Principal Network Engineer

snc; Southern Pines (NC); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) with 150% match up to 6%

Life insurance

3 weeks paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

SNC is seeking a Principal Network Engineer in the United States to lead the strategic vision for the company’s network infrastructure. You will design secure architectures, mentor engineers, and coordinate with executives and vendors on critical projects.

The role requires extensive experience with Cisco equipment, MPLS/SD-WAN, and strong network security focus. Hybrid onsite/work-from-office arrangements are expected, with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field; 12+ years experience or 14+ years if no degree.
• Deep expertise in TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, and Cisco networking equipment.
• Experience leading complex network projects and maintaining SLAs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of the organization's network infrastructure.
• Design and implement secure, advanced network architectures.
• Serve as the top-tier escalation point for the most complex network issues.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the network engineering team.
• Mentor and inspire junior, intermediate, and senior network engineers.
• Provide top-tier support for network incidents and service requests.
• Oversee the development and enforcement of network security policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align network initiatives with business goals.
• Conduct comprehensive network performance and capacity planning.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers and IT staff.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and industry best practices.
• Recommend, design, and implement improvements to network infrastructure and processes.

Skills

TCP/IP

DNS

DHCP

Cisco equipment

SLA management

Network security

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Cisco IOS

SD-WAN

MPLS

Network automation platforms

Job description

Do you have an eye for detail and a passion for developing innovation solutions? Join our team! As a Principal Network Engineer, you will be at the forefront of driving innovation and excellence in network engineering. You will provide visionary leadership in the design, implementation, and maintenance of cutting-edge network solutions. This position will require a blend of technical prowess, leadership skills, and extensive experience in network engineering. This role demands exceptional technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to network security and reliability.

The Mission Solutions and Technologies (MST) business area provides affordable, turn-key command/control, communications, integrated ISR, force protection and security solutions worldwide. The MST team has a long legacy of supporting the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, commercial and international customers with years of experience in platform operations, engineering and full lifecycle management across domains - air, land, sea, space and cyber.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic vision and execution of the organization's network infrastructure.
• Design and implement highly advanced and secure network architectures.
• Serve as the top-tier escalation point for the most complex network issues.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and best practices within the network engineering team.
• Mentor and inspire junior, intermediate, and senior network engineers.
• Provide top-tier support for network incidents and service requests.
• Oversee the development and enforcement of network security policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to align network initiatives with business goals.
• Conduct comprehensive network performance and capacity planning.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior network engineers and IT staff.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams and external vendors to ensure successful project delivery.
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and industry best practices.
• Recommend, design, and implement improvements to network infrastructure and processes.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in a related field.
• Relevant experience can be considered as a substitute for the required educational qualifications. In the absence of a degree, a minimum of 14 years of related experience is required.
• Higher level relevant degree may substitute for experience.
• Mastery of network protocols and services [e.g., Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), Domain Name System (DNS), Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)].
• Extensive experience with Cisco networking equipment and advanced networking technologies.
• Experience supporting a corporate network, maintaining SLA's, providing support to corporate IT departments.
• Experience Design & manage network implementation projects in a dynamic fast paced environment.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification.
• Expertise in Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) WAN, Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), and emerging networking technologies.
• Strong background in network security and compliance.
• Proven track record of leading and managing complex network projects.
• Extensive and demonstrated hands‑on expertise and experience with a wide variety of network related tools, concepts, technologies, best practices and security procedures.
• Extensive and demonstrated expertise knowledge of MPLS, DNS, DHCP, directional wireless.
• Extensive experience with network hardware, protocols, and media including but not limited to Fiber Optics, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Internetwork Operating System (IOS), SD-WAN, DNS, DHCP, wireless.
• Experience in past roles as a principal network engineer or architect.
• Hands‑on experience with network automation platforms.
• Experience engineering zero‑trust networking solutions.

Essential Functions

• Must be able to lift 25 lbs regularly.
• Work primarily at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hand/finger dexterity for computer work.
• Ability to work in an office or hybrid environment.
• Occasional travel may be required.
• The ability to participate in afterhours on‑call duties.

This posting will be open for application for a minimum of 5 days and may be extended based on business needs.

SNC offers annual incentive pay based upon performance that is commensurate with the level of the position.

SNC offers a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, tuition reimbursement, and more .

IMPORTANT NOTICE

This position requires current/active Secret U.S. Security Clearance. U.S. Citizenship status is required as this position needs an active U.S. Security Clearance for employment. Non-U.S. Citizens may not be eligible