Senior Principal Engineer, Product Software (Network Platform)

Who are we?Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet. A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.Job SummaryThe Senior Principal Architect is a highly influential technical leadership role responsible for end-to-end architectural direction, technical governance, and the evolution of software and network platforms within Network Platform Engineering (NPE).NPE designs, builds, and operates Equinix’s global network infrastructure and platforms, including:Network architecture across optical, routing, switching, and SDNSoftware platforms for control, observability, automation, and operations at global scaleIndustry engagement through standards bodies and developer communitiesThis role operates within a small group of senior and principal architects, requiring strong collaboration, shared ownership, and alignment across domains, while partnering closely with engineering teams and stakeholders.The Senior Principal Architect spans software and network architecture, including control plane systems and observability, acting as a broad technical generalist who guides systems from strategy through execution and operations. This role serves as a key technical authority, driving standards, resolving escalations, and anticipating future technology shifts.ResponsibilitiesArchitecture & Technical LeadershipDefine and drive end-to-end architecture across network and software platforms, including control plane, data plane, telemetry, APIs, automation, and operationsAct as architect-of-record for critical platforms and initiatives, collaborating with peer architects on shared systems and boundariesProvide architectural leadership across network control systems, infrastructure software (OEM / ODM / open networking), and observability platformsGuide engineering teams and tech leads on architecture, design patterns, and implementation; lead architecture and design reviewsPlatform & Systems DesignDrive software platform architecture with a system-level perspective, ensuring scalability, resilience, and operational excellenceShape design across control plane systems, telemetry and observability pipelines, and network platformsChampion automation-first design and strong operational practicesStrategy & Business AlignmentOwn architectural strategy from long-term vision through delivery and steady-state operationsTranslate business needs into architectural direction and clearly communicate trade-offs to senior stakeholdersPartner cross-functionally to improve platform quality, operability, and readinessDrive adoption of AI-driven capabilities where relevantEscalation & Problem SolvingAct as a senior escalation point for complex, cross-domain technical issuesProvide architectural leadership during critical incidents and ambiguous problem spacesLeverage data-driven insights to accelerate diagnosis and resolutionGovernance & StandardsEstablish and evolve architectural governance, standards, and best practices with peer architectsEnsure consistency across platforms while enabling team autonomy and addressing technical debtPromote responsible and scalable integration of AI capabilitiesOperational Excellence & ImpactDrive efficiency through automation, standardization, and simplificationDefine and track metrics for system health, performance, and architectural qualityLeadership & Industry EngagementInfluence outcomes across engineering, product, and leadership through technical expertise and collaborationAct as a trusted technical advisor to senior leadershipRepresent Equinix externally and contribute to industry standards, innovation, and emerging technologiesQualificationsExperience & BackgroundSignificant experience in large-scale, mission-critical infrastructure environmentsProven success in a senior architecture role (Principal / Senior Principal level), influencing technical direction across multiple teams and domainsExperience operating within an architecture community or peer architect model, driving alignment and shared outcomesExperience applying AI/ML in large-scale infrastructure or platform environmentsFamiliarity with AIOps, data engineering, and production ML pipelinesUnderstanding of model lifecycle management and real-time inference systems (nice to have)Technical ExpertiseDeep expertise in modern, cloud-native and distributed software architecturesStrong experience with control plane systems, telemetry and observability platforms, and network software stacksSolid grounding in large-scale network architecture and operationsAbility to reason across hardware, software, and operational systemsLeadership & CommunicationStrong communication skills, with the ability to engage across engineering, product, and senior leadershipProven ability to influence architectural outcomes across teams through collaboration and technical leadershipExperience working with globally distributed teamsApproach & MindsetBroad technical generalist with strong architectural judgment and systems thinkingPragmatic and outcome-oriented, focused on scalable, operable solutions aligned to business goalsWhy This Role MattersThe Senior Principal Architect plays a key role in Equinix’s architectural leadership community. Through close collaboration with peer architects, engineering teams, and product leaders, this role shapes platform direction, influences how systems are designed and operated, and ensures Equinix can scale effectively as it evolves.The targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 240,000 - 360,000 USD / AnnualUnited States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 200,000 - 300,000 USD / AnnualCanada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / AnnualOur pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.Equinix BenefitsAs an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees. US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion. Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form. Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law. We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here. This posting is for a backfill position, meaning it is to fill an existing vacancy within our organization. SummaryLocation: Redwood City; Toronto; Dallas Infomart Office DAIType: Full time