Position SummaryWe are seeking a Principal IT Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, implementation, and evolution of our enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and systems operations. This role combines deep hands-on engineering expertise with architectural ownership and strategic influence, ensuring the scalability, reliability, security, and performance of business-critical systems.
As a senior technical leader, you will drive infrastructure strategy, establish engineering standards, and lead complex cross-functional initiatives across networking, systems, identity management, security, and business systems. You will serve as a trusted advisor to IT leadership, mentor engineers across the organization, and help shape the future direction of our technology ecosystem through automation, modernization, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities- Define and drive the technical roadmap for infrastructure, cloud services, identity management, and systems operations.
- Architect and implement secure, scalable, and highly available hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.
- Lead the design and continuous improvement of production monitoring, observability, and operational support practices.
- Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point for complex infrastructure and operational challenges.
- Design and implement automation solutions, infrastructure-as-code frameworks, and operational workflows that improve efficiency and reliability.
- Establish and promote engineering standards, architectural best practices, and operational processes across the IT organization.
- Partner with security teams to proactively identify and mitigate infrastructure and operational risks.
- Lead cross-functional projects involving infrastructure, networking, security, and business systems teams.
- Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance to support professional growth and knowledge sharing.
- Driving strategic efforts over projects up to months in duration, while concurrently addressing smaller tactical needs and escalations from Tier 1 and 2 support teams.
Required Qualifications- 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure architecture, cloud engineering, or related technical disciplines.
- Deep expertise in Linux/Unix systems administration, automation, and infrastructure operations.
- Working knowledge of Windows systems and services in an enterprise environment.
- Strong proficiency with Shell/Bash, Python, or similar scripting and automation technologies.
- Experience designing and operating enterprise-scale cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
- Advanced knowledge of networking and application protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, SSH, and TLS.
- Deep experience with federated and bilateral authentication and authorization technologies (SAML, OAuth, Active Directory, LDAP) and platforms such as Okta, Google, and AWS.
- Experience with infrastructure-as-code and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
- Strong understanding of security principles and secure systems design.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence decisions across teams and stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with AWS, Azure, and/or GCP.
- Experience supporting enterprise SaaS applications such as Google Workspace and other business-critical systems.
- Familiarity with virtualization platforms, container technologies, and modern infrastructure practices.
- Understanding of network, firewall, and other security principles at the system level.
Skills and Competencies- Technical Leadership: Ability to influence technical direction, establish standards, and guide engineering decisions across teams.
- Systems Architecture: Deep expertise in designing secure, scalable, and highly available infrastructure solutions.
- Automation & Innovation: Passion for leveraging automation and modern technologies to improve operational efficiency and reliability.
- Problem Solving: Ability to analyze complex technical challenges, identify root causes, and implement sustainable solutions.
- Collaboration & Communication: Strong ability to partner across technical and business teams and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Security Mindset: Commitment to integrating security, risk management, and operational excellence into all aspects of infrastructure design and operations.
The salary range for this role is $165,000 - $180,000 + bonus + benefits
BENEFITSEmployees' wellbeing is top of mind for the ExtraHop team. Employees and their families will have the option to participate in the following benefits:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
- Flexible PTO, Sick Time Prorated Based on Date of Hire, and All Federal Holidays (US Only) + 3 Days of Paid Volunteer Time
- Non-Commissioned Positions may be eligible to participate in the Annual Discretionary Bonus Plan
- FSA and Dependent Care Accounts + EAP, where applicable
- Educational Reimbursement
- 401k with Employer Match or Pension where applicable
- Pet Insurance (US Only)
- Parental Leave (US Only)
- Hybrid and Remote Work Model
