Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wideopenwest Networks, LLC; Augusta (GA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Wideopenwest Networks, LLC is seeking a Principal Engineer for Core Network to architect and evolve our global network infrastructure. This hybrid position requires driving innovative networking technologies while performing in-depth analysis of current systems.

The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of network engineering experience and proven expertise in OSPF, BGP, and MPLS. Key responsibilities include designing modern network infrastructures and mentoring engineering talent to enhance team capabilities.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in large-scale network engineering and architecture.
• Expert-level mastery of link-state routing protocols, including OSPF and ISIS.
• Deep expertise in BGP, including iBGP, eBGP, communities, and policy routing.
• Advanced knowledge of MPLS, including L2/L3 VPNs and RSVP traffic engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design, scale, optimize, and modernize high-availability network infrastructure.
• Lead the transition to next-generation network architectures, including Segment Routing.
• Serve as the final escalation point during critical, large-scale network outages.

Skills

Network architecture

OSPF

BGP

MPLS

Network security

Quality of Service (QoS)

Analytical troubleshooting

Mentoring

Automation

Education

Bachelor’s or Associate degree in a field related to computer networking

Job description

Principal Engineer, Core Network – HYBRID

We’re looking for a Principal Engineer, Core Network to serve as the lead architect and technical visionary for our global network infrastructure. In this highly impactful role, you will 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. As a Principal Engineer, you’ll play a critical role in shaping network strategy, ensuring stability and performance across enterprise‑grade environments, and mentoring engineering talent to elevate the organization’s technical capabilities. You’ll bridge high‑level business priorities with scalable, resilient, and increasingly automated network execution.

What You’ll Do

• Design, scale, optimize, and modernize high‑availability network infrastructure, including 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 overall 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 both junior and senior engineers to raise the team’s collective technical expertise
• Drive automation initiatives to reduce manual configuration efforts and minimize human error
• Perform additional duties as assigned

What You Bring

Minimum Required Education & Experience

• 7+ years of experience in large‑scale network engineering and architecture
• Expert‑level mastery of link‑state routing protocols, including OSPF and ISIS
• Deep expertise in BGP, including iBGP, eBGP, communities, and policy routing
• Advanced knowledge of MPLS, including L2/L3 VPNs, multicast, RSVP traffic engineering
• Strong understanding of network security, quality of service (QoS), and high‑availability design
• Bachelor’s or Associate degree in a field related to computer networking

Skills & Abilities for Success

• Strategic foresight: anticipate how architectural decisions made today will impact business performance and scalability over the next 3–5 years
• Influential leadership: navigate complex stakeholder environments and build alignment around major infrastructure investments – even without direct authority
• Decisive crisis management: lead teams through high‑impact outages and restore service quickly and effectively
• Effective mentorship: develop engineering talent and help junior team members grow into senior technical leaders
• Analytical troubleshooting: methodical, data‑driven approach to solving highly complex networking challenges using logic, analysis, and packet‑level insights
• Cross‑functional communication: translate technical network concepts into business value for executives, stakeholders, and non‑technical partners

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Regularly required to talk and hear
• Required to use hands to type, handle objects, and manage paperwork
• Required to use close vision and maintain focus
• Ability to participate in on‑call rotations, including occasional overnight and weekend work
• Ability to travel occasionally

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.