Principal Network Engineer
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
Network Architecture & Design:
- Architect and implement IP-based network design and traffic engineering solutions for live broadcast events, remote productions, and studio workflows.
- Design EVPN-VXLAN overlays for scalable segmentation and L2/L3 extension across facilities.
- Architect WAN/long-haul contribution networks for remote production.
- Support and integrate cloud networking solutions (e.g., AWS VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway) into enterprise architecture.
- Engineer end-to-end resiliency across on-prem, WAN, and cloud domains.
- Engineer deterministic traffic flows using Multicast (PIM-SM/SSM, IGMPv2/v3, IGMP snooping) and QoS (DSCP marking, queuing strategies, congestion management, buffer tuning) for real-time media applications.
- Develop network solutions for IP-based video transport (e.g., SMPTE ST-2110, ST-2022, NMOS).
- Work hands-on with Arista switches, routers, Palo Alto Networks firewalls and associated technologies in production environments.
- Implement and manage network automation and configuration management tools, including Ansible and Arista CloudVision (Arista Validated Design).
- Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration details, and change control records.
Implementation & Deployment
- Collaborate with Systems, Broadcast, and Sport Engineering teams on end-to-end infrastructure planning.
- Oversee deployment of network infrastructure across studios, data centers, and remote event sites.
- Validate interoperability between broadcast systems and IP network fabrics.
- Guide integration of Broadcast and Sports systems, including routing, switching, timing (PTP), and multicast.
- Partner with vendors and internal teams to validate designs and ensure seamless rollout.
- Produce low-level designs, standards, and configuration templates.
- Implement deep observability using streaming telemetry (gNMI/gRPC), SNMP, flow analytics
Event Support & Operations
- Oversee and troubleshoot complex Local Area Networking (LAN) issues and resolve Wide Area Networking (WAN) problems.
- Provide on-site and remote support for large-scale live sporting events.
- Ensure 24/7 reliability and resiliency of mission-critical broadcast networks.
- Conduct in-depth packet captures and traffic analysis to troubleshoot latency, jitter, and packet loss.
- Optimize network performance for multicast-based streaming technologies and video over IP transport.
- Lead incident response and root cause analysis, especially for cross-domain (LAN/WAN/cloud) issues.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work closely with broadcast operations, Sports production teams, and engineering groups to align network solutions with production needs.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineers.
- Act as a subject matter expert during major live events and high-profile broadcasts.
- Contribute to post-event reviews and continual improvement processes.
- Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies in IP broadcasting, cloud networking, and remote production.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
- Minimum 15 years of experience designing and supporting large-scale, mission-critical IP networks.
- Relevant industry certifications such as Arista ACE, Cisco CCIE/CCDP or equivalent is preferred.
- Deep expertise in IP networking (L2/L3, routing protocols (BGP, MPLS), EVPN/VXLAN) and advanced understanding of network design, data center architecture, and cloud connectivity.
- Strong understanding of broadcast and media transport over IP environments.
- Hands-on experience with Arista switching platforms and proficiency in automation and orchestration frameworks such as Python, Ansible and Git/GitHub.
- Deep knowledge of multicast routing, QoS, and synchronization technologies (e.g., PTP).
- Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills, with experience using tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in live production environments.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and share technical expertise across teams.
- Experience working in a 24/7 operations or media-related environment is a plus.
NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT A DEALBREAKER
- Experience working in media, broadcast, or live production environments.
- Familiarity with network orchestration, PTP timing, and media-over-IP standards.
- Experience supporting or deploying systems using SMPTE ST 2110, SMPTE 2022, AES67, or Dante is a significant plus.
- Understanding of network segmentation, security policies, and hybrid environments.
- Understanding of media workflows, encoding/decoding, and contribution/distribution networks.
Additional Requirements
- Weekend and non-traditional hours are expected, particularly during major sporting events.
- Ability and willingness to travel (both domestic and international) to support live events and remote productions might be required., * A passion for building resilient, high-performance systems that operate flawlessly under pressure.
- The ability to think strategically while executing with precision.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to bridge the gap between IT networking and broadcast engineering.
- A commitment to excellence in environments where downtime is not an option.
Benefits & conditions
Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $160,000.00-220,000.00 annually. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.