> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2490115-principal-network-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2490115-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:** Sierra Nevada Corporation. - **Location:** Southern Pines, NC, United States - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Apple IOS, Cisco IOS, Complex Networks, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol, Domain Name System (DNS), Networking Hardware, Internetworking, Multi-protocol Systems, Network Security, Network Architecture, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), Wide Area Networks, Computer Networking Systems, Computer Network Technologies, Open Network Automation Platform, Cisco - **Published:** August 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://snc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/SNC_External_Career_Site/job/Southern-Pines-NC/Principal-Network-Engineer_R0030564 ## About the Role * Bachelor's degree in a related field. * 12+ years of experience in a related field. * Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 14 years of related experience is required. * Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience. * Mastery of network protocols and services [e.g., Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)]. * Extensive experience with Cisco networking equipment and advanced networking technologies. * Experience supporting a corporate network, maintaining SLA's, providing support to corporate IT departments. * Experience Design & manage network implementation projects in a dynamic fast paced environment., * Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. * Expertise in Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) WAN, Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), and emerging networking technologies. * Strong background in network security and compliance. * Proven track record of leading and managing complex network projects. * Extensive and demonstrated hands-on expertise and experience with a wide variety of network related tools, concepts, technologies, best practices and security procedures. * Extensive and demonstrated expertise knowledge of MPLS, DNS, DHCP, directional wireless. * Extensive experience with network hardware, protocols, and media including but not limited to Fiber Optics, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Internetwork Operating System (IOS), SD-WAN, DNS, DHCP, wireless. * Experience in past roles as a principal network engineer or architect. * Hands-on experience with network automation platforms. * Experience engineering zero trust networking solutions. Essential Functions: * Must be able to lift 25 lbs regularly. * Work primarily at a computer for extended periods. * Frequent use of hand/finger dexterity for computer work. * Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment. * Occasional travel may be required. * The ability to participate in afterhours on-call duties. This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs. ## Description Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for developing innovation solutions? Join our team! As a Principal Network Engineer, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in network engineering. You will provide visionary leadership in the design, implementation, and maintenance of cutting-edge network solutions. This position will require a blend of technical prowess, leadership skills, and extensive experience in network engineering. This role demands exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to network security and reliability. The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains - air, land, sea, space and cyber. Responsibilities: * Lead the strategic vision and execution of the organization's network infrastructure. * Design and implement highly advanced and secure network architectures. * Serve as the top-tier escalation point for the most complex network issues. * Drive the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the network engineering team. * Mentor and inspire junior, intermediate, and senior network engineers. * Provide top-tier support for network incidents and service requests. * Oversee the development and enforcement of network security policies and procedures. * Collaborate with executive leadership to align network initiatives with business goals. * Conduct comprehensive network performance and capacity planning. * Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers and IT staff. * Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery. * Stay current with emerging networking technologies and industry best practices. * Recommend, design, and implement improvements to network infrastructure and processes. ## 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) - [An Applied Introduction to eBPF with Go](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1075-an-applied-introduction-to-ebpf-with-go) - [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) - [Small, Secure, Interconnected: The next Internet Protocol](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100062-small-secure-interconnected-the-next-internet-protocol) - [Turning Container security up to 11 with Capabilities](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/718-turning-container-security-up-to-11-with-capabilities) - [Computer Vision from the Edge to the Cloud done easy](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/263-computer-vision-from-the-edge-to-the-cloud-done-easy) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [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) - [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) - [How Much Does a Software Engineer Make? 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