Principal Network Engineer

Leidos has a new and exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Engineer in our Intelligence Sector’s, Cyber & Analytics Business Area (CABA). Our talented team is at the forefront in Security Engineering, Computer Network Operations (CNO), Mission Software, Analytical Methods and Modeling, Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), and Cryptographic Key Management.At Leidos, we offer competitive benefits, including Paid Time Off, 11 paid Holidays, 401K with a 6% company match and immediate vesting, Flexible Schedules, Discounted Stock Purchase Plans, Technical Upskilling, Education and Training Support, Parental Paid Leave, and much more. Join us and make a difference in National Security!Position OverviewThe Principal Network Engineer provides advanced network engineering support for the design, integration, optimization, and sustainment of complex enterprise and mission networks. This role focuses on enhancing network performance, implementing scalable solutions, and supporting architectural improvements across LAN, CAN, WAN, and telecommunications environments.The engineer translates mission and business requirements into secure, high-performing network solutions and collaborates with operations personnel, program management, and engineering teams to ensure reliable network performance in DoD/IC environments.Primary ResponsibilitiesOptimize end-to-end system performance and dataflow through analysis, monitoring tools, and data captures, minimizing latency and maximizing throughput.Design, integrate, configure, deploy, test, maintain, and enhance network devices and infrastructure across LAN, CAN, WAN, and telecommunications systems.Implement network solutions supporting server and mission requirements, including load balancing, VPNs, firewall contexts, traffic shaping, VoIP, GRE, IPSec, IP encryption, MoIP, and NAT.Contribute to the design and improvement of network and mission architecture to support evolving partner and mission requirements.Resolve complex network issues using advanced diagnostic tools such as network analyzers, WAN test equipment, and simulators.Support network operations by maintaining system documentation, diagrams, and accreditation artifacts while ensuring compliance with ISO 9000 and DoD/IC standards.Collaborate with engineering teams to support network equipment, system integrations, and infrastructure changes, including conversions and cutovers.Basic QualificationsMasters Degree in a related technical discipline and 15 or more years related experience or Bachelors Degree in a related technical discipline and seventeen (17) years of experience providing network engineering support.Information Assurance Technical (IAT) Level I certification in accordance with DoD 8570.01-M.Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures.Experience troubleshooting and resolving advanced network performance and integration issues.Security Clearance Requirement: Active TS/SCI with Polygraph Participate in a rotational on-call schedule (estimated every 4–6 weeks), with flexible team-managed scheduling and guaranteed on-call compensationProvide primarily remote on-call support; occasional on-site response may be required (rare) conmdKQWIf you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.Original Posting:April 8, 2026For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.Pay Range:Pay Range $139,100.00 - $251,450.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.SummaryLocation: Columbia, MDType: Full time