Job Summary

The Principal IT Engineer - Networking designs, implements, and operates enterprise network solutions with a primary focus on Cisco and Meraki wired and wireless technologies. This role is responsible for the day-to-day reliability and performance of campus and branch connectivity, partners with security and infrastructure teams to integrate identity and access controls (e.g., Cisco ISE), and drives continuous improvement through standardization, documentation, and automation.

The Principal IT Engineer leads incident triage and resolution, executes change activities using established change-management practices (e.g., ServiceNow), mentors junior engineers, and contributes to technical direction and roadmap planning.

This position is hybrid and requires regular onsite presence in Somerset, NJ or Austin, TX, with scheduling determined by business needs.

Role Description

Wireless LAN (Cisco & Meraki)

• Design, configure, and operate Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (e.g., Catalyst 9800 series) and Meraki wireless networks.
• Plan and optimize RF designs (channel, power, roaming, capacity) and validate changes using surveys and spectrum analysis.
• Implement and maintain SSIDs, guest access, segmentation, and wireless security standards aligned to corporate policies.
• Troubleshoot complex wireless issues across controller, access point, client, and authentication layers; lead root-cause analysis and remediation.
• Integrate wireless access with Cisco ISE (802.1X, MAB, posture/policy) to enforce identity-based access controls.
• Monitor wireless health and user experience; define and improve alerts, KPIs, and operational runbooks.

Routing & Switching (LAN/WAN)

• Design, implement, and maintain enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure, including campus and branch connectivity.
• Configure, optimize, and troubleshoot routing and switching technologies (e.g., VLANs, STP, HSRP/VRRP, OSPF, BGP; EIGRP where applicable).
• Operate Cisco switching and routing platforms (e.g., Catalyst, Nexus) and associated services (DHCP relay, DNS dependencies, NTP, QoS).
• Engineer resiliency and high availability, including redundant paths, fast convergence, and failover testing, and document design decisions.
• Monitor and analyze performance using telemetry and network-management methods (e.g., SNMP, NetFlow) to drive performance improvements.
• Plan and execute upgrades, expansions, and lifecycle refreshes in partnership with site IT, security, and application stakeholders.

Operations, Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Lead incident triage, escalation, and resolution for network-related events; perform root-cause analysis and implement preventative actions.
• Maintain operational hygiene, including monitoring and alert tuning, capacity tracking, asset and configuration accuracy, and routine health checks.
• Execute changes through established change-management processes (e.g., ServiceNow), including risk assessment, implementation planning, and backout procedures.
• Create and maintain network documentation (standards, diagrams, runbooks) and promote reuse and standardization across sites.
• Automate repeatable tasks and reporting using scripts and APIs; identify opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve reliability.
• Partner with service desk teams and junior engineers to enhance troubleshooting workflows and knowledge-sharing resources.

Behaviors and Competencies

• Communication: Can effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences and can facilitate effective communication between others.
• Adaptability: Can proactively adapt to challenging situations, anticipate changes, and make modifications to meet the demands of changing circumstances.
• Self-Motivation: Can proactively seek out challenges, initiate self-development projects, and contribute to personal or professional innovative ideas.
• Teamwork: Can lead a team effectively, facilitating cooperation, sharing information, and ensuring that all team members are able to contribute to their full potential.
• Analytical Thinking: Can synthesize complex data, identify patterns, draw insights, and present findings clearly and understandably.
• Detail-Oriented: Can manage complex tasks or projects, identifying errors or inconsistencies, and ensuring all details are addressed, necessary corrections are made, and quality is maintained.
• Organization: Can effectively coordinate multiple projects, delegate tasks where appropriate, and employ advanced organizational tools and methods.
• Problem-Solving: Can proactively identify potential problems, initiate preventive measures, and propose and contribute to innovative solutions.
• Initiative: Can proactively seek out challenges, initiate projects, and contribute to innovative ideas.
• Technical Troubleshooting: Can proactively seek out potential technical problems, initiate preventive measures, and contribute to innovative solutions.

Skill Level Requirements

• Expert-level troubleshooting across Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking in enterprise environments.
• Advanced ability to design, operate, and optimize wired and wireless enterprise networks (Cisco and/or Meraki).
• Strong understanding of routing, switching, high availability, and network resiliency concepts.
• Proficiency in identity and access integrations, including 802.1X, RADIUS/TACACS+, and network segmentation.
• Ability to analyze network performance using telemetry and monitoring tools.
• Experience managing firewall technologies, including policy configuration, NAT, VPN, and traffic analysis.
• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts, including VPC/VNet design, routing, VPN connectivity, and security controls.
• Familiarity with IT service management processes (incident, problem, and change management).
• Scripting and automation capability using tools such as PowerShell, Python, or APIs.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Proven analytical problem-solving skills using structured troubleshooting methodologies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across cross-functional teams and influence stakeholders.
• Mentorship capability to guide and develop junior engineers.
• Ability to prioritize and adapt in a dynamic environment with competing operational and project demands.

Other Requirements

• Completed Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or a related field, or relevant work experience required
• 10+ years of hands-on experience supporting and engineering enterprise networks.
• Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and operating Cisco and/or Meraki wired and wireless environments.

Preferred

• Cisco certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, and/or Meraki CMNA.
• Experience with Cisco ISE design and policy administration in an enterprise environment.
• Experience performing wireless surveys and using RF and spectrum analysis tools.
• Experience with network automation, configuration management, or infrastructure-related tooling.

The estimated annual pay range for this position is $180,000 - $200,000 which includes a base salary. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.