Principal Network Engineer

Harvey Nash; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Harvey Nash is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to own the architecture of high‑frequency trading networks, spanning data centers, colocation facilities, and cloud platforms. You will lead engineering standards, drive latency improvements, and partner with cross‑functional teams to deliver deterministic, scalable networks.

The role requires hands‑on leadership, deep routing/switching expertise, and strong Python automation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on Network Engineering in mission-critical, low-latency environments.
• Direct experience supporting High-Frequency Trading, Electronic Trading, Market Making, or Capital Markets infrastructure.
• Expert-level knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS; strong routing/switching design and performance optimization.
• Experience designing and supporting AWS networking solutions including Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, Route Integration.
• Advanced Python programming for network automation and operational tooling.
• Hands-on experience with observability platforms (Prometheus, Grafana) and SEC/regulatory considerations.

Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and evolve low-latency network architectures for global trading operations.
• Develop deterministic, scalable network solutions across data centers, co-locations, exchanges, and cloud platforms.
• Lead architecture standards and long-term strategy for network scalability, resiliency, and operational excellence.
• Lead complex routing designs and implementation (BGP/OSPF/MPLS) and ensure high availability.
• Create and maintain Python-based automation for configuration, testing, and validation.
• Collaborate with Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Trading teams on strategic initiatives.

Skills

HFT experience

Python automation

BGP

OSPF

MPLS

Cisco

Arista

Juniper

AWS networking

Direct Connect

Transit Gateway

Route Integration

Prometheus

Grafana

Zero Trust

Education

Cisco CCIE (Routing & Switching, Enterprise Infrastructure, or Data Center)

AWS Advanced Networking Specialty Certification

Arista ACE / Juniper JNCIE / equivalent

Tools

Prometheus

Grafana

Job description

Job Title: Principal Network Engineer (HFT Trading Networks)

Location: Chicago, IL or New York City, NY

Duration: Full-time

Job Description:

We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our global, low-latency trading infrastructure. This role is ideal for a seasoned network engineering leader with deep expertise in designing, scaling, and optimizing highly distributed, latency-sensitive environments across data centers, colocation facilities, and cloud platforms.

The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for defining the long-term architecture and evolution of mission-critical trading networks, ensuring deterministic packet forwarding, exceptional reliability, and ultra-low‑latency performance. This individual will operate as a hands‑on technical leader, partnering with Network Engineering leadership, Infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives, influence architectural decisions, and establish engineering best practices.

Direct High‑Frequency Trading (HFT) industry experience is required.

The ideal candidate possesses expert‑level routing and switching knowledge, strong Python automation capabilities, experience with hybrid cloud networking, and a proven track record supporting electronic trading environments where microseconds matter. Candidates with a CCIE certification or equivalent expertise are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, engineer, and evolve highly resilient, low‑latency network architectures supporting global trading operations.
• Develop deterministic, scalable network solutions across data centers, co‑location facilities, exchange connectivity environments, and cloud platforms.
• Drive architectural standards and long‑term strategy for network scalability, resiliency, and operational excellence.

Advanced Routing & Infrastructure

• Lead the design and implementation of complex routing solutions utilizing:
• BGP
• OSPF
• MPLS
• Traffic Engineering
• High Availability Network Architectures
• Optimize network performance, latency, jitter, and traffic flow across global environments.

Research, Validation & Performance Engineering

• Conduct proof‑of‑concept testing, lab validation, and technical evaluations of emerging technologies.
• Analyze network behavior, platform limitations, and hardware capabilities to improve exchange connectivity and trading performance.
• Lead large‑scale network transformation initiatives from design through implementation.
• Develop detailed technical designs, migration plans, implementation runbooks, and capacity planning documentation.
• Own complex technical challenges end‑to‑end with minimal oversight.

Network Automation

• Design and maintain Python‑based network automation solutions for:
• Configuration management
• Change validation
• Compliance verification
• Operational efficiency
• Automated testing
• Leverage both API‑driven and SSH‑based automation methodologies.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, Application, and Trading teams to align network capabilities with business objectives.
• Support strategic planning, budgeting, and technology investment decisions related to network infrastructure.

Technical Leadership

• Act as a senior technical mentor across the engineering organization.
• Lead architecture reviews, establish engineering standards, and promote knowledge sharing.
• Influence technical direction without direct management responsibilities.

Monitoring & Observability

• Define network telemetry and observability standards.
• Utilize tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, and similar platforms to improve visibility, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Documentation & Compliance

• Develop and maintain technical standards, architecture documentation, and operational procedures.
• Contribute to audit, compliance, and regulatory documentation, including materials supporting SEC and related regulatory reviews.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands‑on Network Engineering experience within mission‑critical, low‑latency environments.
• Direct experience supporting High‑Frequency Trading (HFT), Electronic Trading, Market Making, Proprietary Trading, or Capital Markets infrastructure.
• Deep expertise in low‑latency network design with extensive experience analyzing:
• Packet loss
• End‑to‑end traffic behavior
• Expert‑level knowledge of:
• BGP
• OSPF
• MPLS
• Strong experience with high‑performance network platforms from vendors such as:
• Cisco
• Arista
• Juniper
• Experience designing and supporting AWS networking solutions including:
• Direct Connect
• Transit Gateway
• Route Integration
• Advanced Python programming skills for network automation and operational tooling.
• Hands‑on experience with observability and telemetry platforms, including Prometheus and Grafana.
• Strong understanding of network security principles, segmentation, access controls, and Zero Trust architecture.
• Proven track record leading technical research, proof‑of‑concept initiatives, and large‑scale infrastructure projects.
• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to explain architectural tradeoffs and technical risk to both engineers and executive leadership.
• Experience mentoring engineers and influencing engineering best practices across organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco CCIE (Routing & Switching, Enterprise Infrastructure, or Data Center).
• AWS Advanced Networking Specialty Certification.
• Arista ACE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certifications.
• Experience with exchange connectivity networks and financial market infrastructure.
• Familiarity with FPGA‑enabled networking, market data distribution, and ultra‑low latency trading architectures.
• Exposure to regulatory and compliance requirements within financial services environments.