Principal Core Network Engineer

MDP Global; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MDP Global in Denver, CO seeks a Principal Core Network Engineer to lead architecture and technical vision for our global network infrastructure. You'll drive next-gen networking incl. Segment Routing and mentor engineers to raise the team's capability.

You'll shape network strategy, ensure stability and performance across enterprise-grade environments, and bridge business priorities with scalable automation and resilient execution. Experience with RSVP-TE/LDP, QoS, and security is highly valued.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in large-scale ISP network engineering and architecture.
• Expert-level mastery of OSPF and ISIS.
• Deep expertise in BGP (iBGP, eBGP, communities, policy routing).
• Advanced knowledge of MPLS (L2/L3 VPNs, multicast, RSVP traffic engineering).
• Strong understanding of network security, QoS, and high-availability network design.

Responsibilities

• Design and scale high-availability service provider or enterprise-grade networks
• Lead the transition to next-generation network architectures, including Segment Routing
• Optimize core routing protocols (OSPF, ISIS, BGP) to improve network performance and stability
• Architect and maintain MPLS-based services, including RSVP-TE and LDP
• Serve as the final escalation point during critical, large-scale network outages
• Mentor junior and senior engineers to raise the team's collective technical expertise
• Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual configuration and human error

Skills

Segment Routing

OSPF

ISIS

BGP

MPLS

Automation

High availability design

Mentoring

Security

Job description

We're looking for a Principal Core Network Engineer to serve as the lead architect and technical visionary for our global network infrastructure. In this highly impactful role, you'll drive the evolution of next-generation networking technologies - including Segment Routing - while leveraging deep expertise in OSPF, ISIS, BGP, and MPLS to solve complex connectivity challenges at scale.

This is more than a technical leadership position. You'll shape network strategy, ensure stability and performance across enterprise-grade environments, and mentor engineering talent to elevate the organization's technical capabilities - bridging high-level business priorities with scalable, resilient, and increasingly automated network execution.

What You'll Do:

• Design and scale high-availability service provider or enterprise-grade networks
• Lead the transition to next-generation network architectures, including Segment Routing
• Optimize core routing protocols (OSPF, ISIS, BGP) to improve network performance and stability
• Architect and maintain MPLS-based services, including RSVP-TE and LDP
• Serve as the final escalation point during critical, large-scale network outages
• Mentor junior and senior engineers to raise the team's collective technical expertise
• Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual configuration and human error

What You Bring:

• 7+ years of experience in large-scale ISP network engineering and architecture
• Expert-level mastery of OSPF and ISIS
• Deep expertise in BGP (iBGP, eBGP, communities, policy routing)
• Advanced knowledge of MPLS (L2/L3 VPNs, multicast, RSVP traffic engineering)
• Strong understanding of network security, QoS, and high-availability network design