Principal Network Architect

DevOps, Big Ip GitOps Ansible Tooling On Prem Failover Terraform Wireshark Operations Leadership Automation Negotiation Multi-Cloud Load Balancing Cloud Security Microsoft Azure Network Routing Network Security Complex Networks Routing Protocols Business Valuation Financial Services Application Layers Amazon Web Services Network Engineering Traffic Engineering Network Architecture Full Stack Development Command-Line Interface Hybrid Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence Complex Problem Solving Business Transformation Bash (Scripting Language) Self Service Technologies Balancing (Ledger/Billing) Network Planning And Design Global Server Load Balancing Python (Programming Language) Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Transport Layer Security (TLS) Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocols, We're seeking a Principal Network Architect to serve as the technical lead and owner of enterprise network operations across a complex environment spanning AWS, Azure, hybrid cloud, on-prem infrastructure, and application delivery platforms.

This is not a traditional routing & switching role.

Instead, you'll focus on:

• Application delivery and performance
• Global traffic management
• Reliability, redundancy, and optimization
• Automation-first network engineering

You'll operate as an expert individual contributor and SME, owning architecture, roadmaps, and escalations while leading cross-functional engineers on key initiatives.

What You'll Do

Architecture & Technical Leadership

• Own enterprise network design and strategy across multi-cloud and hybrid environments
• Lead application delivery architecture (DNS, GSLB, load balancing) to ensure high availability and performance
• Translate business needs into technical roadmaps with clear milestones
• Evaluate tools and platforms to avoid redundancy and optimize capabilities

Automation & Engineering

• Build and maintain automation using:

• Terraform (required)
• Python, Bash, Ansible
• GitHub Actions / GitOps workflows

• Develop self-service tooling to reduce manual operations
• Manage secrets using Vault / KeyVault / AWS Secrets Manager

Troubleshooting & Incident Response

• Diagnose issues from Layer 7 down through the stack
• Reverse-engineer undocumented systems and traffic flows
• Analyze:

• Packet captures (Wireshark)
• Browser HAR files

• Lead high-impact incidents with focus on time-to-resolution

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Lead engineers from DevOps, Security, and Networking teams during projects
• Mentor junior engineers and drive technical standards
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Maintain comprehensive documentation (non-negotiable), * You will be the primary escalation point and technical owner of the network
• You'll work across cloud, hybrid, and on-prem ecosystems
• You'll solve complex problems where documentation doesn't exist
• You'll have the autonomy to define architecture, standards, and automation strategy

Work Environment

• Hybrid schedule (onsite Tue-Thu)
• Collaborative, tight-knit team
• High visibility with leadership and direct impact on infrastructure strategy

Why Join

• Opportunity to step into a true principal-level ownership role
• Work on large-scale, modern network environments
• Contract-to-hire with strong long-term potential, Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. Related Jobs Network Engineer Leidos Columbia, MDOn-Site Junos DevOps Firewall Equities Scheduling Operations Automation Purchasing Upskilling Encryption Market Data End Systems Coordinating Cryptography ISO/IEC 15288 Load Balancing Key Management Network Routing ISO 9000 Series Traffic Shaping Ancient History Computer Science Security Systems Network Diagrams Analytical Method Program Management Telecommunications Wide Area Networks Data Center Design Collection Systems Systems Engineering Networking Hardware Local Area Networks Network Engineering Time Off Management Security Engineering Engineering Analysis Signals Intelligence Design Specifications Business Requirements Information Assurance Engineering Management IAT Level I Certification Computer Network Operations Juniper Network Technologies Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Cisco Certified Network Associate Internet Protocol Security (IP SEC) Top Secret-Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI Clearance) +0, Baltimore, MDRemote Nginx DevOps Big Ip GitOps Ansible Tooling On Prem Failover Terraform Wireshark Operations Leadership Automation Negotiation Multi-Cloud Load Balancing Cloud Security Microsoft Azure Network Routing Network Security Complex Networks Routing Protocols Business Valuation Financial Services Application Layers Amazon Web Services Network Engineering Traffic Engineering Network Architecture Full Stack Development Command-Line Interface Hybrid Cloud Computing Artificial Intelligence Complex Problem Solving Business Transformation Bash (Scripting Language) Self Service Technologies Balancing (Ledger/Billing) Network Planning And Design Global Server Load Balancing Python (Programming Language) Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Transport Layer Security (TLS) Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocols +0

• 8+ years in enterprise network engineering / architecture
• Strong AWS & Azure networking experience
• Deep expertise in:

• DNS & traffic management
• Load balancing / application delivery
• BGP and routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP)

• Hands-on Terraform experience (must-have)
• Strong automation skills (Python, Ansible, GitOps)
• Advanced troubleshooting across application and network layers

Technical Knowledge

• Cloud networking (AWS Transit Gateway, Azure VWAN, VPNs)
• Traffic engineering (GSLB, ECMP, failover strategies)
• TLS/SSL negotiation and HTTP behavior
• Palo Alto or similar network security platforms
• Linux systems and command-line tools

Nice to Have

• F5 BIG-IP or NGINX experience
• Zscaler or cloud security platforms
• Kubernetes networking (EKS, AKS, etc.)
• Experience in financial services or regulated environments, * Must live within 50 miles of one of the listed office locations
• Willingness to complete employment check and drug screening
• Available for a 3-step interview process, IPv6 IPv4 Junos Planning Firewall Equities Hardening Leadership Management SolarWinds Market Data Communication Data Analysis IP Addressing Proxy Servers Drawing Tools Provider Model Microsoft Visio Network Routing Ancient History Cisco Networking Network Security Secret Clearance Complex Networks Cisco DNA Center CompTIA Security+ Network Migration Wide Area Networks Local Area Networks Network Engineering Microsoft PowerPoint Technical Leadership Atlassian Confluence IT Service Management, IT Capacity Management Network Infrastructure Wireless Communications Software Design Patterns Balancing (Ledger/Billing) IAT Level II Certification Verbal Communication Skills Juniper Network Technologies Brocade Network Technologies Security Requirements Analysis Virtual Private Networks (VPN) Network Quality Of Service (QoS) Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) Internet Protocol Security (IP SEC) Aruba (Network Management Software) Cisco Certified Network Professional Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification +0

If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex network challenges, and want to own enterprise-scale infrastructure-this is your opportunity. Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD. Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $96.42 - $106.42/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace Type

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company., We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.