capacity to assess technical requirements, interpret network performance data, identify risks, and make sound engineering decisions.
• Communication and collaboration: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across technical teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and external partners.
• Project management: Ability to manage multiple technical priorities, coordinate implementation activities, and deliver network projects from initial design through production deployment.
• Preferred certifications: CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent networking certifications are highly desirable. Microsoft Azure networking certifications, AWS or Google Cloud networking certifications, and other relevant networking or cybersecurity credentials are also advantageous.
• Independent working style: Ability to take ownership of complex technical challenges, exercise sound judgment, and provide expert guidance in a remote working environment.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Annual salary range of $100,000–$135,000, depending on qualifications, relevant experience, certifications, internal equity, and market considerations.
• Remote work flexibility: Full-time remote position based in the United States.
• Comprehensive benefits package: Access to an employee benefits program, with specific coverage and eligibility details determined by the employer.
• Professional development: Opportunities to expand technical expertise, pursue relevant certifications, and stay current with evolving networking and cloud technologies.
• Technical leadership opportunities: Influence network architecture, guide infrastructure modernization, and mentor engineering professionals.
• Meaningful technical challenges: Work on complex enterprise networking and security initiatives with opportunities to improve infrastructure reliability, scalability, and performance.
• Collaborative work environment: Partner with multidisciplinary teams and technology specialists to develop and implement effective technical solutions.
• Career growth: Build on your expertise through strategic projects, advanced technical responsibilities, and opportunities to contribute to long-term infrastructure planning.
• Employee-focused culture: Join a professional environment that emphasizes employee development, collaboration, customer service, and continuous learning.

How Jobgether works:We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.We appreciate your interest and wish you the best! Why Apply Through Jobgether? Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time. #LI-CL1