Principal Network Engineer - Palo Alto and Juniper
Addison Group
Des Plaines, IL(remote)
Job Title: Principal Network Engineer
Location: Remote – EST or CST preferred (Ideal: Indianapolis or Chicago area)
Compensation: $160,000 base (bonus/stock TBD)
Reports To: Vice President, Technical Operations
Start Date: August–September 2025
Employment Type: Full-time | Direct hire
Benefits: Health/Medical, Dental, 401k, Vision
Role Overview
We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer I to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our enterprise network infrastructure. This is a hands-on, senior-level engineering role with high impact and visibility. You'll play a critical role in modernizing legacy systems, integrating hybrid cloud architecture, and building infrastructure-as-code automation with a focus on security, availability, and observability.
Key Responsibilities
- Architect and implement scalable, secure enterprise network infrastructure across hybrid cloud and on-prem environments
- Design, deploy, and support Palo Alto firewalls, Panorama, and Juniper-based routing/switching
- Lead network modernization projects including VXLAN, EVPN, BGP/OSPF migrations
- Collaborate with InfoSec, Engineering, and Architecture teams to align network strategy with broader technical goals
- Develop and maintain network automation using Ansible and Terraform
- Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve complex issues; participate in a 7-week rotating on-call schedule
- Document network standards, processes, and configurations
Required Skills & Experience
- 10+ years of enterprise network design and support experience
- 5+ years in technical leadership or architecture roles
- Deep expertise in Palo Alto, Panorama, Juniper, VXLAN/EVPN, BGP, OSPF, VPNs, and network security
- Experience integrating cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) with on-prem systems
- Proficiency in Windows/Linux, wireless networking, NAC/802.1x, and disaster recovery planning
- Familiarity with scripting, monitoring tools, and infrastructure-as-code (Ansible, Terraform)
Preferred Certifications
- PCNSA / PCNSE
- JNCIA–JNCIE
- CCSP
- ITIL
Interview Process:
- 1-hour interview with VP (skills + culture fit)
- Deep technical interview with 2 Principal Engineers
- Virtual lab (Palo Alto/Juniper config and break/fix scenario)
| Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities, upon request. |
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About the Company
Addison Group
Addison Group has enjoyed rapid growth since its inception in 1999, when a group of visionary industry leaders in Chicago set out with the simple goal of recruiting the best candidates for the best companies. With the help of its strategic investment partner, Trilantic Capital Partners, Addison Group has expanded its reach across the country through 13 offices and six core industry sectors, from Administrative to IT.