Principal Network Engineer

Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 132,100 - 237,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

401K savings plan

Paid time off (PTO)

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Job summary

Akamai Technologies, Inc. is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to lead the design and automation of their global network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of experience with IP network design, extensive knowledge of BGP routing architecture, and hands-on experience in managing multi-vendor environments.

This role involves addressing complex networking issues and contributing to the scalability and security of Akamai's infrastructure.

Akamai offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to fair compensation practices for US candidates.

Qualifications

• 12 years of relevant experience in network engineering.
• Extensive experience in IP network design and implementation.
• Experience managing and troubleshooting multi-vendor environments.

Responsibilities

• Design and maintain Akamai's global network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain core network configuration templates.
• Implement new hardware and network features.

Skills

IP network design

BGP routing architecture

Multi-vendor environments

Automation tools (Python, Ansible, Jinja2)

Data Center architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

Are you excited about working with cutting‑edge network technologies?

Do you enjoy acting quickly to solve problems?

Join our Global Network Engineering team

The Network Engineering team is a highly skilled group of individuals that work on various technologies in building, configuring and maintaining network infrastructure in support of Akamai's global platform providing the technical underpinning of Akamai's products and services.

Partner with the best

As a Principal Network Engineer you will lead efforts in designing, implementing, and automating our global network infrastructure. You will address complex issues in routing, data center fabrics, and automation to ensure scalability, reliability, and security. This role involves driving the evolution of network infrastructure, from initial architecture through to implementation.

Responsibilities

• Designing, building, and maintaining our global network infrastructure
• Developing and maintaining Akamai's core network configuration templates using Jinja2
• Implementing new hardware platforms and network features within the automation framework
• Serving as a subject matter expert for complex network issues, performing deep‑dive troubleshooting and analysis
• Creating and maintaining clear documentation & procedures

Qualifications

• Have 12 years of relevant experience and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field
• Demonstrate extensive experience in IP network design and implementation of scalable BGP routing architecture
• Understand Data Center architecture, including CLOS Fabric and overlay technologies such as VxLAN and EVPN
• Have experience in managing and troubleshooting multi‑vendor environments like Juniper, Cisco, Arista & routing platforms like BIRD, FRR and Cumulus
• Understand end‑to‑end data flows and traffic patterns
• Develop and manage network configuration templates utilizing automation tools like Python, Ansible, and Jinja2 effectively and efficiently

Compensation

Akamai is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. For US based candidates only - the base salary for this position ranges from $132,100 - $237,900/year; a candidate’s salary is determined by various factors including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. Compensation for candidates outside the US will vary. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of annual bonus or incentives, equity awards and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Akamai provides industry‑leading benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation (in the form of PTO), sick time, family friendly benefits including parental leave and an employee assistance program including a focus on mental and financial wellness; Eligibility requirements apply.

Equal Employment Opportunity Rights

Akamai Technologies is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer that values the strength that diversity brings to the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, protected veteran status, disability, or other protected group status.