Zachary Piper Solutions is seeking a Senior Principal Network Engineer to support a federal defense program focused on national security, mission-critical communications, and critical infrastructure protection. This position is on-site in Newington, VA. The Senior Principal Network Engineer will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of complex network environments supporting high-priority government operations. Responsibilities for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: • Design and architect scalable, secure voice, video, wireless, and data communication networks in collaboration with engineering, security, cloud, and operations teams. • Develop high-level and low-level network designs (HLDs/LLDs) and support the deployment and integration of enterprise and data center networking solutions. • Troubleshoot complex network issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement performance, reliability, and security improvements. • Act as a trusted technical advisor by translating mission requirements into scalable network architectures and strategic solutions. • Utilize advanced routing, switching, security, and automation technologies to optimize and modernize network infrastructure. Required Qualifications for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: • 8+ years of experience in network engineering, network architecture, or complex enterprise networking environments. • Strong expertise with routing and switching technologies including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, and EVPN. • Hands-on experience with Cisco technologies including Catalyst, Nexus, ACI, Next-Generation Firewalls, and enterprise LAN/WAN environments. • Experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, and NetFlow. • Strong communication, presentation, troubleshooting, and analytical skills. • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. • Active TS/SCI clearance required with eligibility for Special Access Program (SAP) approval. Compensation for the Senior Principal Network Engineer include: Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000 depending on experience Full Benefits Package: PTO, Paid Holidays, Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, Tuition Reimbursement, Sick Leave as required by law. #LI-MC1 #LI-ONSITE SEO Keywords: Senior Principal Network Engineer, Principal Network Engineer, Network Architect, Network Engineering, Network Design, Enterprise Networking, Data Center Networking, Cisco Network Engineer, Cisco Catalyst, Cisco Nexus, Cisco ACI, Cisco NGFW, LAN/WAN Engineer, Routing and Switching, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN, Network Security, TS/SCI Clearance, SAP Clearance, Cleared Network Engineer, Defense Contractor, Federal Government, Mission Critical Systems, Critical Infrastructure, Network Automation, Python, Ansible, Terraform, AWS Networking, Azure Networking, Cloud Networking, SolarWinds, NetFlow, Wireshark, Cisco ISE, Cisco Intersight, Newington VA Jobs, Virginia Cleared Jobs.