Senior Principal Network Engineer
Location: San Diego, CA, US
Date Posted: 2026-05-12
Category: Information Technology
Subcategory: Network Engineer
Schedule: Full-Time
Shift: Day Job
Travel: Yes - 10% of the time
Minimum Clearance Required: Secret
Clearance Level Must Be Able to Obtain: Top Secret
Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE
Description
SAIC is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to support advanced defense communication network systems. Join our innovative team and contribute to mission-critical efforts in network design, integration, and security for cutting-edge DoD programs.This role is ONSITE in San Diego, CA.
Your Role
You'll leverage your expertise to advise the government and ensure the successful design, development, testing, and implementation of secure, high-performance network systems. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage technical tasks, and ensure projects meet operational, cost, and schedule requirements.
JOB DUTIES:
- Network Engineer serving as the technical authority for network design and implementation
- Translate complex operational requirements into robust network and Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) designs
- Apply DoD accreditation processes, including DIACAP and RMF, to ensure system compliance and security
- Implement and maintain network security in accordance with Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIGs) and NETSEC directives (IAVA, IAVM)
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues during integration, implementation, and testing phases
- Provide technical direction, mentorship, and training to less experienced staff
- Interface regularly with management, customers, and team members to ensure alignment and progress
- Support the management of task orders, coordinating with multiple agencies, vendors, and customers to achieve program goals
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelors and fourteen (14) years or more experience; Masters and twelve (12) years or more experience; PhD or JD and nine (9) years or more experience
- Must have an Active Secret clearance to start
- Must be able to obtain a Top Secret clearance after start
- 6+ years of hands-on experience translating requirements into network and HCI designs
- Strong working knowledge of firewalls and networking fundamentals
- Solid understanding of Hyper-Converged Infrastructure (HCI) architectures
- Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills
- A demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technologies quickly
DESIRED SKILLS:
- Security+ certification (required within 6 months of hire)
- VMware Certified Professional (VCP) certification preferred
- Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)
- Familiarity with DoD accreditation processes (DIACAP and RMF)
- Working knowledge of STIG implementation for network equipment lockdown
- Experience maintaining networks in compliance with NETSEC directives
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Visio, Project, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word
Target salary range: $160,001 - $200,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.
SAIC is a premier technology integrator providing full life cycle services and solutions in the technical, engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining Ingenuity through its deep customer and domain knowledge to enable the delivery of systems engineering and integration offerings for large, complex projects.SAIC's approximately 15,000 employees are driven by integrity and mission focus to serve customers in the U.S. federal government. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, SAIC has annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion. For more information, visit saic.com. For information on the benefits SAIC offers, see .