Principal Network Engineer

LE018 Zelis Healthcare, LLC; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Zelis is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to design, implement, and secure our enterprise network across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. You will lead architecture reviews, modernize networks, and drive automation through Python, Ansible, and Terraform.

The role requires expert Palo Alto, advanced AWS networking, and strong Cisco routing/switching background, with a focus on Zero Trust architectures and scalable connectivity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field.

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.

Skills

Palo Alto Networks

AWS networking

Cisco routing & switching

Infrastructure as Code

Network security

Automation

Architecture leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering/IT

Tools

Palo Alto NGFW

Panorama

GlobalProtect

Prisma Access

Prisma SASE

Megaport

Nexus/Catalyst

Job description

Position Overview

The Principal Network Engineer will design, architect, implement, automate, and secure the organization's enterprise network infrastructure across on‑premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

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.

Location and Workplace Flexibility

Zelis is headquartered in the U.S., with multiple locations across the country and in Hyderabad, India. 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

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].

Please note at this time we are unable to proceed with candidates who require visa sponsorship now or in the future.