About the TeamThe Principal Network Architect will lead the strategic design, modernization, and governance of our global network and cloud infrastructure. This role represents a strategic position focused on infrastructure evolution. While historical efforts focused on operational engineering and stability, Workday's rapid expansion and modern infrastructure demands require a strategic, design-first architect. The modern network operates at the intersection of hybrid cloud connectivity, security enforcement, and automated operations. Reporting directly to the Sr. Director of Cloud & Network Infrastructure, the Principal Network Architect will act as the technical authority for Workday's global enterprise network. The architect will drive major transformations, including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), micro-segmentation, AIOps/network automation, and Branch Office 2.0 (SD-WAN).
About the RoleJob Responsibilities: Strategic Alignment & Architecture Roadmap- Define and execute the strategic network architecture roadmap that integrates zero-trust access controls, cloud-native networking, and automated infrastructure pipeline tools.
- Lead the network evolution from legacy transit topologies to managed cloud backbones (e.g., AWS Cloud WAN, GWLB firewalls, multi-region peering).
- Serve as the security champion for the Network & Cloud Tower, ensuring all network designs align with modern enterprise security postures and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles.
Architecture Design, Standards & Governance- Design standard logical and physical architecture frameworks for Branch Office 2.0 (SD-WAN), wireless networks, campus switching, and Virtual Clean Room (VCR) environments.
- Establish enterprise-wide micro-segmentation architectures (e.g., Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks) to eliminate implicit trust within internal networks.
- Represent the Network & Cloud domain in the Architecture Review Board (ARB) to ensure all new cloud and network infrastructure projects conform to established standards.
- Formulate standards for RFPs, vendor evaluation, and Proof-of-Concept (PoC) activities across campus, WiFi, and cloud networking tooling.
Transformation Initiatives & Modernization- Zero Trust (ZT) & SASE / SSE: Drive the implementation of ZTNA and Security Service Edge (SSE) frameworks, integrating posture-based routing, identity controls (Okta), and cloud security enforcement.
- Branch Office 2.0: Lead next-generation SD-WAN architecture to standardize global office connectivity, optimize direct-to-cloud pathing, and partner with REWS on workplace technology deployments.
- AIOps & Network Automation: Lead the shift toward Intent-Based Networking (IBN) and AIOps by introducing single-source-of-truth architectures (e.g., Network to Code pilot), automated bootstrapping, and CI/CD policy deployment pipelines.
- Cloud Networking Optimization: Oversee the migration of legacy Transit Gateway VPCs and bandwidth-constrained SD-WAN tunnels to high-throughput Gateway Load Balancers (GWLB) and Cloud WAN.
Technical Leadership & Operations Intake Modernization- Modernize the architectural intake and review process to transition the team from reactive ticket-based requests to proactive, design-led project execution.
- Track and actively reduce technical debt across core infrastructure, firewall rule bases, and legacy transit configurations.
- Mentor senior network engineers and solution architects, fostering architectural rigor and standard diagramming methodologies across the organization.
About YouBasic Qualifications: - 12+ years of network leadership in a large-scale global network engineering environment.
- 5+ years serving in a Principal or Enterprise Network Architect roles within a global enterprise environment.
- 5+ years of professional experience within the software as a service industry.
Other Qualifications: - Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to deliver messaging to varying business groups.
- Experience deploying ZTNA, SSE, micro-segmentation, and posture-based access policies (Zscaler Private Access/Internet Access, Palo Alto Networks, Okta integrations).
- Advanced design expertise in AWS cloud networking architectures (Transit Gateways, Cloud WAN, GWLB, VPC peering, Direct Connect) and multi-cloud interconnects.
- Deep knowledge of WAN edge architectures, enterprise SD-WAN solutions, BGP routing, multihoming, and WAN optimization.
- Expertise in next-generation firewalls (Palo Alto Networks PanOS/Panorama), VM bootstrapping, intrusion prevention, and secure web gateways.
- Experience with network automation frameworks (Python, Ansible, Terraform, NetBox/Nautobot), CI/CD pipelines, and AI-assisted network observability tools.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent industry experience.
Workday Pay Transparency StatementThe annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate's compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday's comprehensive benefits, please click here.
Primary Location: USA.CA.Pleasanton
Primary Location Base Pay Range: $187,000 USD - $280,600 USD
Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $157,900 USD - $280,600 USD
Our Approach to Flexible WorkWith Flex Work, we're combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply
spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.
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