Senior Principal Network Engineer

Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to support a network modernization initiative for the DoD in Springfield, VA. The Senior Principal Network Engineer will collaborate with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps, and operations) to design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks that support the mission. This position is onsite in Springfield, VA and requires an active TS/SCI security clearance.  

Responsibilities of the Senior Principal Network Engineer:

• Deep expertise in routing/switching and enterprise/data center network design (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Strong experience with Cisco platforms and security technologies (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki)., Ability to act as a trusted technical advisor, communicating clearly with senior leadership and driving strategic network decisions. Partner with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps, and operations) to design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks that support the mission.
• Lead the development of high-level and low-level network designs (HLD/LLD) and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deploy and integrate Cisco-based enterprise and data center solutions while resolving complex technical challenges.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment managing competing priorities, acting as a trusted technical advisor and translating complex technical requirements into actionable strategies and architectures that align with mission objectives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and identify and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements, ensuring network availability for mission-critical systems and services.
• Utilize advanced routing and switching technologies (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki), and automation tools (Python, Ansible, and similar) to optimize and modernize enterprise and data center network environments.Partner with stakeholders, senior leadership, and cross-functional teams (security, cloud, DevOps, and operations) to design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks that support the mission.
• Lead the development of high-level and low-level network designs (HLD/LLD) and collaborate with engineering and operations teams to deploy and integrate Cisco-based enterprise and data center solutions while resolving complex technical challenges.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment managing competing priorities, acting as a trusted technical advisor and translating complex technical requirements into actionable strategies and architectures that align with mission objectives.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues, perform root cause analysis, and identify and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements, ensuring network availability for mission-critical systems and services.
• Utilize advanced routing and switching technologies (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN), Cisco platforms (Catalyst, Nexus, NGFW, ACI, Meraki), and automation tools (Python, Ansible, and similar) to optimize and modernize enterprise and data center network environments.

Qualifications for the Senior AI Software Developer:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of related network engineering experience.
• Expertise in routing and switching protocols such as BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP.
• LAN/WAN architecture, design, and deployment
• Proficiency with network monitoring and performance tools (e.g., SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark).
• Hands-on experience with firewalls, VPNs, QoS, and load balancers.
• Strong background working with Cisco platforms including Catalyst, Nexus, and ACI.
• Experience with SDN and Cisco solutions such as Catalyst Center, ISE, and Intersight
• Active TS/SCI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cloud networking experience (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Network automation using Python, REST APIs, Ansible and Terraform
• Knowledge of Zero Trust principles and network security best practices
• Familiarity with data center technologies including VXLAN, EVPN, and ACI

Compensation for the Senior Principal Network Engineer includes:

• Salary: $160,000 - $190,000
• Comprehensive Benefits Package including Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k), PTO, and Paid Holidays

#LI-KD1 #LI-ONSITE

Keywords: Senior Principal Network Engineer, Network Engineer, routing, switching, cisco, cloud, AWS, Azure, GCP, Python, REST, APIs, Ansible, Terraform, Zero Trust Principles, network security, data centers, VXLAN, EVPN, ACI, Catalyst center, ISE, Intersight, TS/SCI, VPNs, firewalls, QoS, load balancers, network monitoring, SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark, LAN, WAN, LAN/WAN architecture, network design, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, Ansible, HLD, LLD,