Principal Network Engineer

Optomi; Plano (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology consulting firm is seeking a Principal Network Engineer for a 6-12 month hybrid contract in Plano, TX. The role requires deep expertise in Cisco ACI and Nexus platforms, with responsibilities including designing, implementing, and maintaining large-scale network solutions. Candidates should have 10+ years in enterprise networking and proven leadership in complex data center environments. The position offers a competitive opportunity to enhance infrastructure in a dynamic setting.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in enterprise networking, with 3+ years in a lead/principal engineering role.
• Deep knowledge of L2/L3 protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS).

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, secure, high-performance network solutions for large data centers.
• Architect and manage ACI fabrics and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Lead deployment and lifecycle management of firewalls and load balancers.
• Drive network automation through Ansible and infrastructure-as-code.
• Collaborate with cloud, security, and DevOps teams.

Skills

Cisco ACI

Nexus platforms

L2/L3 protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS)

Ansible

Cloud networking

Tools

Cisco Nexus (2K–9K)

Arista VXLAN/EVPN

VMware NSX/AVI

Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Job description

Optomi, in partnership with our client, are seeking an experienced Principal Network Engineer for a 6-12 month contract to hire opportunity that is hybrid in Plano, TX.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Principal Network Engineer with deep expertise in Cisco ACI, Nexus platforms, and modern data center networking. You’ll play a hands‑on, leadership role in designing, building, and maintaining large‑scale, enterprise‑grade network environments across colocation and hybrid cloud infrastructures.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, secure, high-performance network solutions for large data centers.
• Architect and manage ACI fabrics, Arista VXLAN/EVPN, and hybrid cloud connectivity (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Lead deployment and lifecycle management of firewalls, load balancers, and SDN solutions.
• Drive network automation and compliance through Ansible and infrastructure‑as‑code methodologies.
• Collaborate closely with cloud, security, and SRE/DevOps teams to align infrastructure with business goals.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, setting standards and best practices across the network team.
• Troubleshoot complex networking issues and lead root cause analysis efforts.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies to enhance reliability, security, and performance.

Required Qualifications

• 10+ years in enterprise networking, with 3+ years in a lead/principal engineering role.
• Deep knowledge of L2/L3 protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS‑IS).

Hands‑on experience with:

• Cisco ACI and Nexus (2K–9K)
• Arista VXLAN/EVPN, CloudVision
• VMware NSX/AVI
• Strong automation background (Ansible, IaC).
• Proven ability to design, troubleshoot, and lead complex data center network solutions.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with UCS, HyperFlex, VMware, Kubernetes.
• Experience with hybrid cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Understanding of overlay technologies (OTV, LISP, BGP EVPN).
• Relevant certifications (CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent).