Principal Network Engineer

Zelis Healthcare Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Zelis Healthcare Inc. is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to design, implement, and secure the enterprise network across on‑premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

You’ll drive modernization using Palo Alto Prisma SASE, AWS networking, and Cisco routing, while fostering automation and Zero Trust adoption. You will mentor engineers, shape architecture decisions, and partner with cloud, security, and application teams to deliver scalable connectivity and resilient infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience.
• 5+ years leading architecture and modernization initiatives.
• Expert-level Palo Alto Networks experience.
• Advanced AWS networking expertise.
• Strong Cisco routing and switching background.
• Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and automation.
• Deep knowledge of network security, segmentation, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and Zero Trust.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and support enterprise-wide network infrastructure.
• Lead architecture reviews and modernization initiatives.
• Design and manage Palo Alto NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and Prisma SASE.
• Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategies.
• Design AWS networking architectures (VPCs, TGW, Direct Connect, VPNs, SGs, Routes, Load Balancers).
• Design hybrid-cloud networking connecting AWS, on-prem, and third-party providers.
• Leverage Megaport and similar platforms for scalable connectivity.
• Configure Cisco routing/switching (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, QoS, HSRP/VRRP).
• Drive network automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform, APIs, and Git.
• Mentor engineers and lead strategic infra initiatives.

Skills

Palo Alto Networks

AWS networking

Cisco routing & switching

Infrastructure automation

Zero Trust

Leadership

Python

Terraform

Ansible

Git

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/IT or related

Tools

Megaport

Nexus/Catalyst

Panorama

Job description

## Principal Network EngineerApplylocations: US GA Atlantatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR111209At Zelis, we Get Stuff Done. So, let’s get to it!**A Little About Us**Zelis is modernizing the healthcare financial experience across payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. We serve more than 750 payers, including the top five national health plans, regional health plans, TPAs and millions of healthcare providers and consumers across our platform of solutions. Zelis sees across the system to identify, optimize, and solve problems holistically with technology built by healthcare experts – driving real, measurable results for clients.At Zelis, AI is woven into the fabric of how we work. Every associate is expected - and empowered - to partner with AI to challenge the status quo, accelerate innovation, and amplify their impact. This is a place for builders with a growth mindset who act with agility, embrace change, and use modern technology to shape smarter solutions, exceptional experiences, and the future of our industry for our clients, customers, and our culture.**A Little About You**You bring a unique blend of personality and professional expertise to your work, inspiring others with your passion and dedication. Your career is a testament to your diverse experiences, community involvement, and the valuable lessons you've learned along the way. You are more than just your resume; you are a reflection of your achievements, the knowledge you've gained, and the personal interests that shape who you are.**Position Overview**The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, architecture, implementation, automation, and security of the organization's enterprise network infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks Firewalls, Palo Alto Prisma SASE, AWS Networking, Cisco Routing & Switching, Network Security, Infrastructure Automation, and hybrid cloud connectivity solutions. Experience with cloud interconnection platforms such as Megaport is highly desirable.## Help Modernize Healthcare Technology at ScaleAt Zelis, we're transforming the business of healthcare by modernizing how healthcare financial transactions are managed, connected, and delivered. Our technology powers critical interactions across healthcare providers, payers, and consumers, helping simplify the healthcare financial experience and improve outcomes across the industry. As we continue to invest in cloud adoption, application modernization, cybersecurity, automation, and infrastructure transformation, we're looking for an exceptional Principal Network Engineer to help shape the next generation of our enterprise technology platform. This is more than a traditional networking role. This is an opportunity to influence enterprise architecture, drive strategic technology decisions, and help build the secure, scalable, cloud-enabled foundation that supports one of the healthcare industry's leading technology organizations. ## Why Join Zelis?Our teams are actively transforming the way technology is designed, deployed, and operated across the organization. Significant investments are being made across: • Cloud-first infrastructure and architecture • Application modernization initiatives • Enterprise automation and Infrastructure-as-Code • Cybersecurity and Zero Trust networking • Platform reliability, scalability, and resiliency • Digital transformation initiatives that directly support business growth As a Principal Network Engineer, you'll have the opportunity to influence enterprise-wide technology strategy and architecture decisions, lead modernization initiatives, partner with cloud, security, infrastructure, and application engineering teams, and mentor engineering talent across the organization. ## Position SummaryThe Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for the design, architecture, implementation, automation, and security of the organization's enterprise network infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. The successful candidate will possess deep expertise in Palo Alto Networks Firewalls, Palo Alto Prisma SASE, AWS Networking, Cisco Routing & Switching, Network Security, Infrastructure Automation, and hybrid cloud connectivity solutions. Experience with cloud interconnection platforms such as Megaport is highly desirable.## Key Responsibilities• Design, implement, and support enterprise-wide network infrastructure. • Lead architecture reviews and network modernization initiatives. • Design and manage Palo Alto NGFW, Panorama, GlobalProtect, Prisma Access, and Prisma SASE solutions. • Implement Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) strategies. • Design AWS networking architectures including VPCs, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, VPNs, Security Groups, Route Tables, and Load Balancers. • Design hybrid-cloud networking solutions connecting AWS, on-premises data centers, and third-party providers. • Leverage Megaport and similar cloud interconnection platforms to provide scalable and resilient connectivity. • Configure and troubleshoot Cisco routing and switching environments including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, QoS, HSRP/VRRP, and Nexus/Catalyst platforms. • Drive network automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform, APIs, and Git. • Mentor engineers and lead strategic infrastructure initiatives.## Required Qualifications• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field. • 10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience. • 5+ years leading architecture and modernization initiatives. • Expert-level Palo Alto Networks experience. • Advanced AWS networking expertise. • Strong Cisco routing and switching background. • Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and automation. • Deep understanding of network security, segmentation, VPNs, IDS/IPS, and Zero Trust architectures.## Preferred Qualifications• Experience with Megaport, Megaport Cloud Router (MCR), or similar Network-as-a-Service platforms. • Experience supporting hybrid-cloud and multi-cloud architectures. • Healthcare industry experience preferred. • Experience supporting HIPAA-regulated environments.## Preferred Certifications• Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE) • Palo Alto Prisma SASE Certification • AWS Advanced Networking Specialty • AWS Solutions Architect Professional • Cisco CCNP Enterprise • Cisco CCIE • CISSP## Leadership Competencies• Strategic thinker with strong architectural vision. • Exceptional troubleshooting and analytical skills. • Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities. • Ability to influence technical direction across teams. • Passion for modernization, automation, and continuous improvement. • Proven ability to lead transformational initiatives.## What Success Looks Like• Accelerated cloud adoption and modernization initiatives. • Increased network reliability, resiliency, and scalability. • Improved security posture through Zero Trust and modern security controls. • Reduced operational overhead through automation. • Successful delivery of strategic infrastructure transformation projects. ***Please note at this time we are unable to proceed with candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.*** **Location and Workplace Flexibility**Zelis is headquartered in the U.S., with multiple locations across the country and in Hyderabad, India. Check out our locations to learn more about our offices. All employee work locations are based on the needs of the position and are determined by the Leadership team. In-office work and activities vary based on work and team objectives in accordance with Company policies. While location expectations vary by role, candidates within approximately 50 miles of a U.S. office are generally preferred to support collaboration when needed. Our hybrid approach is flexible, and in-office presence is guided by team and business needs rather than a fixed weekly schedule.**Equal Employment Opportunity** Zelis is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications for the role. We believe in the value of diverse perspectives and experiences and are committed to building an inclusive workplace for all.**Accessibility Support** We are dedicated to ensuring our application process is accessible to all candidates. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require a reasonable accommodation with any part of the application and/or interview process, please email [e-mail].**Disclaimer***The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, duties, and skills from time to time.*