Principal Network Engineer (Gap Analysis- CCIE))

HTC Global Services; Aliso Viejo (CA); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

PTO

401(k) matching

Professional development

Wellness programs

Job summary

HTC Global Services is seeking a Principal Network Engineer with deep Cisco Catalyst/Nexus expertise to own enterprise and data center assessments. You will lead architecture reviews, identify gaps in redundancy and security, and deliver prioritized remediation roadmaps, including executive briefings.

The role requires hands-on Layer 2/3 engineering, strong writing skills, and the ability to present findings to IT leadership. Hybrid onsite work in Aliso Viejo, CA is supported.

Qualifications

• Active Cisco CCNP certification (Enterprise or Data Center) required.
• 12+ years of enterprise or data center network engineering experience.
• Experience leading network assessments or architecture reviews with formal deliverables.
• Expert in Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms and Layer 2/3 switching.
• Strong knowledge of high-availability design and NGFW integration.
• Hands-on fiber optics and network analysis tools experience.
• Excellent technical writing and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assess the current LAN, data center, and perimeter network, including topology, configurations, hardware lifecycle, and operational practices.
• Identify single points of failure and gaps in redundancy (HSRP/VRRP, vPC, port-channels, STP design, routing convergence).
• Evaluate security posture: segmentation, firewall-to-switch integration, management plane hardening, and Layer 2 security controls.
• Document findings in a risk-rated gap assessment report with current-state and target-state diagrams.
• Recommend remediations and build a phased roadmap with quick wins and longer-term architecture changes.
• Present findings to IT leadership, then support or lead remediation work.

Skills

L2/L3 Switching

Redundancy design

Security architecture

Executive communication

Fiber optics

SolarWinds

Wireshark

Education

CCNP certification

CCIE certification (preferred)

Tools

SolarWinds

Wireshark

Job description

Job Description

Principal Network Engineer – Cisco Catalyst/Nexus | CCNP Required/CCIE Preferred

Location: Aliso Viejo, CA (Hybrid 2-3 days ONSITE)

Position Overview

Take ownership of an enterprise and data center network assessment focused on architecture, security, redundancy, and fault tolerance. This principal-level role combines deep Cisco networking expertise with hands-on Layer 2/3 engineering, network architecture evaluation, and technical leadership. You will identify critical gaps in the existing environment, document risk-rated findings, and develop a prioritized remediation roadmap to improve network resilience, security, and reliability.

What You’ll Do / Key Responsibilities

• Assess the current LAN, data center, and perimeter network, including topology, configurations, hardware lifecycle, and operational practices.
• Find single points of failure and gaps in redundancy (HSRP/VRRP, vPC, port-channels, STP design, routing convergence).
• Evaluate security posture: segmentation, firewall-to-switch integration, management plane hardening, and Layer 2 security controls.
• Document findings in a risk-rated gap assessment report, with current-state and target-state diagrams.
• Recommend remediations and build a phased roadmap with quick wins and longer-term architecture changes.
• Present findings to IT leadership, then support or lead remediation work.

Required Qualifications

• Active Cisco CCNP certification (Enterprise or Data Center) is required. Candidates without a current CCNP will not be considered.
• 12+ years of enterprise or data center network engineering experience. (Principal level)
• Proven experience leading network assessments (gap analysis) or architecture reviews and producing formal deliverables.
• Expert in Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms and in Layer 2/3 switching: VLANs, STP, vPC, LACP, SVIs, OSPF/EIGRP/BGP, and first-hop redundancy (HSRP/VRRP).
• Strong knowledge of high-availability design, network security architecture, and NGFW integration.
• Hands-on experience with fiber optics (SFP/QSFP, SMF/MMF, DOM) and network analysis tools (SolarWinds, Wireshark, or similar).
• Excellent technical writing and executive communication skills.

Preferred

• CCIE or CCDE certification, especially for Principal level.
• Experience in healthcare, life sciences, or laboratory environments, including HIPAA familiarity.
• VXLAN/EVPN, NIST CSF or CIS Controls, network automation, and Arista EOS.

What Makes HTC A Great Place To Build Your Future

HTC Global Services wants you to join our team. Come build new things with us and advance your career. At HTC Global, you’ll collaborate with experts, work alongside clients and be part of high-performing teams driving success together. You’ll have long-term opportunities to grow your career and develop skills in the latest emerging technologies.

At HTC Global Services, our employees have access to a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits can include Group Health (Medical, Dental, and Vision), Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, 401(k) matching, Group Life and Disability insurance, Professional Development opportunities, Wellness programs, and a variety of other perks.

Our success as a company is built on inclusion and diversity. HTC Global Services is committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, where every employee is treated with dignity and respect. We celebrate differences and believe that diverse cultures, perspectives, and skills drive innovation and success. HTC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proud National Minority Supplier. We seek to empower each individual, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued, included, and respected.