Principal Network Architect

Workday; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 187,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday is seeking a Principal Network Architect to lead strategic design and modernization of our global network and cloud infrastructure. This role focuses on architecture governance, SD-WAN evolution, and Zero Trust implementation across a SaaS environment. You will mentor engineers, drive security-first networking, and align with enterprise standards.

You will report to the Sr. Director of Cloud & Network Infrastructure and participate in ARB reviews while guiding major transformations

Qualifications

• 12+ years of network leadership in a large-scale global network engineering environment.
• 5+ years in Principal or Enterprise Network Architect roles within a global enterprise.
• 5+ years of professional experience within the SaaS industry.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive strategic network architecture roadmap with zero-trust access controls, cloud-native networking, and automated infrastructure tools.
• Lead evolution from legacy topologies to managed cloud backbones (AWS Cloud WAN, GWLB firewalls, multi-region peering).
• Champion security for Network & Cloud, aligning designs with Zero Trust Architecture principles.
• Design standard architectures for Branch Office 2.0 (SD-WAN), wireless networks, campus switching.
• Establish enterprise micro-segmentation architectures (Zscaler, Palo Alto) and participate in ARB reviews.
• Formulate standards for RFPs, vendor evaluation, and PoC activities across campus, WiFi, and cloud tooling.
• Drive Zero Trust, SSE, and network automation with posture-based policies (Okta).
• Lead modernization: IBn, AIOps, and CI/CD policy deployment pipelines.

Skills

Zero Trust

SASE

Network Architecture

AIOps

Python

Ansible

Terraform

NetBox/Nautobot

Okta integrations

Zscaler

Palo Alto Networks

AWS Cloud WAN

GWLB

VPC peering

Transit Gateway

Direct Connect

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent

Tools

Terraform

Ansible

NetBox/Nautobot

Okta

Zscaler

Palo Alto Networks

Job description

Your work days are brighter here. We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

Your work days are brighter here. We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About The Team

The Principal Network Architect will lead the strategic design, modernization, and governance of our global network and cloud infrastructure. This role represents a strategic position focused on infrastructure evolution. While historical efforts focused on operational engineering and stability, Workday’s rapid expansion and modern infrastructure demands require a strategic, design-first architect. The modern network operates at the intersection of hybrid cloud connectivity, security enforcement, and automated operations. Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Cloud & Network Infrastructure, the Principal Network Architect will act as the technical authority for Workday's global enterprise network. The architect will drive major transformations, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), micro‑segmentation, AIOps/network automation, and Branch Office 2.0 (SD‑WAN).

About The Role

Job Responsibilities:

Strategic Alignment & Architecture Roadmap

• Define and execute the strategic network architecture roadmap that integrates zero‑trust access controls, cloud‑native networking, and automated infrastructure pipeline tools.
• Lead the network evolution from legacy transit topologies to managed cloud backbones (e.g., AWS Cloud WAN, GWLB firewalls, multi‑region peering).
• Serve as the security champion for the Network & Cloud Tower, ensuring all network designs align with modern enterprise security postures and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.

Architecture Design, Standards & Governance

• Design standard logical and physical architecture frameworks for Branch Office 2.0 (SD‑WAN), wireless networks, campus switching, and Virtual Clean Room (VCR) environments.
• Establish enterprise‑wide micro‑segmentation architectures (e.g., Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks) to eliminate implicit trust within internal networks.
• Represent the Network & Cloud domain in the Architecture Review Board (ARB) to ensure all new cloud and network infrastructure projects conform to established standards.
• Formulate standards for RFPs, vendor evaluation, and Proof‑of‑Concept (PoC) activities across campus, WiFi, and cloud networking tooling.

Transformation Initiatives & Modernization

• Zero Trust (ZT) & SASE / SSE: Drive the implementation of ZTNA and Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks, integrating posture‑based routing, identity controls (Okta), and cloud security enforcement.
• Branch Office 2.0: Lead next‑generation SD‑WAN architecture to standardize global office connectivity, optimize direct‑to‑cloud pathing, and partner with REWS on workplace technology deployments.
• AIOps & Network Automation: Lead the shift toward Intent‑Based Networking (IBN) and AIOps by introducing single‑source‑of‑truth architectures (e.g., Network to Code pilot), automated bootstrapping, and CI/CD policy deployment pipelines.
• Cloud Networking Optimization: Oversee the migration of legacy Transit Gateway VPCs and bandwidth‑constrained SD‑WAN tunnels to high‑throughput Gateway Load Balancers (GWLB) and Cloud WAN.

Technical Leadership & Operations Intake Modernization

• Modernize the architectural intake and review process to transition the team from reactive ticket‑based requests to proactive, design‑led project execution.
• Track and actively reduce technical debt across core infrastructure, firewall rule bases, and legacy transit configurations.
• Mentor senior network engineers and solution architects, fostering architectural rigor and standard diagramming methodologies across the organization.

About You

Basic Qualifications:

• 12+ years of network leadership in a large‑scale global network engineering environment.
• 5+ years serving in a Principal or Enterprise Network Architect roles within a global enterprise environment.
• 5+ years of professional experience within the software as a service industry.

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver messaging to varying business groups.
• Experience deploying ZTNA, SSE, micro‑segmentation, and posture‑based access policies (Zscaler Private Access/Internet Access, Palo Alto Networks, Okta integrations).
• Advanced design expertise in AWS cloud networking architectures (Transit Gateways, Cloud WAN, GWLB, VPC peering, Direct Connect) and multi‑cloud interconnects.
• Deep knowledge of WAN edge architectures, enterprise SD‑WAN solutions, BGP routing, multihoming, and WAN optimization.
• Expertise in next‑generation firewalls (Palo Alto Networks PanOS/Panorama), VM bootstrapping, intrusion prevention, and secure web gateways.
• Experience with network automation frameworks (Python, Ansible, Terraform, NetBox/Nautobot), CI/CD pipelines, and AI‑assisted network observability tools.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent industry experience.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role‑specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things.

Primary Location: USA.CA.Pleasanton

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $187,000 USD - $280,600 USD

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $157,900 USD - $280,600 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in‑person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in‑office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Workday is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals during our application process, in order to perform one or more essential functions of their job, as well as regarding the use of AI tools for employment decision‑making to any degree. Please see below for more details including how to request an accommodation as a qualified veteran, due to a disability or for religious reasons, or as otherwise provided under applicable law.

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If you require a reasonable accommodation, you may email [e-mail], as far in advance as possible.

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