Associate Principal, Network Engineering (Chicago)

About the job

*Must be willing to work onsite 3 days each week*

*We are unable to sponsor for this permanent Full-time role*

*Position is bonus eligible*

Location: Chicago, IL or Dallas, TX

We are seeking an experienced Associate Principal, Network Engineering to support and help evolve enterprise network infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments. This is a hands-on senior network engineering role focused on network architecture, routing/switching, Cisco FTD / Next-Generation Firewall , Cisco ACI, and hybrid cloud connectivity.

What You'll Do

• Design, implement, administer, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure across on-premise and cloud environments
• Manage the network infrastructure lifecycle, including deployment, upgrades, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Provide hands-on administration and support of Cisco FTD / Next-Generation Firewall platforms
• Support Cisco IOS, NX-OS, IOS-XR, and Cisco ACI environments
• Work with routing and networking technologies including BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, WAN/LAN, VPN, IPAM, and DNS
• Support connectivity across AWS/Azure hybrid cloud environments
• Perform advanced network troubleshooting, including packet capture and analysis
• Develop technical specifications, implementation plans, and network architecture solutions
• Partner with vendors, carriers, engineering teams, and internal stakeholders on complex network initiatives
• Support network security, governance, business continuity, and infrastructure reliability
• Provide technical leadership, mentoring, presentations, and guidance to engineering teams

What We're Looking For

• 5+ years of experience in network infrastructure engineering, administration, operations, or architecture
• Strong enterprise networking background with hands-on experience with BGP, OSPF, and/or IS-IS
• Advanced Cisco networking experience across IOS, NX-OS, IOS-XR, and FTD
• Strong Cisco FTD / Firepower / Next-Generation Firewall experience is highly important for this position
• Experience with Cisco ACI and enterprise routing/switching
• Strong troubleshooting skills, including packet capture and network traffic analysis
• Experience supporting AWS and/or Azure connectivity in hybrid environments
• Strong communication, presentation, project management, and mentoring skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across technical teams

Preferred

• Python, Ansible, GitHub, or similar network automation experience
• CCNP, CCDP, or equivalent experience
• AWS, Azure, or other relevant cloud certifications
• AWS networking, security, or architecture experience

This is an opportunity to take on a senior technical role supporting complex enterprise network infrastructure while contributing to architecture, modernization, cloud connectivity, and next-generation network security initiatives.