JOB DESCRIPTIONFOX is seeking an experienced Principal Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and ongoing support of high-performance, highly reliable, and scalable IP networks that power our live broadcast and media production environments.
As a key member of the Fox Network Engineering and Architecture organization, you will collaborate closely with network engineering, broadcast engineering, and live operations teams to design, evolve, and operate hybrid broadcast/IP infrastructures spanning on-premises data centers, remote production environments, and cloud platforms. These systems underpin real-time video, audio, and data workflows where precision timing, multicast efficiency, and strict failure-domain isolation are critical.
In this role, you will directly enable world-class coverage of premier sporting events-including the NFL, MLB, College Football & Basketball, NASCAR, IndyCar, and global broadcasts such as the FIFA World Cup and Super Bowl-delivering network architectures where performance is deterministic and downtime is not an option.
A SNAPSHOT OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIESNetwork Architecture & Design:
- Architect and implement IP-based network design and traffic engineering solutions for live broadcast events, remote productions, and studio workflows.
- Design EVPN-VXLAN overlays for scalable segmentation and L2/L3 extension across facilities.
- Architect WAN/long-haul contribution networks for remote production.
- Support and integrate cloud networking solutions (e.g., AWS VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway) into enterprise architecture.
- Engineer end-to-end resiliency across on-prem, WAN, and cloud domains.
- Engineer deterministic traffic flows using Multicast (PIM-SM/SSM, IGMPv2/v3, IGMP snooping) and QoS (DSCP marking, queuing strategies, congestion management, buffer tuning) for real-time media applications.
- Develop network solutions for IP-based video transport (e.g., SMPTE ST-2110, ST-2022, NMOS).
- Work hands-on with Arista switches, routers, Palo Alto Networks firewalls and associated technologies in production environments.
- Implement and manage network automation and configuration management tools, including Ansible and Arista CloudVision (Arista Validated Design).
- Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration details, and change control records.
Implementation & Deployment
- Collaborate with Systems, Broadcast, and Sport Engineering teams on end-to-end infrastructure planning.
- Oversee deployment of network infrastructure across studios, data centers, and remote event sites.
- Validate interoperability between broadcast systems and IP network fabrics.
- Guide integration of Broadcast and Sports systems, including routing, switching, timing (PTP), and multicast.
- Partner with vendors and internal teams to validate designs and ensure seamless rollout.
- Produce low-level designs, standards, and configuration templates.
- Implement deep observability using streaming telemetry (gNMI/gRPC), SNMP, flow analytics
Event Support & Operations
- Oversee and troubleshoot complex Local Area Networking (LAN) issues and resolve Wide Area Networking (WAN) problems.
- Provide on-site and remote support for large-scale live sporting events.
- Ensure 24/7 reliability and resiliency of mission-critical broadcast networks.
- Conduct in-depth packet captures and traffic analysis to troubleshoot latency, jitter, and packet loss.
- Optimize network performance for multicast-based streaming technologies and video over IP transport.
- Lead incident response and root cause analysis, especially for cross-domain (LAN/WAN/cloud) issues.
Collaboration & Leadership
- Work closely with broadcast operations, Sports production teams, and engineering groups to align network solutions with production needs.
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship to network engineers.
- Act as a subject matter expert during major live events and high-profile broadcasts.
- Contribute to post-event reviews and continual improvement processes.
- Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies in IP broadcasting, cloud networking, and remote production.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field.
- Minimum 15 years of experience designing and supporting large-scale, mission-critical IP networks.
- Relevant industry certifications such as Arista ACE, Cisco CCIE/CCDP or equivalent is preferred.
- Deep expertise in IP networking (L2/L3, routing protocols (BGP, MPLS), EVPN/VXLAN) and advanced understanding of network design, data center architecture, and cloud connectivity.
- Strong understanding of broadcast and media transport over IP environments.
- Hands-on experience with Arista switching platforms and proficiency in automation and orchestration frameworks such as Python, Ansible and Git/GitHub.
- Deep knowledge of multicast routing, QoS, and synchronization technologies (e.g., PTP).
- Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills, with experience using tools such as Wireshark or tcpdump.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively in live production environments.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor and share technical expertise across teams.
- Experience working in a 24/7 operations or media-related environment is a plus.
NICE TO HAVE, BUT NOT A DEALBREAKER- Experience working in media, broadcast, or live production environments.
- Familiarity with network orchestration, PTP timing, and media-over-IP standards.
- Experience supporting or deploying systems using SMPTE ST 2110, SMPTE 2022, AES67, or Dante is a significant plus.
- Understanding of network segmentation, security policies, and hybrid environments.
- Understanding of media workflows, encoding/decoding, and contribution/distribution networks.
Additional Requirements
- Weekend and non-traditional hours are expected, particularly during major sporting events.
- Ability and willingness to travel (both domestic and international) to support live events and remote productions might be required.
ABOUT YOU- A passion for building resilient, high-performance systems that operate flawlessly under pressure.
- The ability to think strategically while executing with precision.
- A collaborative mindset and the ability to bridge the gap between IT networking and broadcast engineering.
- A commitment to excellence in environments where downtime is not an option.
WHY JOIN US?- You'll play a key role in building and maintaining the IP infrastructure that powers our broadcast and digital platforms and be part of the team that delivers the biggest moments in sports to millions of fans around the world.
- Work alongside industry leaders and technical experts in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and contribute to delivering world-class content to millions of viewers every day.
- Get hands-on with cutting-edge broadcast and IP networking technologies.
- Enjoy unique experiences-from the Indy 500, to the World Cup, to the Super Bowl.
#DTC
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Pursuant to state and local pay disclosure requirements, the pay rate/range for this role, with final offer amount dependent on education, skills, experience, and location is $160,000.00-220,000.00 annually. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, various benefits, including medical/dental/vision, insurance, a 401(k) plan, paid time off, and other benefits in accordance with applicable plan documents. Benefits for Union represented employees will be in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement.
View more detail about FOX Benefits.
