Senior Principal Network Engineer

Clarity Innovations is a trusted national security partner, dedicated to safeguarding our nation’s interests and delivering innovative solutions that empower the Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of Defense (DoD) to transform data into actionable intelligence, ensuring mission success in an evolving world.

Our mission-first software and data engineering platform modernizes data operations, utilizing advanced workflows, CI/CD, and secure DevSecOps practices. We focus on challenges in Information Warfare, Cyber Operations, Operational Security, and Data Structuring, enabling end-to-end solutions that drive operational impact.

We are committed to delivering cutting-edge tools and capabilities that address the most complex national security challenges, empowering our partners to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the success of their critical missions. At Clarity, we are people-focused and set on being a destination employer for top talent, offering an environment where innovation thrives, careers grow, and individuals are valued. Join us as we continue to lead innovation and tackle the most pressing challenges in national security.

Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Principal Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our global network infrastructure. This role requires deep expertise in Software Defined Networks (SDN) and SD-WAN solutions as well as traditional hardware based Cisco networking technologies. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with network automation, security, and performance optimization in enterprise and cloud environments. This role involves managing both on-premises and cloud environments in support of sensitive, mission-critical systems.

As a key technical leader, you will develop network architectures, drive innovation, and mentor junior engineers while ensuring the highest levels of reliability, scalability, and security across our infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage SDN and SD-WAN architectures to enhance agility and automation.
• Lead the deployment, configuration, and troubleshooting of traditional Cisco routing, switching, and firewall solutions.
• Develop network automation strategies using tools such as Ansible and Python.
• Optimize network performance, security, and resiliency across on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.
• Provide technical leadership in network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and Zero Trust implementations.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging networking technologies to improve efficiency and reduce operational overhead.
• Collaborate with security, cloud, and infrastructure teams to align networking strategies with business goals.
• Develop and maintain detailed network documentation, diagrams, and operational procedures.
• Act as a mentor and escalation point for network engineers, providing guidance on complex issues.

Required Qualifications

• Be able to obtain and maintain a TS security clearance (note, only US Citizens are eligible for security clearances)
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related technical discipline. (Degree requirement can be met with four years of hands-on experience in a Network Engineering or similar full-time position.)
• Deep expertise in Cisco networking, including routers, switches, firewalls (ASA, Firepower), and Nexus.
• Hands-on experience with SD-WAN solutions.
• Strong knowledge of network automation and scripting with Python, Ansible, or Terraform.
• In-depth understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and network security best practices.
• Experience designing high-availability, fault-tolerant, and scalable network architectures.
• Familiarity with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud) and hybrid cloud integrations.
• Strong troubleshooting skills, with the ability to analyze complex network issues and optimize performance.
• Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to present technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Top Secret security clearance SCI eligibility
• Be able to obtain and maintain a TS security clearance (note, only US Citizens are eligible for security clearances)
• Cisco certifications (CCIE, CCNP, or CCDE).
• Experience with Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and SDN controllers 
• Knowledge of Zero Trust Networking, micro-segmentation, and network access control (NAC) solutions.
• Experience with container networking (Kubernetes, Istio, service mesh technologies).
• Prior experience leading network transformation projects and driving automation initiatives.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.