> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2096561-principal-network-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2096561-principal-network-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Network Engineer - **Company:** Dematic Corp. - **Location:** Grand Rapids, MI, United States - **Salary:** $136,800.0 - $205,200.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Communications Protocols, Complex Networks, Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Interoperability, Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT), Network Configuration and Change Management, Network Architecture, Networking Basics, Network Planning and Design, Routing, Network Segmentation, Zero Trust Network Access, Virtual Local Area Networks, System Availability, Reliability of Systems, Information Technology, Operational Systems, Cisco - **Published:** August 17, 2026 - **Apply:** https://jobs.mitalent.org/job-seeker/job-details/JobCode/402304972 ## About the Role * Bachelor's or advanced degree in Information Technology, Network Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline; advanced technical certifications or graduate-level education preferred. * Deep expertise in industrial plant-floor network architectures, with authoritative understanding of IT vs. OT convergence and clear segmentation strategies. * Proven leadership in designing, standardizing, and scaling industrial automation systems and enterprise-wide architectures. *Advanced mastery of networking principles, including complex routing, switching, and large-scale VLAN design across distributed manufacturing environments. *Recognized subject matter expert in industrial cybersecurity, including firewall strategy, zero-trust concepts, and defense-in-depth for OT networks. *Extensive experience architecting and governing Industrial DMZ (IDMZ) frameworks aligned to industry standards (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443). * Demonstrated ability to lead integration of IoT/IIoT technologies within industrial environments, ensuring secure, scalable connectivity. * Expert-level knowledge of industrial communication protocols and architectures (e.g., OPC, MQTT), with experience driving standardization and interoperability. *Industry-recognized certifications (e.g., Cisco, Hirschmann/Belden, or equivalent) with preference for advanced or specialized industrial networking and cybersecurity credentials. Core Competencies *Demonstrated expertise in diagnosing, leading, and resolving highly complex technical challenges within dynamic, large-scale industrial environments, often setting direction for others. * Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to influence and align both technical and executive stakeholders, translating complex concepts into clear business and operational impact. * Proven capability to lead comprehensive network assessments and audits, establishing standards and providing strategic recommendations on architecture, topology, cabling, and infrastructure design. * Collaborative technical leader who mentors engineers, drives cross-functional alignment, and enables successful execution of enterprise-wide initiatives. * Strong track record of defining, presenting, and institutionalizing network standards, governance models, and best practices across diverse organizational teams. Additional Requirements * Willingness to travel up to 25% and work additional hours as needed to support project and business demands. ## Description The base pay range for this role is estimated to be $136,800.00 - $205,200.00 at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined by various factors such as work location, education, experience, knowledge, and skills. We offer: * Lead the design, specification, and governance of network architectures supporting SCADA, PLC, and industrial automation systems across enterprise environments. * Establish and standardize network segmentation strategies aligned to OT cybersecurity frameworks and business risk models. o Define and influence cybersecurity architecture requirements, incorporating industry best practices (e.g., ISA/IEC 62443, zero-trust principles). o Review, approve, and govern network design artifacts, ensuring technical accuracy, scalability, and compliance with enterprise standards. oProvide strategic technical leadership and oversight for Operational Technology (OT) network architecture, guiding cross-functional engineering and project teams toward aligned, standardized solutions. *Architect and oversee network configurations, including physical connectivity, industrial communication protocols, IP schema design, VLAN strategies, and firewall policy frameworks across complex environments. *Drive the design and evolution of secure, resilient OT network architectures, ensuring high availability, performance, and compliance with cybersecurity and operational requirements. *Lead root-cause analysis and resolution of complex network and infrastructure issues, establishing best practices and improving system reliability across development and production environments. *Guide early-stage solution development by reviewing system designs, RFQs, and project requirements, ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture and long-term scalability. * Serve as a thought leader by continuously evaluating emerging technologies, industry standards, and best practices, and translating them into actionable strategies, standards, and roadmaps for the organization. ## Related Videos - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Remote Driving on Plant Grounds with State-of-the-Art Cloud Technologies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/251-remote-driving-on-plant-grounds-with-state-of-the-art-cloud-technologies) - [From Bedside Beeps to Interoperable Bytes – Getting your medical devices ready to talk the IEEE 11073 language](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/771-from-bedside-beeps-to-interoperable-bytes-getting-your-medical-devices-ready-to-talk-the-ieee-11073-language) - [Creating a routing app with Google Maps API from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/831-creating-a-routing-app-with-google-maps-api-from-scratch) - [From Cloud Racks to Control Cabinets: Operating Kubernetes on Edge Devices](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100160-from-cloud-racks-to-control-cabinets-operating-kubernetes-on-edge-devices) - [Your Infrastructure Is Not a Playground: AI Agents for Infra Done Right](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2084-your-infrastructure-is-not-a-playground-ai-agents-for-infra-done-right) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [Where To Find Software Engineering Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/396-where-to-find-software-engineering-jobs) - [Best Companies in the Netherlands: Top 25 Companies in 2023 ](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/193-best-companies-in-the-netherlands-top-25-companies-in-2023) - [Now is the time for industrialized software development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/601-now-is-the-time-for-industrialized-software-development)