Principal Network Engineer

Responsibilities

Kforce is working with a client in search of a Principal Network Engineer - Global Infrastructure & Cloud Connectivity, to join their team in Boston, MA. Summary: Are you a hands-on technical leader ready to architect and elevate a global network infrastructure? We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to join our Americas-based team in New York or Boston, where you will play a pivotal role in designing and managing enterprise-scale networks across 44 offices worldwide, multiple data centers, and cloud environments spanning North America, EMEA, and APAC. This is a player/coach opportunity-ideal for someone who thrives in both leadership and execution. You will guide a team of engineers while remaining deeply involved in architecture, implementation, and innovation. What You'll Do:

• Lead and mentor a team of network engineers while staying hands-on with design, build, and deployment of global network infrastructure
• Architect and manage underlay (routers, switches, cabling) and overlay (software-defined, multi-tenant) network solutions across on-prem and cloud (AWS primary, Azure secondary)
• Implement secure LAN/WAN/SDWAN, data center, and cloud connectivity across global sites
• Collaborate with Information Security to translate policy into compliant network designs and support audits and remediation
• Optimize network performance, resilience, and monitoring across all regions
• Manage carrier relationships and regional connectivity strategies across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas
• Provide Tier III escalation support for complex network issues
• Drive Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) adoption using Terraform or similar tools
• Implement and maintain robust network security controls including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention, segmentation, and encryption
• Contribute to global architecture standards and documentation
• Stay ahead of trends in software-defined networking, automation, and security
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or equivalent practical experience
• 10 years of enterprise network engineering experience, including global environments (U.S. and EMEA required; APAC preferred)
• Proven leadership experience with a track record of mentoring and developing engineering talent
• Deep expertise in traditional (L2/L3, BGP, OSPF) and modern software-defined networking
• Strong proficiency with Cisco technologies (Nexus preferred)
• Hands-on experience with AWS networking (VPCs, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect) and familiarity with Azure
• Experience with Terraform and Infrastructure-as-Code
• Advanced knowledge of network security technologies and practices
• Global network design experience, including carrier sourcing and regional communications nuances
• Excellent troubleshooting, documentation, and communication skills
• Preferred certifications: CCNP or higher, AWS Solutions Architect, or equivalent
  
  

Why Join Us

• Be part of a global transformation initiative with the opportunity to shape the future of enterprise networking
• Work in a dynamic, high-impact environment where your expertise directly influences infrastructure strategy and execution
• Enjoy a collaborative culture that values innovation, ownership, and continuous improvement
• Competitive bonus structure and long-term incentive opportunities, including equity grants to reward your contributions and grow with your impact
  
  

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

By clicking “Apply Today” you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.