Principal IT Engineer - Network Operations

Cegal Group AS; Stavanger; On-site; NOK 750,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Job summary

Cegal Group AS is looking for a Principal IT Engineer - Network Operations in Stavanger. The ideal candidate will be a recognized expert with 15+ years of experience in network architecture. In this role, you will drive strategic direction for network services and ensure consistent standards across a diverse range of customers.

Responsibilities include transforming operational models, resolving complex problems, and acting as a mentor. Deep understanding of SD-WAN, cloud networking, and automation is essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in network operations and architecture.
• Strong architectural thinking and structured approach.
• Ability to drive standardization across diverse environments.

Responsibilities

• Define strategic direction for network operations.
• Drive transition to software-defined networking models.
• Engage in major incidents requiring principal-level judgment.

Skills

Network architecture expertise

SD-WAN and SDN knowledge

Cloud networking

Automation concepts

Complex troubleshooting

Job description

Principal IT Engineer - Network Operations

Are you a recognized expert in network architecture who defines direction in complex environments, is trusted in critical situations, with a track record of defining and implementing strategic direction for next‑generation network infrastructure and services?

We are looking for a Principal IT Engineer in Network Operations who applies deep technical expertise to define and drive direction for network services at scale.

You will hold a central role in defining how global network operations are designed, standardized, and governed, operating at scale across 200+ customers with diverse and complex environments, requiring consistent architecture and operating models.

What you will do

• Own and define the strategic direction for network operations within Cegal.
• Accountable for defining and governing the target architecture for network services across customers, platforms, and regions.
• Drive the transition from device‑centric networking to software‑defined, policy‑driven, and Infrastructure‑as‑Code based models.
• Set and govern design principles and decisions across teams, ensuring alignment with long‑term strategy and operational realities.
• Engage in major incidents where resolution requires principal‑level judgement impacting architecture, standards, or future design.
• Drive and enforce standardization principles across a highly diverse customer landscape.
• Define how ServiceNow and supporting platforms underpin the operating model, data foundations and service governance.
• Own lifecycle strategy, automation principles, and how network services are built, operated, and evolved.
• Drive the transformation to platform‑based operating models and ensure adoption across teams.

About the role

As a Principal IT Engineer, you operate as a recognized expert in your field, combining deep and broad expertise with the responsibility to define and set direction across the organization.

In this role, you will:

• Own and drive resolution of critical and complex problems impacting service design, scalability, and long‑term direction for network.
• Define and lead cross‑team initiatives that shape standards, architecture, and operating models.
• Take ownership of technical direction, standards, and key decisions within your area.
• Act as a role model and mentor, supporting colleagues in developing their skills and approach.
• Define and implement structural improvements to operating models and service design.
• Represent network architecture and service design in high‑impact or complex stakeholder interactions when required.

Success in this role is defined by your ability to establish clear direction, ensure adoption of standards, and deliver scalable and consistent network services globally.

Who are you?

You are a recognized expert with deep and broad expertise, trusted in critical situations with 15+ years of experience and strong architectural thinking and a structured, pragmatic approach. You are comfortable navigating complexity and making decisions where multiple stakeholders, technologies, and customer requirements meet.

You lead through recognised expertise, shaping decisions, alignment, and direction across teams without formal authority. You enjoy improving how things are done by addressing root causes and driving lasting improvements.

Desired experience and skills

• Strong experience from complex network environments, ideally combining operations and solution architecture.
• Deep understanding of network architecture, cloud networking, and virtualized environments.
• Experience designing or evolving towards SD‑WAN, SDN, and cloud‑native networking models.
• Solid experience handling critical incidents and complex troubleshooting in high‑availability environments.
• Understanding of Infrastructure as Code and automation concepts (e.g., Terraform/Bicep, Git‑based workflows).
• Ability to drive standardization across diverse environments and customer setups.
• Proven experience and technical credibility matter more than formal education.

Location

Stavanger