Principal Network Engineer

TEKsystems; San Diego (CA); Remote; USD 96,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

Remote work option

Job summary

TEKsystems is seeking a Principal Network Engineer for a year‑long contract to hire role in San Diego, CA. The position focuses on Juniper data center networking, supporting advanced services, and engineering leadership with external partners.

This role requires 6+ years in data center routing/switching and JNCIE/CCIE level credentials, with travel up to 10%. Remote work is offered, with the project geared toward converting the contractor to a permanent employee based on performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 6+ years in data center routing, switching, and network architecture.
• Hands-on experience with HPE Juniper QFX/PTX/MX/EX hardware.
• Proven ability to develop test automation and scripts in Python.
• IE level certifications: JNCIE or CCIE.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for data center networking products and support customers with design, troubleshooting, testing, documentation, and best practices.
• Provide primary technical support for break/fix activities to restore services quickly.
• Advise customers on Junos configurations and network design best practices.
• Mentor junior staff and collaborate with internal teams and partners on engineering projects.
• Drive innovation by integrating new technologies into engineering designs.

Skills

Data center networking

Juniper Networks

Python scripting

Network design

Automation testing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Tools

QFX

PTX

MX

EX series

Job description

Allotted Time for Completion/Duration of Contract:

This will be a year long contract with a year extension based on performance with an end goal of converting this resource to a permanent employee.

The project initiative will run adjacent to contract time frame.

Description of work to be performed:

The Principle Network Engineer reports within the Professional Services (PS) team and is typically dedicated to a single customer. This role requires fluency in Juniper Networks technologies and general networking, as well as a deep understanding of the customer's specific deployments and use cases. Principle Network Engineers act as the primary technical contact for customers who purchase Advanced Services and work closely with the customer on a daily basis. They are granted access to customer production equipment to perform their duties.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as the subject matter expert for products in data center networking technologies, supporting customers with network design, troubleshooting, hardware and software testing, documentation, best practices, and automation.

Provide primary technical support for break/fix activities, using advanced diagnostic skills to restore services quickly and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Advise customers on best practices for Junos configurations and network design.

Manage and grow relationships with internal teams and outsourced development partners involved in engineering design and development.

Review and evaluate designs and project activities for compliance with technology and development standards; provide constructive feedback to improve product quality.

Contribute domain-specific expertise and engineering leadership to cross-organizational projects and programs.

Drive innovation by integrating new technologies into engineering projects and designs.

Mentor and guide junior staff members.

Education and Experience:

Bachelors or Masters degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Typically, 6 + years experience in data center routing, switching, and network architecture, with hands-on experience using HPE Juniper products such as the QFX, PTX, MX, and EX series.

Proven ability to develop test automation and write scripts in Python.

Up to 10% travel to customer sites is required.

IE level certifications required (JNCIE or CCIE)

Ideal Knowledge and Skills:

Experience testing and certifying Junos and Junos EVO software features and associated hardware.

Skilled in empirical analysis, modeling, and testing methodologies to validate product designs and specifications.

Proficient with engineering design tools and software used to design components and solutions.

Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and the local language; able to present product architectures and design proposals and to negotiate options with senior management.

Specified productivity speed/number of tasks/amount of material:

None specified. Task list will be created and defined in congruence to the project.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Cloud Architectures, Cross Domain Knowledge, Design Thinking, Development Fundamentals, DevOps, Distributed Computing, Microservices Fluency, Full Stack Development, Security-First Mindset, User Experience (UX)

Experience Level

Expert Level

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of San Diego, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

Were a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. Were a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. Were strategic thinkers, hands‑on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. Were building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.