Remote Principal Network Engineer Jobs
Remote principal network engineer jobs are open across the U.S. in sectors like cloud infrastructure, enterprise technology, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, where distributed teams rely on senior network architects to design and maintain complex systems. Companies actively hiring remotely right now include Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE, SAIC, and Reltio. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Remote Principal Network Engineer jobs
This position's daily responsibility will be REMOTE but candidates need to be located near Little Rock, AR OR Chicago, IL for onsite visits as needed.
PURPOSE:
The Principal Network Architect is responsible for the technical design, delivery, and quality of complex network projects to support Ascend's Professional Services team and its clients. This is a hands-on-keyboard role: the architect still works projects directly while also serving as technical lead for network engagements — shaping solutions before the deal is signed, guiding engineers through delivery, and setting the standards that make our network work consistent and reliable.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Stay hands-on-keyboard. Carry your own project workload, personally designing, configuring, and cutting over network solutions.
- Own the technical outcome of assigned network projects — define the approach, risks, and definition of done before build starts, stay engaged through delivery, and raise risks and scope gaps early through the RAID log and Change Orders.
- Architect and lead complex network engagements, including client data center and colocation migrations, firewall migrations, and Azure network builds across Fortinet, Cisco, Aruba, and Meraki platforms.
- Develop the engineers on assigned projects through shadowing, design reviews, and direct feedback, teaching rather than taking over.
- Establish and maintain network delivery standards — templates, checklists, and reference architectures — and review work against them before closeout.
- Partner with Solutions Architects to review incoming network deals for scope, risk, assumptions, and effort, and feed lessons learned back into future SOWs.
- Serve as the last level of technical escalation for complex network issues, including major incident response and root cause analysis.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by management
MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- 12+ years of network engineering experience, including 5+ years in an architect or tech lead role at an MSP, consulting, or professional services firm.
- Expert-level Cisco knowledge across switching, routing, firewalls, and wireless (IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS, Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR, ASA/FTD, Catalyst 9800).
- Expert-level Fortinet knowledge: FortiGate (HA, VDOMs, SD-WAN, VPN), FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer.
- Hands-on experience with Aruba switching and wireless and Meraki MX, MS, and MR.
- Led network migrations for clients with infrastructure in data center or colocation facilities, including firewall, switching, and WAN cutovers.
- Hands-on Azure networking design and build: hub-spoke VNets, VPN Gateway/ExpressRoute, NSGs, UDRs, and FortiGate NVAs.
- Strong routing and switching fundamentals: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, LACP, VRFs, vPC, and QoS.
- Proven track record leading other engineers through design reviews, mentoring, and setting technical standards.
- Pre-sales experience scoping network projects and reviewing SOWs for risk, assumptions, and effort.
- Executive-level client presence, with the ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both executives and engineers.
PREFERRED SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise or Security; CCIE or CCDE a strong plus
- Fortinet FCSS – Enterprise Firewall or SD-WAN; FCX a strong plus
- Microsoft Azure AZ-700 (Network Engineer)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, MIS, or a related STEM field
- Wireless surveys and heat mapping (Hamina or similar)
- NAC (Cisco ISE, FortiNAC, ClearPass) and SASE/SSE (Zscaler, FortiSASE, Cisco Umbrella)
- Additional firewall platforms: Palo Alto, SonicWall, or Check Point
- Network automation: Python, Ansible, or FortiManager/Meraki APIs
At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:
- Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
- One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
- Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
- Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
- Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).
Starting Salary Expectations: $155,000
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.
Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.
CydaSAHiUj
This position's daily responsibility will be REMOTE but candidates need to be located near Little Rock, AR OR Chicago, IL for onsite visits as needed.
PURPOSE:
The Principal Network Architect is responsible for the technical design, delivery, and quality of complex network projects to support Ascend's Professional Services team and its clients. This is a hands-on-keyboard role: the architect still works projects directly while also serving as technical lead for network engagements — shaping solutions before the deal is signed, guiding engineers through delivery, and setting the standards that make our network work consistent and reliable.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Stay hands-on-keyboard. Carry your own project workload, personally designing, configuring, and cutting over network solutions.
- Own the technical outcome of assigned network projects — define the approach, risks, and definition of done before build starts, stay engaged through delivery, and raise risks and scope gaps early through the RAID log and Change Orders.
- Architect and lead complex network engagements, including client data center and colocation migrations, firewall migrations, and Azure network builds across Fortinet, Cisco, Aruba, and Meraki platforms.
- Develop the engineers on assigned projects through shadowing, design reviews, and direct feedback, teaching rather than taking over.
- Establish and maintain network delivery standards — templates, checklists, and reference architectures — and review work against them before closeout.
- Partner with Solutions Architects to review incoming network deals for scope, risk, assumptions, and effort, and feed lessons learned back into future SOWs.
- Serve as the last level of technical escalation for complex network issues, including major incident response and root cause analysis.
- Other responsibilities as assigned by management
MINIMUM SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- 12+ years of network engineering experience, including 5+ years in an architect or tech lead role at an MSP, consulting, or professional services firm.
- Expert-level Cisco knowledge across switching, routing, firewalls, and wireless (IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS, Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR, ASA/FTD, Catalyst 9800).
- Expert-level Fortinet knowledge: FortiGate (HA, VDOMs, SD-WAN, VPN), FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer.
- Hands-on experience with Aruba switching and wireless and Meraki MX, MS, and MR.
- Led network migrations for clients with infrastructure in data center or colocation facilities, including firewall, switching, and WAN cutovers.
- Hands-on Azure networking design and build: hub-spoke VNets, VPN Gateway/ExpressRoute, NSGs, UDRs, and FortiGate NVAs.
- Strong routing and switching fundamentals: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, LACP, VRFs, vPC, and QoS.
- Proven track record leading other engineers through design reviews, mentoring, and setting technical standards.
- Pre-sales experience scoping network projects and reviewing SOWs for risk, assumptions, and effort.
- Executive-level client presence, with the ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both executives and engineers.
PREFERRED SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise or Security; CCIE or CCDE a strong plus
- Fortinet FCSS – Enterprise Firewall or SD-WAN; FCX a strong plus
- Microsoft Azure AZ-700 (Network Engineer)
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, MIS, or a related STEM field
- Wireless surveys and heat mapping (Hamina or similar)
- NAC (Cisco ISE, FortiNAC, ClearPass) and SASE/SSE (Zscaler, FortiSASE, Cisco Umbrella)
- Additional firewall platforms: Palo Alto, SonicWall, or Check Point
- Network automation: Python, Ansible, or FortiManager/Meraki APIs
At Ascend Technologies we firmly believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion are not only fundamental values but also powerful drivers of innovation, growth, and success. We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and empowered.
CORE VALUES
We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values:
- Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client.
- One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions.
- Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard.
- Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another.
- Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must be able to sit, stand, and bend for the duration of shift. The position is mainly sitting, with occasional lifting up to 50 lbs, such as laptop, server equipment, and, driving to the work site to meet with client(s).
Starting Salary Expectations: $155,000
The salary for this position is commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications. The range is intended to reflect our commitment to attracting top talent, and the final offer will be based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's previous experience, expertise in the field, relevant certifications, and the specific requirements of the role. In addition, internal equity, market trends, and geographic location may also influence the final salary.
Along with a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, flexible time off (FTO), and professional development opportunities. We are open to discussing compensation and benefits further during the interview process to ensure alignment with the candidate’s expectations and experience.
CydaSAHiUj
See All 10 Remote Principal Network Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsRemote Principal Network Engineer Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in remote principal network engineer jobs.
- Ten or more years of hands-on network engineering experience in enterprise or carrier environments
- Expert-level knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and SD-WAN protocols
- Active Cisco CCIE or equivalent advanced vendor certification
- Demonstrated experience designing and operating large-scale hybrid or multi-cloud network infrastructures
- Proficiency with network automation tools and scripting languages such as Python or Ansible
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related technical discipline
Tips for Your Remote Principal Network Engineer Job Search
Apply early to remote roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists remote principal network engineer openings from across the U.S. in one place, so you can find roles that match your skills and apply directly. Remote openings at distributed tech firms fill fast, so applying within the first few days of a posting improves your chances.
Show your async communication skills upfront
Remote employers hiring at the principal level screen heavily for written communication because architecture decisions happen in Confluence pages, Slack threads, and design documents. Include examples of technical writing, RFCs, or network design docs you have authored in your application materials.
Document your remote infrastructure wins clearly
Build a concise portfolio of network architecture projects you have led, including the problem, your approach, the tools and protocols used, and the outcome. Remote hiring managers for principal-level roles want evidence you can own complex decisions independently, not just execute on a team's direction.
Prepare for async technical assessments
Many remote-first companies replace live whiteboard interviews with take-home architecture challenges or recorded walkthroughs. Practice explaining your design decisions in writing or short video, covering trade-offs for routing design, segmentation, and failover in distributed environments.
Remote Principal Network Engineer Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a remote principal network engineer job?
Start by targeting remote-first technology companies, managed service providers, and cloud-native firms that run fully distributed engineering teams. Remote employers screen for strong async written communication, the ability to lead architecture decisions independently, and deep hands-on fluency with routing protocols, SD-WAN, and cloud networking platforms. Candidates who document past architecture wins clearly in a portfolio or case study format stand out in a remote hiring process.
Which companies hire remote principal network engineers?
Remote principal network engineer roles are posted by Hewlett Packard Enterprise | HPE, SAIC, and Reltio and others right now, based on current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These include remote-first technology firms, large enterprise IT organizations, and managed security service providers that operate distributed network infrastructure teams.
Can you get a remote principal network engineer job with no experience?
Yes, but remote principal network engineer roles are senior positions, so entry-level candidates face a steeper path, especially without an office environment to learn from colleagues. The best entry route is through remote network engineering or senior engineer roles at smaller cloud-focused firms, where you can demonstrate independent problem-solving. Certifications, home-lab projects, and documented architecture contributions to open-source or community environments can substitute for direct professional experience.
Do you need a degree for remote principal network engineer jobs?
Not always. Many remote employers weigh certifications like CCIE, CCNP, or cloud-specific credentials alongside a degree rather than requiring one outright. What remote hiring managers care about most is a verifiable record of designing and troubleshooting enterprise-scale networks independently. A strong portfolio of past projects, relevant certifications, and the ability to communicate technical decisions clearly in writing often carries more weight than a specific academic credential.
Which industries hire the most remote principal network engineers?
The sectors hiring the most remote principal network engineers are Technology & Software, based on current remote listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These industries rely on geographically distributed infrastructure teams to manage large-scale networks without requiring engineers to be on-site at any single location.
See All 10 Remote Principal Network Engineer Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs