Principal Network Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Network Architect Staff Network Engineer (Contract-to-Hire Potential)
Dallas, TX; Tempe, AZ; New York City, NY; Evansville, IN; or Charlotte, NC | Hybrid Remote – 3 Days Onsite

• Candidate Location: Candidates must reside a commutable distance of Dallas, TX; Tempe, AZ; New York City, NY; Evansville, IN; or Charlotte, NC
• Employment Type: Long-Term Contract with Potential for Contract-to-Hire
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States. No third-party candidates or C2C

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

• A highly respected enterprise organization is seeking a senior-level Network Engineering leader to serve as the technical authority for a large-scale hybrid infrastructure environment spanning cloud, hybrid cloud, on-premises, and application delivery technologies
• This is not a traditional routing and switching role. The focus is on application availability, traffic optimization, network reliability, automation, and troubleshooting complex communication paths across modern enterprise environments
• The ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving difficult infrastructure problems, embraces automation, and can independently reverse-engineer undocumented environments to identify and resolve issues

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:
Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Serve as the subject matter expert for enterprise network infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and on-prem environments
• Lead application delivery and reliability initiatives focused on DNS, global traffic management (GSLB), load balancing, and network resilience
• Translate high-level business requirements into actionable technical roadmaps and implementation plans
• Evaluate technologies and platforms to ensure strategic alignment and avoid redundant tooling
• Stay current with emerging technologies, vendor roadmaps, and industry best practices

Automation & Infrastructure Engineering

• Design and maintain automation solutions using Python, Bash, Ansible, Terraform, and GitHub Actions
• Implement GitOps-based operational practices and infrastructure-as-code methodologies
• Manage secrets and credentials using modern enterprise secrets management platforms
• Develop self-service tools and workflows that improve operational efficiency and consistency

Troubleshooting & Incident Response

• Troubleshoot complex infrastructure and application delivery issues from Layer 7 through the underlying network stack
• Analyze packet captures using Wireshark and review browser HAR files to isolate root causes
• Reverse-engineer undocumented communication paths and dependencies
• Participate as a secondary escalation resource for critical production incidents
• Apply structured troubleshooting methodologies to rapidly restore service and minimize downtime

Project Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead cross-functional project teams consisting of engineers from DevOps, Security, Infrastructure, and Cloud Operations
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across the organization
• Communicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for architectures, operational procedures, and design decisions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience:

• At least 8+ years supporting large-scale enterprise network environments.
• Extensive experience operating within hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architectures.
• Demonstrated success working independently while leading project-based technical initiatives.

Networking & Infrastructure

• Deep expertise in DNS architecture, troubleshooting, and optimization
• Strong BGP experience across cloud and enterprise networking platforms
• Solid understanding of OSPF, EIGRP, route manipulation, and traffic engineering
• Experience with high-availability architectures, failover technologies, and redundancy strategies
• Strong knowledge of GSLB, DNS-based load balancing, and application delivery concepts
• Deep understanding of TLS/SSL negotiations and protocols
• Expertise with AWS and Azure networking architectures
• Experience with WAN technologies, VPNs, and enterprise connectivity solutions
• Familiarity with SD-WAN concepts and modern network architectures
• Working knowledge of Kubernetes networking in cloud-native environments
• Advanced packet analysis skills using Wireshark

Automation & Tooling

• Python scripting and automation
• Bash scripting
• Ansible
• Terraform
• GitHub Actions and CI/CD pipelines
• GitOps methodologies
• HashiCorp Vault, Azure Key Vault, and/or AWS Secrets Manager
• Strong Linux administration and command-line skills

Professional Skills

• Ability to operate effectively as a senior individual contributor
• Strong documentation habits and organizational skills
• Experience working in Agile and/or ITSM environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to take ambiguous requirements and build executable plans
• Continuous learner with a passion for emerging technologies

Preferred Qualifications:

• F5 BIG-IP or other Application Delivery Controller (ADC) experience
• NGINX or NGINX Plus experience
• Zscaler or comparable cloud security platform experience
• Experience within regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, or similar
• Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering and automation tools

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?

• This role offers the chance to become the technical owner of a highly complex enterprise network ecosystem. You'll influence architecture, automation strategy, reliability engineering, cloud networking, and infrastructure modernization while working alongside senior technology leaders
• The organization values innovation, documentation, automation, operational excellence, and engineers who enjoy solving challenging technical problems

Please Note: Due to the high volume of inquiries, we kindly ask that candidates apply directly through this posting. Please do not call our office regarding application status. Qualified candidates will be contacted by our recruiting team.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.