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Principal Network Engineer

TriCom Technical Services
Hopkins, MN Contractor
POSTED ON 7/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 8/7/2026

Principal Network Engineer

Quick Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of a global enterprise network infrastructure. This is a senior, hands-on engineering role responsible for driving large-scale network transformation initiatives centered around Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), SD-WAN, Cisco networking, and hybrid/multi-cloud connectivity across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform). The ideal candidate is a technically strong infrastructure leader who thrives in complex enterprise environments, has successfully executed large-scale network migrations, and is passionate about building secure, highly available, and scalable network solutions while partnering across infrastructure, cloud, and security teams.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the design, planning, execution, and support of large-scale enterprise network modernization initiatives across data center, campus, cloud, and edge environments.
  • Architect, deploy, and support Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions to improve enterprise security and user access.
  • Design and maintain enterprise SD-WAN environments to provide resilient, application-aware connectivity across distributed locations.
  • Engineer and support Cisco enterprise networking infrastructure, including Nexus, ACI, Catalyst, routing, switching, and data center networking.
  • Design and troubleshoot hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity across Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform, including ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, Cloud Interconnect, VPNs, network peering, and hub-and-spoke architectures.
  • Manage core network services including DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM) to ensure reliable enterprise connectivity.
  • Lead complex infrastructure migrations, including planning, validation, rollback strategies, production cutovers, and post-implementation stabilization.
  • Maintain highly available production environments through proactive monitoring, incident response, root cause analysis, and continuous operational improvements.
  • Participate in change management activities while ensuring minimal disruption to business-critical systems.
  • Develop and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, runbooks, architecture standards, and operational procedures.
  • Drive network automation and standardization initiatives using Infrastructure-as-Code and automation technologies where appropriate.
  • Collaborate closely with cloud, infrastructure, security, and application teams to support enterprise modernization initiatives and Zero Trust adoption.

Requirements

  • 10 years of progressive, hands-on enterprise network engineering experience supporting large, mission-critical environments.
  • Demonstrated success leading complex network migration projects from planning and architecture through implementation, stabilization, and operational support.
  • Deep expertise with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) platforms such as Zscaler, Prisma Access, Netskope, Cato, or similar technologies.
  • Extensive experience designing, deploying, and supporting enterprise SD-WAN solutions.
  • Expert-level Cisco networking experience including Nexus, ACI, Catalyst, enterprise routing, switching, and data center networking.
  • Strong experience with hybrid and multi-cloud networking across Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform, including:
    • ExpressRoute, AWS Direct Connect, Cloud Interconnect, VPN technologies, Network peering, Hub-and-spoke and transit architectures
  • Advanced knowledge of enterprise networking protocols including:
    • BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, QoS, Layer 2–Layer 4 troubleshooting
  • Experience managing enterprise network services including DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM).
  • Strong operational mindset with experience supporting 24x7 production environments, including:
    • Change management, Incident response, Root cause analysis, Production support, Performance optimization
  • Experience creating technical documentation, network standards, runbooks, and architecture diagrams.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work independently and effectively communicate with technical teams, leadership, and business stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to lead through complex infrastructure transformations while maintaining a high level of accountability and ownership.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience administering Infoblox for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM.
  • Experience with network automation and Infrastructure-as-Code using tools such as Python, Ansible, and Terraform.
  • Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or cloud networking and SASE certifications.
  • Experience supporting high-volume e-commerce, SaaS, or other customer-facing production environments.
  • Experience driving enterprise network automation, operational standardization, and Zero Trust transformation initiatives.
  • Familiarity with NetFlow, virtual networking, and enterprise-scale cloud networking best practices.

Hourly Wage Estimation for Principal Network Engineer in Hopkins, MN
$88.00 to $101.00
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