Principal Network Engineer

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Healthcare coverage

Professional development

Mobile and tools provided

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Principal Network Engineer to design, implement, and optimize enterprise-wide networks in Polokwane. You will lead critical projects, ensuring security, reliability and performance across global infrastructures.

You will guide routing, security, and cloud networking strategies, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with administrators and vendors to deliver seamless operations. A seasoned professional with leadership and strategic vision is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Deep understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and switching technologies.
• Expertise in network security principles and technologies (firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC, VPNs).
• Experience with network management and monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios).

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain highly available and scalable network infrastructures across multiple locations.
• Develop and implement network security strategies, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of new network technologies and solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and standards.
• Collaborate with system administrators, application teams, and vendors to ensure seamless integration and operation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Plan and manage network capacity to meet future business demands.
• Ensure network compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the overall IT strategy and infrastructure roadmap.

Skills

BGP

OSPF

EIGRP

Network security

Firewalls

VPNs

IDS/IPS

NAC

Cloud networking

Leadership

Communication

Cisco

Juniper

CCNP

CCIE

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolarWinds

PRTG

Nagios

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a multinational telecommunications corporation, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Principal Network Engineer to join their advanced engineering team in Polokwane . This senior role is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of complex, enterprise-wide network infrastructures. You will lead critical projects, ensuring the security, reliability, and performance of our global network. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of routing protocols, network security, and emerging network technologies. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive significant advancements in network architecture and operations within a leading industry player in Polokwane, Limpopo .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, deploy, and maintain highly available and scalable network infrastructures across multiple locations.
• Develop and implement network security strategies, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of new network technologies and solutions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, ensuring minimal downtime and optimal performance.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and standards.
• Collaborate with system administrators, application teams, and vendors to ensure seamless integration and operation.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Plan and manage network capacity to meet future business demands.
• Ensure network compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the overall IT strategy and infrastructure roadmap.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture.
• Deep understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and switching technologies.
• Expertise in network security principles and technologies (firewalls, IDS/IPS, NAC, VPNs).
• Experience with network management and monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios).
• Proficiency with Cisco, Juniper, or similar enterprise-grade network equipment.
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIE are highly valued.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package.
• Significant opportunities for career advancement and specialization.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Access to cutting-edge network technologies.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certifications.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Performance bonuses.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Company-provided mobile and communication tools.