New

Principal Network Architect (Cloud & Application Delivery)

TEKsystems
$96.42 - $106.42 / hr
life insurance, sick time, 401(k), retirement plan
United States, Maryland, Baltimore
Jun 17, 2026
Principal Network Architect (Cloud & Application Delivery) Hybrid (3 days onsite) Office Locations: Baltimore, MD \| Charlotte, NC \| Irving, TX \| Wilmington, DE \| Evansville, IN * Must live within 50 miles of one of the listed office locations Overview We're seeking a Principal Network Architect to serve as the technical lead and owner of enterprise network operations across a complex environment spanning AWS, Azure, hybrid cloud, on-prem infrastructure, and application delivery platforms. This is not a traditional routing & switching role. Instead, you'll focus on: * Application delivery and performance * Global traffic management * Reliability, redundancy, and optimization * Automation-first network engineering You'll operate as an expert individual contributor and SME, owning architecture, roadmaps, and escalations while leading cross-functional engineers on key initiatives. What You'll Do Architecture & Technical Leadership * Own enterprise network design and strategy across multi-cloud and hybrid environments * Lead application delivery architecture (DNS, GSLB, load balancing) to ensure high availability and performance * Translate business needs into technical roadmaps with clear milestones * Evaluate tools and platforms to avoid redundancy and optimize capabilities Automation & Engineering * Build and maintain automation using: * Terraform (required) * Python, Bash, Ansible * GitHub Actions / GitOps workflows * Develop self-service tooling to reduce manual operations * Manage secrets using Vault / KeyVault / AWS Secrets Manager Troubleshooting & Incident Response * Diagnose issues from Layer 7 down through the stack * Reverse-engineer undocumented systems and traffic flows * Analyze: * Packet captures (Wireshark) * Browser HAR files * Lead high-impact incidents with focus on time-to-resolution Cross-Functional Leadership * Lead engineers from DevOps, Security, and Networking teams during projects * Mentor junior engineers and drive technical standards * Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders * Maintain comprehensive documentation (non-negotiable) What You Bring Required Experience * 8+ years in enterprise network engineering / architecture * Strong AWS & Azure networking experience * Deep expertise in: * DNS & traffic management * Load balancing / application delivery * BGP and routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP) * Hands-on Terraform experience (must-have) * Strong automation skills (Python, Ansible, GitOps) * Advanced troubleshooting across application and network layers Technical Knowledge * Cloud networking (AWS Transit Gateway, Azure VWAN, VPNs) * Traffic engineering (GSLB, ECMP, failover strategies) * TLS/SSL negotiation and HTTP behavior * Palo Alto or similar network security platforms * Linux systems and command-line tools Nice to Have * F5 BIG-IP or NGINX experience * Zscaler or cloud security platforms * Kubernetes networking (EKS, AKS, etc.) * Experience in financial services or regulated environments What Makes This Role Unique * You will be the primary escalation point and technical owner of the network * You'll work across cloud, hybrid, and on-prem ecosystems * You'll solve complex problems where documentation doesn't exist * You'll have the autonomy to define architecture, standards, and automation strategy Work Environment * Hybrid schedule (onsite Tue-Thu) * Collaborative, tight-knit team * High visibility with leadership and direct impact on infrastructure strategy Why Join * Opportunity to step into a true principal-level ownership role * Work on large-scale, modern network environments * Contract-to-hire with strong long-term potential Additional Requirements * Must live within 50 miles of one of the listed office locations * Willingness to complete employment check and drug screening * Available for a 3-step interview process Ready to Take the Lead? If you thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex network challenges, and want to own enterprise-scale infrastructure-this is your opportunity. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Baltimore, MD. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $96.42 - $106.42/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical, dental & vision * Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital * 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available * Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) * Short and long-term disability * Health Spending Account (HSA) * Transportation benefits * Employee Assistance Program * Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Baltimore,MD. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2026. About TEKsystems We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services We're a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We're a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We're strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We're building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.