Network Engineer, Principal

Helmerich & Payne, Inc.; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance

401k match

Educational assistance

Job summary

Helmerich & Payne, Inc. is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to play a critical role in the architecture of our global network infrastructure. This position entails designing, configuring, and ensuring the performance of enterprise-grade networks across various environments.

The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in enterprise networking, with robust knowledge of Cisco technologies and network security practices. A CCNP certification is essential, and candidates with cloud certifications will be considered favorably.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of enterprise networking experience in regulated environments.
• Active CCNP certification required; CCIE and cloud certifications preferred.
• Expertise in Cisco ACI and dynamic routing protocols essential.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain enterprise-grade network infrastructure.
• Ensure high availability and performance through optimization.
• Drive network security and manage incident response protocols.

Skills

Cisco technologies

Network security

Routing protocols

SD-WAN

Load-balancing platforms

Network diagnostics

Automation

Education

Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

Degree in MIS/Computer Science

Tools

Wireshark

Python

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

At a Glance

This is a senior, hands‑on engineering role critical to the implementation, operation, and optimization of our global network infrastructure. The Principal Network Engineer will design and support enterprise global networks across complex hybrid environments.

What you will do

• Architectural Design & Implementation: Design, configure, and maintain enterprise‑grade network infrastructure (Cisco, Aruba, Meraki, and F5 platforms) across global data centers, cloud environments, and remote operating sites in strict adherence to approved design standards.
• Operational Excellence & Optimization: Ensure high availability, redundancy, and performance through proactive capacity planning and monitoring; oversee complex hybrid WAN architectures, including MPLS, SDWAN, DIA, and LEO Satellite, optimizing traffic flow while maintaining security policies.
• Governance, Security & Compliance: Drive network security posture through macro/micro‑segmentation, Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA), and regular compliance audits; manage incident response protocols and ensure network modifications strictly follow formal IT change management processes.
• Documentation & Standardization: Responsible for precise, comprehensive documentation of network topologies, configurations, disaster recovery plans, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); champion the adoption of best practices and standardization across the networking team.
• Technical Leadership & Mentorship: Lead the technical execution of cross‑functional infrastructure projects and data center migrations; mentor peers and junior engineers, conducting structured technical reviews to ensure architectural integrity and professional development.
• Strategic Evaluation: Systematically evaluate emerging technologies, perform risk assessments, understand ROI and fiscal responsibilities, and present formal business cases and solution proposals to IT leadership to improve network scalability and security.

What you need

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive enterprise networking experience within highly regulated environments, including at least 10 years serving in a Lead Network Engineer capacity.
• Education & Certifications: Active Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification is required; additional experience in energy sectors and IT/OT networking is a plus; CCIE, degree in MIS/Computer Science, and cloud certifications (Azure, GCP, or AWS) are desirable.
• Routing & Switching Mastery: Expert‑level proficiency in Cisco technologies, specifically Cisco ACI; deep understanding of dynamic routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), route redistribution, policy‑based routing, and BGP peering in hybrid cloud environments.
• SD‑WAN & Wireless: 5+ years of hands‑on operational experience with Aruba and Meraki solutions (including Aruba SD‑WAN and Meraki Wireless); deep understanding of SDWAN with experience in Juniper SDWAN and Aruba SDWAN is a plus.
• Application Delivery: Proven expertise in designing, configuring, and operating F5 load‑balancing platforms.
• Security & Identity Integration: Extensive experience with AAA services (RADIUS, TACACS+) and integration with identity platforms such as Cisco ISE or Azure AD; strong understanding of Internet edge design, BGP multihoming, cloud‑based firewalls, and DDoS mitigation.
• Core Network Services & Connectivity: Deep understanding of heavy‑duty Ethernet technologies (1/10/40/100GbE, VLANs, VXLAN, 802.1Q trunking) and foundational enterprise services including DNS, DHCP, NTP, and IPAM platforms (e.g., Infoblox).
• Diagnostic Expertise: Advanced proficiency in network packet analysis and performance diagnostics using enterprise tools such as Wireshark, LiveAction, and Cisco Stealthwatch.
• Automation (Preferred): Experience applying infrastructure‑as‑code principles and utilizing scripting tools (Python, Ansible, Terraform) to standardize deployments and automate routine network operations.
• Zero Trust and Purdue Model: In‑depth knowledge of the Purdue model and other Zero Trust best practices.

What you will bring to the team

• Analytical Problem Solving: Approaches complex network anomalies using a logical, methodical sequence, identifies root causes accurately and mitigates risks while anticipating the long‑term implications of technical decisions.
• Process & Detail Orientation: Highly conscientious regarding technical accuracy and documentation; focuses on delivering complete, high‑quality work that aligns with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Change & Risk Management: Adapts professionally to operational shifts, manages uncertainty effectively and proactively prepares contingency plans for critical infrastructure systems.
• Executive Communication: Communicates highly technical concepts clearly and accurately, both orally and in writing, to a variety of stakeholders; capable of preparing, leading, and following up on structured business meetings to ensure strategic outcomes are met.
• P1/P2 and on‑call expectations: Leads P1 and P2 level outage incidents, on‑calls for those outages, troubleshooting and restoration of services to ensure timely resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective actions for future prevention.
• Accountability and Excellence: Models the highest levels of accountability and excellence within the team, showcasing a strong work ethic and a focus on doing what’s right while pushing forward through iterative improvements.

Hybrid office & Global expectations

This position is expected to work closely with a global team through virtual collaboration as well as being a hybrid employee. The expectation is that this position will be in the Tulsa office on a hybrid schedule subject to manager discretion and could change over time. Travel will be minimal but could involve regional and global travel up to 10%.

Vendor Relationship

This position is expected to maintain strong vendor relationships with the network vendors and OEMs to ensure lifecycle management, fiscal insight, and support models through healthy customer‑vendor relations including recurring check‑ins and business reviews.

What we offer

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending or Health Savings Accounts
• 401k match
• Paid leave plans
• Parental & adoption benefits
• Disability coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Educational assistance
• Learning & development opportunities
• Flex‑scheduling available for qualifying positions to achieve work‑life integration

EEO Statement

H&P is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.