Description Principal Network EngineerCompany OverviewA global enterprise organization is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to help drive the design, modernization, and operational excellence of a large-scale network infrastructure environment. Based in Los Angeles, California, the company operates across multiple regions and relies on highly available, secure, and scalable networking platforms to support business-critical operations. This is an opportunity to join a high-impact technology team focused on innovation, cloud transformation, automation, and enterprise architecture.
Role SummaryThe Principal Network Engineer will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for defining network architecture, engineering standards, and strategic networking initiatives across a global enterprise environment. This role will lead the design, implementation, optimization, and governance of enterprise networking solutions spanning data centers, cloud platforms, SD-WAN, and hybrid infrastructure. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership skills and the ability to influence technology strategy across multiple teams and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the design, implementation, and governance of enterprise network architecture across global environments.
- Establish networking standards, best practices, and operational processes that support long-term business objectives.
- Drive cloud networking, SD-WAN, and hybrid infrastructure modernization initiatives.
- Evaluate network performance, capacity, utilization, and reliability while recommending improvements.
- Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex network, infrastructure, and connectivity issues.
- Oversee network maintenance, upgrades, enhancements, and lifecycle management activities.
- Design and support large-scale routing, switching, WAN, LAN, wireless, and data center networking solutions.
- Partner with infrastructure, cloud, security, and business teams on strategic technology initiatives.
- Develop project plans, technical documentation, operational procedures, and architecture standards.
- Lead vendor relationships, technology evaluations, and solution implementations.
- Drive automation and orchestration initiatives that improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
- Serve as an escalation point for major incidents and critical operational challenges.
- Contribute to network transformation efforts involving cloud adoption, automation, and infrastructure modernization.
Additional Details- Work model: hybrid 3 days onsite
- Participation in an on-call rotation supporting global operations
- Opportunity to lead high-visibility network transformation and modernization initiatives
- Collaborate with global technology teams supporting critical business operations
- Significant ownership over enterprise networking strategy, standards, and innovation
Requirements Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 7+ years of experience in network engineering, network operations, or enterprise infrastructure environments.
- Deep expertise with enterprise routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
- Experience designing, implementing, and supporting large-scale LAN, WAN, wireless, and data center networks.
- Strong experience with cloud networking across AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Oracle Cloud, or similar environments.
- Experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud connectivity solutions, VPNs, SD-WAN, and private network interconnects.
- Knowledge of data center networking technologies and modern infrastructure architectures.
- Experience with network security technologies, segmentation, firewalls, access controls, and secure connectivity solutions.
- Experience with scripting, automation, and orchestration tools such as Python, Ansible, or similar technologies.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, documentation, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
Preferred Qualifications (Nice-to-Haves)- CCIE or equivalent advanced networking certification.
- Experience with Cisco, Arista, next-generation firewall platforms, NAC solutions, and enterprise DDI technologies.
- Experience supporting global enterprise networks with multi-region operations.
- Deep expertise in SD-WAN, cloud edge networking, and network automation initiatives.
- Experience with network performance monitoring, observability, and operational analytics platforms.
- Experience integrating on-premises infrastructure with cloud networking environments.
- Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code, DevOps, and network automation methodologies.
- Experience mentoring engineers, establishing governance frameworks, and defining architectural standards.
- Multilingual communication skills.
- Proven success leading large-scale infrastructure modernization and cloud transformation initiatives.
Compensation & Benefits- $150,000 - $175,000 with discretionary bonus
- Annual bonus opportunities, where applicable
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
- Life, disability, and accident insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee stock purchase program
- Wellness programs and employee assistance resources
- Paid holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave, volunteer time, and additional paid leave programs
Technology Doesn't Change the World, People Do.
Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized talent solutions firm that connects highly qualified job seekers to opportunities at great companies. We offer contract, temporary and permanent placement solutions for finance and accounting, technology, marketing and creative, legal, and administrative and customer support roles.
Robert Half works to put you in the best position to succeed. We provide access to top jobs, competitive compensation and benefits, and free online training. Stay on top of every opportunity - whenever you choose - even on the go. Download the Robert Half app and get 1-tap apply, notifications of AI-matched jobs, and much more.
Robert Half will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act. All applicants applying for U.S. job openings must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Benefits are available to contract/temporary professionals, including medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance. Hired contract/temporary professionals are also eligible to enroll in our company 401(k) plan. Visit roberthalf.gobenefits.net for more information.
2025 Robert Half. An Equal Opportunity Employer. M/F/Disability/Veterans. By clicking "Apply Now," you're agreeing to Robert Half's Terms of Use and Privacy Notice.
Never miss an opportunity! Create an alert based on the job you applied for.