Network Engineer Principal

We are seeking a Network Engineer Principal to join our enterprise infrastructure team supporting a large, complex environment spanning cloud and enterprise network services. This is a hands-on engineering role responsible for implementing, operating, and continuously improving critical network infrastructure that supports enterprise applications, services, and users across hybrid environments.

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in enterprise routing, switching, network security, and core infrastructure services. This role focuses on implementing and operating existing network architecture while identifying opportunities to improve performance, reliability, and operational efficiency across the network environment. You will join a collaborative engineering team responsible for maintaining large-scale enterprise networking platforms, including routing, switching, security infrastructure, and foundational network services used by thousands of users and applications.

This position is expected to be hybrid within the DMV region out of our Herndon or Falls Church Virginia locations.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT:

Operate and improve enterprise network and security infrastructure

• Install, configure, and support enterprise network equipment including routers, switches, and core network services
• Maintain highly available network infrastructure supporting enterprise and cloud-connected environments
• Continuously improve network reliability, performance, and operational efficiency across large-scale deployments
• Configure and support enterprise firewall platforms, including access control policies, VPNs, and secure tunnels
• Maintain secure network connectivity across internal networks, remote sites, and cloud environments
• Maintain network infrastructure through firmware updates and lifecycle management

Support routing, switching, and core network protocols

• Configure and troubleshoot routing and switching infrastructure across large enterprise environments
• Support dynamic routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF
• Maintain strong operational knowledge of network layers (L1/L2/L3) and how they impact service delivery

Manage foundational network services

• Manage enterprise DNS infrastructure, including record creation, monitoring, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management
• Support DNS security and protection mechanisms
• Maintain integration between DNS, directory services, and DHCP systems

Troubleshoot complex network problems

• Provide advanced troubleshooting and resolution for complex network performance or connectivity issues
• Utilize monitoring and diagnostic tools to identify and resolve infrastructure problems
• Participate in incident response, root cause analysis, and operational improvement efforts

Support enterprise device and wireless authentication

• Troubleshoot wireless authentication and network access for managed devices
• Partner with endpoint management teams to support device identity and authentication workflows

Collaborate across engineering teams

• Partner with cloud, security, and infrastructure teams to support enterprise networking requirements
• Contribute to network design documentation, operational runbooks, and engineering best practices
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing within the engineering organization

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

The Network Engineer Principal must have:

• Education: High School diploma required
• Experience: 8+ years of related experience with a Bachelor's degree; in lieu of Bachelor's degree, an additional four (4) years of experience is required
• Strong hands-on experience with enterprise routing and switching
• Deep understanding of networking protocols such as TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS, and VPN technologies
• Experience operating and troubleshooting dynamic routing protocols such as BGP and OSPF
• Experience configuring and maintaining enterprise firewall platforms, VPN connectivity, and network security control
• Experience managing DNS infrastructure, including monitoring, security, and integration with enterprise directory services
• Experience supporting enterprise wireless and device authentication environment
• Experience working within large enterprise or service provider environments
• Familiarity with network monitoring and diagnostic tools
• Ability to collaborate effectively across infrastructure, cloud, and security engineering teams
• Location: hybrid schedule in Falls Church or Herndon, VA office location

Preferred skills not required:

• Experience with leading enterprise networking platforms such as JUNOS-based systems, Silverpeak SDWAN, BlueCat and Palo Alto Firewalls
• Experience with SASE
• Experience supporting networking in hybrid cloud environments
• Familiarity with network automation, scripting, or infrastructure automation frameworks
• Experience contributing to network design documentation and operational standards
• Industry certifications in networking, cloud networking, or security disciplines

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
● Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
● Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
● Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
● Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore an enterprise IT career at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your desire to drive operations forward.