Principal Network Engineer

Akamai Technologies, Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 132,000 - 238,000; 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 design, implement, and automate a global network infrastructure that scales with the company’s platform.

You will lead architecture, routing, and automation efforts across multiple data centers to ensure reliability and security. The role requires deep expertise in IP networking, BGP, and multi-vendor environments, plus hands-on experience with Python, Ansible, and Jinja2 for automation.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of relevant experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Extensive IP network design and scalable BGP routing implementation.
• Experience with data center fabrics (CLOS) and overlay tech (VXLAN/EVPN).

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain Akamai's global network infrastructure.
• Develop and maintain core network configuration templates using Jinja2.
• Implement new hardware platforms within the automation framework.
• Serve as SME for complex network issues with deep-dive troubleshooting.
• Create and maintain clear technical documentation and procedures.

Skills

IP network design

BGP routing

Data Center

Juniper

Cisco

Arista

Python

Ansible

Jinja2

Automation

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.

As a Principal Network Engineer, you will be responsible for:

• 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

Do what you love

To be successful in this role you will:

• 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

Build your career at Akamai

Our ability to shape digital life today relies on developing exceptional people like you. The kind that can turn impossible into possible. We’re doing everything we can to make Akamai a great place to work. A place where you can learn, grow and have a meaningful impact.

With our company moving so fast, it’s important that you’re able to build new skills, explore new roles, and try out different opportunities. There are so many different ways to build your career at Akamai, and we want to support you as much as possible. We have all kinds of development opportunities available, from programs such as GROW and Mentoring, to internal events like the APEX Expo and tools such as Linkedin Learning, all to help you expand your knowledge and experience here.

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.