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# Senior Principal Network Engineer

- **Company:** Zachary Piper
- **Location:** Springfield, VA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $160,000.0 - $190,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, Border Gateway Protocol, Catalyst (Software), Cloud Computing, Complex Networks, Data Centers, Data Transmissions, DevOps, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Multi-protocol Systems, Python (Programming Language), Network Security, NetFlow, Network Control, Network Monitoring, Routing, Cisco Nexus Switches, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Overlay Transport Virtualization, Ansible, Zero Trust Network Access, Wireshark, Google Cloud, Load Balancing, Firewalls (Computer Science), Data Center Networking, Information Technology, SolarWinds (Software), Performance Monitor, Restful APIs, Terraform, Open Network Automation Platform, Cisco
- **Published:** October 22, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.clearancejobs.com/jobs/9249780/senior-principal-network-engineer

## About the Role

* Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
 * 10+ years of related network engineering experience.
 * Expertise in routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
 * LAN/WAN architecture, design, and deployment
 * Proficiency with network monitoring and performance tools (e.g., SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark).
 * Hands-on experience with firewalls, VPNs, QoS, and load balancers.
 * Strong background working with Cisco platforms including Catalyst, Nexus, and ACI.
 * Experience with SDN and Cisco solutions such as Catalyst Center, ISE, and Intersight
 * Active TS/SCI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

 * Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, GCP).
 * Network automation using Python, REST APIs, Ansible and Terraform
 * Knowledge of Zero Trust principles and network security best practices
 * Familiarity with data center technologies including VXLAN, EVPN, and ACI

## Description

* Deep expertise in routing/switching and enterprise/data center network design (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Strong experience with Cisco platforms and security technologies (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki)., Ability to act as a trusted technical advisor, communicating clearly with senior leadership and driving strategic network decisions. Partner with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps, and operations) to design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks that support the mission.
 * Lead the development of high-level and low-level network designs (HLD/LLD) and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deploy and integrate Cisco-based enterprise and data center solutions while resolving complex technical challenges.
 * Operate in a fast-paced environment managing competing priorities, acting as a trusted technical advisor and translating complex technical requirements into actionable strategies and architectures that align with mission objectives.
 * Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and identify and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements, ensuring network availability for mission-critical systems and services.
 * Utilize advanced routing and switching technologies (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki), and automation tools (Python, Ansible, and similar) to optimize and modernize enterprise and data center network environments.Partner with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps, and operations) to design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks that support the mission.
 * Lead the development of high-level and low-level network designs (HLD/LLD) and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deploy and integrate Cisco-based enterprise and data center solutions while resolving complex technical challenges.
 * Operate in a fast-paced environment managing competing priorities, acting as a trusted technical advisor and translating complex technical requirements into actionable strategies and architectures that align with mission objectives.
 * Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and identify and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements, ensuring network availability for mission-critical systems and services.
 * Utilize advanced routing and switching technologies (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki), and automation tools (Python, Ansible, and similar) to optimize and modernize enterprise and data center network environments.