Principal Network Architect

Principal Network Architect Staff Network Engineer (Contract-to-Hire Potential)

Dallas, TX; Tempe, AZ; New York City, NY; Evansville, IN; or Charlotte, NC | Hybrid Remote – 3 Days Onsite

Candidate Location: Candidates must reside a commutable distance of Dallas, TX; Tempe, AZ; New York City, NY; Evansville, IN; or Charlotte, NCEmployment Type: Long-Term Contract with Potential for Contract-to-HireWork Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States. No third-party candidates or C2C

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

A highly respected enterprise organization is seeking a senior-level Network Engineering leader to serve as the technical authority for a large-scale hybrid infrastructure environment spanning cloud, hybrid cloud, on-premises, and application delivery technologiesThis is not a traditional routing and switching role. The focus is on application availability, traffic optimization, network reliability, automation, and troubleshooting complex communication paths across modern enterprise environmentsThe ideal candidate thrives in ambiguity, enjoys solving difficult infrastructure problems, embraces automation, and can independently reverse-engineer undocumented environments to identify and resolve issues

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING:

Technical Leadership & Architecture

Serve as the subject matter expert for enterprise network infrastructure across AWS, Azure, and on-prem environmentsLead application delivery and reliability initiatives focused on DNS, global traffic management (GSLB), load balancing, and network resilienceTranslate high-level business requirements into actionable technical roadmaps and implementation plansEvaluate technologies and platforms to ensure strategic alignment and avoid redundant toolingStay current with emerging technologies, vendor roadmaps, and industry best practicesAutomation & Infrastructure Engineering

Design and maintain automation solutions using Python, Bash, Ansible, Terraform, and GitHub ActionsImplement GitOps-based operational practices and infrastructure-as-code methodologiesManage secrets and credentials using modern enterprise secrets management platformsDevelop self-service tools and workflows that improve operational efficiency and consistencyTroubleshooting & Incident Response

Troubleshoot complex infrastructure and application delivery issues from Layer 7 through the underlying network stackAnalyze packet captures using Wireshark and review browser HAR files to isolate root causesReverse-engineer undocumented communication paths and dependenciesParticipate as a secondary escalation resource for critical production incidentsApply structured troubleshooting methodologies to rapidly restore service and minimize downtimeProject Leadership & Collaboration

Lead cross-functional project teams consisting of engineers from DevOps, Security, Infrastructure, and Cloud OperationsMentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance across the organizationCommunicate technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholdersMaintain comprehensive documentation for architectures, operational procedures, and design decisions

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

At least 8+ years supporting large-scale enterprise network environments.Extensive experience operating within hybrid cloud and multi-cloud architectures.Demonstrated success working independently while leading project-based technical initiatives.Networking & Infrastructure

Deep expertise in DNS architecture, troubleshooting, and optimizationStrong BGP experience across cloud and enterprise networking platformsSolid understanding of OSPF, EIGRP, route manipulation, and traffic engineeringExperience with high-availability architectures, failover technologies, and redundancy strategiesStrong knowledge of GSLB, DNS-based load balancing, and application delivery conceptsDeep understanding of TLS/SSL negotiations and HTTP protocolsExpertise with AWS and Azure networking architecturesExperience with WAN technologies, VPNs, and enterprise connectivity solutionsFamiliarity with SD-WAN concepts and modern network architecturesWorking knowledge of Kubernetes networking in cloud-native environmentsAdvanced packet analysis skills using WiresharkAutomation & Tooling

Python scripting and automationBash scriptingAnsibleTerraformGitHub Actions and CI/CD pipelinesGitOps methodologiesHashiCorp Vault, Azure Key Vault, and/or AWS Secrets ManagerStrong Linux administration and command-line skillsProfessional Skills

Ability to operate effectively as a senior individual contributorStrong documentation habits and organizational skillsExperience working in Agile and/or ITSM environmentsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to take ambiguous requirements and build executable plansContinuous learner with a passion for emerging technologiesPreferred Qualifications:

F5 BIG-IP or other Application Delivery Controller (ADC) experienceNGINX or NGINX Plus experienceZscaler or comparable cloud security platform experienceExperience within regulated industries such as financial services, healthcare, insurance, or similarFamiliarity with AI-assisted engineering and automation tools

WHY THIS OPPORTUNITY?

This role offers the chance to become the technical owner of a highly complex enterprise network ecosystem. You'll influence architecture, automation strategy, reliability engineering, cloud networking, and infrastructure modernization while working alongside senior technology leadersThe organization values innovation, documentation, automation, operational excellence, and engineers who enjoy solving challenging technical problems

Please Note: Due to the high volume of inquiries, we kindly ask that candidates apply directly through this posting. Please do not call our office regarding application status. Qualified candidates will be contacted by our recruiting team.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.

req26-00353