Principal Network Engineer
Summary
We are seeking a hands-on Principal Network Engineer with more than 10 years of enterprise networking experience to lead the design, migration, and ongoing operation of a global network infrastructure. This senior-level role will focus on network modernization initiatives, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), SD-WAN, Cisco networking, and multi-Cloud connectivity across Azure, AWS, and GCP. The ideal candidate has extensive experience leading large-scale network migrations, maintaining highly-available production environments, and driving operational excellence through automation, change management, and incident response.
Requirements
- 10+ years of hands-on enterprise network engineering experience.
- Proven success leading large-scale network migrations from planning through implementation and stabilization.
- Deep expertise in ZTNA and SASE architectures and platforms (e.g., Zscaler, Prisma Access, Netskope, Cato).
- Extensive experience designing, deploying, and supporting SD-WAN solutions.
- Expert-level Cisco networking experience including Nexus, ACI, Catalyst, enterprise routing and switching.
- Experience with multi-Cloud networking and hybrid connectivity across Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
- Experience with ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, Cloud Interconnect, VPNs, Network peering, and Hub-&-Spoke/Transit architectures.
- In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, QoS, and Layer 2 through Layer 4 troubleshooting.
- Experience managing DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (IPAM).
- Strong operational focus including change management, incident response, root cause analysis, and production support in 24x7 environments.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience creating network documentation, runbooks, and technical standards.
Preferred
- Experience using Infoblox for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM administration.
- Network automation and Infrastructure-as-Code experience.
- Industry certifications.
- Experience supporting high-volume e-commerce, SaaS, or other customer-facing production environments.
- Experience driving network standardization and operational automation initiatives.
- Exposure to Zero Trust transformation projects at enterprise scale.
This is a 6-month contract opportunity with the potential to convert with our MN client. Employee benefits include Medical/Dental Benefits, Paid time off, Paid Holidays, and a 401(k) plan (with an immediately vested company match) available through TriCom during the contract period.
H-1 B visa sponsorship is not available for this position. No third-parties, please.