Network Engineer, Principal

This is a senior, hands-on engineering role critical to the implementation, operation, and optimization of our global network infrastructure. The Principal Network Engineer will design and support enterprise global networks across complex hybrid environments. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with a strict adherence to IT governance, ensuring all network architecture aligns with industry standards, security frameworks, and business objectives. You will serve as a technical authority within a collaborative network team responsible for maintaining large-scale enterprise platforms, with a paramount focus on ensuring rig connectivity and continuity of drilling operations globally., * Architectural Design & Implementation: Design, configure, and maintain enterprise-grade network infrastructure (Cisco, Aruba, Meraki, and F5 platforms) across global data centers, cloud environments, and remote operating sites in strict adherence to approved design standards.

• Operational Excellence & Optimization: Ensure high availability, redundancy, and performance through proactive capacity planning and monitoring. Oversee complex hybrid WAN architectures, including MPLS, SDWAN, DIA, and LEO Satellite, optimizing traffic flow while maintaining security policies.
• Governance, Security & Compliance: Drive network security posture through macro/micro-segmentation, Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), and regular compliance audits. Manage incident response protocols and ensure network modifications strictly follow formal IT change management processes.
• Documentation & Standardization: Responsible for precise, comprehensive documentation of network topologies, configurations, disaster recovery plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Champion the adoption of best practices and standardization across the networking team.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead the technical execution of cross-functional infrastructure projects and data center migrations. Mentor peers and junior engineers, conducting structured technical reviews to ensure architectural integrity and professional development.
• Strategic Evaluation: Systematically evaluate emerging technologies, perform risk assessments, understands ROI and fiscal responsibilities, and present formal business cases and solution proposals to IT leadership to improve network scalability and security., * Analytical Problem Solving: Approaches complex network anomalies using a logical, methodical sequence. Identifies root causes accurately and mitigates risks while anticipating the long-term implications of technical decisions.
• Process & Detail Orientation: Highly conscientious regarding technical accuracy and documentation. Focuses on delivering complete, high-quality work that aligns with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Change & Risk Management: Adapts professionally to operational shifts. Manages uncertainty effectively and proactively prepares contingency plans for critical infrastructure systems.
• Executive Communication: Communicates highly technical concepts clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, to a variety of stakeholders. Capable of preparing, leading, and following up on structured business meetings to ensure strategic outcomes are met.
• P1/P2 and on-call expectations: This position is expected to lead P1 and P2 level outage incidents and be on call for those outages to lead the troubleshooting and restoration of services to ensure timely resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for future prevention.
• Accountability and Excellence: This position should model the highest levels of accountability and excellence within the team, showcasing a strong work ethic and a focus on doing what’s right while pushing forward through iterative improvements.
• Hybrid office & Global expectations: This position is expected to work closely with a global team through virtual collaboration as well as being a hybrid employee. The expectation is that this position will be in the Tulsa office on a hybrid schedule subject to manager discretion and could change over time.
• Travel will be minimal but could involve regional & global travel up to 10%.
• Vendor Relationship: This position is expected to maintain strong vendor relationships with the network vendors and OEM’s to ensure lifecycle management, fiscal insight, and support models through healthy customer-vendor relations including recurring check-ins, business reviews, etc.

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive enterprise networking experience within highly regulated environments, including at least 10 years serving in a Lead Network Engineer capacity required
• Education & Certifications: Active Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is required.
• Not a must, but a plus:
• Additional experience in energy sectors and experience with IT/OT networking a plus.
• CCIE a plus.
• Degree in MIS, Computer Science, or similar a plus.
• Cloud certifications in Azure, GCP, or AWS a plus.
• Routing & Switching Mastery: Expert-level proficiency in Cisco technologies, specifically Cisco ACI. Deep understanding of dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), route redistribution, policy-based routing, and BGP peering in hybrid cloud environments.
• SD-WAN & Wireless: 5+ years of hands-on operational experience with Aruba and Meraki solutions (including Aruba SD-WAN and Meraki Wireless). Deep understanding of SDWAN with experience in Juniper SDWAN and Aruba SDWAN a plus.
• Application Delivery: Proven expertise in designing, configuring, and operating F5 load balancing platforms.
• Security & Identity Integration: Extensive experience with AAA services (RADIUS, TACACS+) and seamless integration with identity platforms such as Cisco ISE or Azure AD. Strong understanding of Internet edge design, BGP multihoming, cloud-based firewalls, and DDoS mitigation.
• Core Network Services & Connectivity: Deep understanding of heavy-duty Ethernet technologies (1/10/40/100GbE, VLANs, VXLAN, 802.1Q trunking) and foundational enterprise services including DNS, DHCP, NTP, and IPAM platforms (e.g., Infoblox).
• Diagnostic Expertise: Advanced proficiency in network packet analysis and performance diagnostics using enterprise tools such as Wireshark, LiveAction, and Cisco Stealthwatch.
• Automation (Preferred): Experience applying infrastructure-as-code principles and utilizing scripting tools (Python, Ansible, Terraform) to standardize deployments and automate routine network operations.
• Zero Trust and Purdue Model: In-depth knowledge of the Purdue model and other Zero Trust best practices

At H&P, our commitment to our people is at the forefront, and that includes benefits that provide employees a sense of health and financial security. We know that life continues outside of employment and actively caring of our people is our priority.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
• 401k match Paid
• Leave Plans
• Parental & Adoption Benefits
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• Educational Assistance
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Flex-scheduling available for qualifying positions to achieve work-life integration

The job level and associated compensation for this position will be determined based on the candidate’s experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role’s requirements. Final compensation for this role may vary depending on individual factors.

At H&P, our people are our strength.

Since 1920, Helmerich and Payne has been the industry’s most trusted partner in drilling productivity and reliability. As the world changes, so does our approach. We are changing the landscape of drilling by using cutting-edge rig technologies and drilling solutions to build upon a century of success, all while continuing to deliver better outcomes for our customers.

At H&P, our people are our strength. We strive to continually lead with our Core Values that enable employees to develop on their H&P Journey. We believe that doing the right thing means creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that empowers our people to bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Some companies offer career paths. We offer a Journey of a Lifetime. Let’s go far, together.

Hear directly from our employees, and leaders about their unique journeys at Helmerich and Payne.