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Princeton University Jobs

Princeton University

Senior Network Engineer

Closes:

Salary: $115,000 – $130,000 per year

351

Requisition #: 2026-22144

Posted 2026-08-19

Department: Enterprise Infrastr Services

Category: Information Technology

Job Type: Full-Time

Overview

The Senior Network Engineer provides technical leadership in the design, operation, security, and continuous improvement of the University's enterprise network routing and switching infrastructure. As a member of the Network Routing and Switching team, this role helps ensure the availability, reliability, scalability, and security of mission-critical network services that support the University's research, teaching, and administrative missions. The Senior Network Engineer manages and monitors network infrastructure, leads complex troubleshooting efforts, contributes to secure network architecture, supports major projects, and helps establish standards and practices that improve the resilience and effectiveness of network services.

Responsibilities

Network routing and switching operations support:

  • Monitor, analyze and verify scalability, performance, high availability, and data integrity for networking and security using service management best practices.
  • Configure and regularly update all monitoring, alerting, and reporting for network routing and switching services.
  • Maintain documentation and configuration information for networking and monitoring systems using service management tools including knowledge management, change management, and event management.
  • Provide operational support for all advanced network routing and switching services to OIT and the University community.
  • Routinely apply critical bug fixes, security updates, and required configuration changes, following established change management procedures.
  • Lead and provide advanced troubleshooting assistance and root cause analysis for network incidents.
  • Regularly review network routing and security system log files and resolve any issues identified.
  • Routinely review, test, and verify backup and restore procedures for networking and monitoring systems.
  • Provide on-call support on a routine schedule to perform network upgrades, execute maintenance changes, and effectively resolve major incidents outside normal business hours.

Network security architecture and design:

  • Contribute to the design, implementation, and operation of secure network architectures, including segmentation, access control, routing security, campus edge connectivity, and firewalls.
  • Participate in security assessments of existing networks, identify potential risk areas, and take proactive measures to protect network resources from unauthorized access.
  • Lead and participate in the design and creation of secure network architectures, developing access control policies, implementing encryption protocols, and configuring and managing firewalls.
  • Stay up to date with the latest industry best practices, trends, and technologies, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence capabilities, from a network security perspective.
  • Analyze security-related network events, trends, and operational findings to recommend architecture, configuration, or control improvements.

Project design and implementation support:

  • Collaborate with University departments to deploy and manage highly reliable, advanced network routing and switching solutions; design and implement necessary security services for campus and border networks to ensure the safety of the University's network.
  • Participate in architecture reviews and lifecycle planning for campus and data center network infrastructure.
  • Design and manage the configuration of network core devices, Internet border routers, building routers, and connectivity to service providers.
  • Participate in and manage the analysis, design, installation and management of network infrastructure and network systems, through the full lifecycle of development, quality assurance, user acceptance testing and production.

Administrative and professional development:

  • Proactively participate in development opportunities to continuously develop professional and technical skills. Ensure compliance with asset, change, incident, and problem management processes and policies.
  • When provided access to personal, proprietary and/or otherwise confidential data, maintain such data in the strictest confidence and follow procedures to ensure the privacy, security and proper use of data.
  • Mentor colleagues in Network Services to improve their network knowledge and skills.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications:

Technical Experience:

  • Minimum of 7 years managing and supporting medium to large network routing, switching and security infrastructure.
  • Designing, implementing, and supporting data and converged network infrastructure.
  • Solving complex problems in the network environment particularly in the areas of routing, switching, and network security.
  • Layer 3 protocols (IPv4/v6, TCP, UDP) and routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, Anycast/Multicast).
  • Layer 2 protocols and enhancements (LACP, L2 ECMP, RSTP, MSTP, VxLAN).
  • Network security controls including IP ACLs, vACLs, RADIUS, TACACS, 802.1x, port authentication.
  • Cisco Nexus and Catalyst routing and switching environment.
  • Stateful firewalls, non-stateful filtering and packet inspection, including top-down security policies.
  • Client and site to site VPNs.
  • Network technologies (DHCP, DNS, NTP, ARP, RARP, NAT/PAT).
  • Network routing and switching management tools.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Professional Competencies:

  • Excellent oral and written communications skills.
  • Knowledge of service management processes including change management, asset management, request and incident handling, knowledge management, and event management.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, to respond to shifting priorities, and to work efficiently under the pressure of critical problems and deadlines.
  • Ability to work outside of normal working hours and be on call to perform network maintenance and support unexpected critical network failures.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with modern data center designs, deployments and support.
  • Experience with Aruba CX switches (downloadable user roles, ClearPass integration).
  • Experience with Palo Alto firewalls and Panorama management systems.
  • Experience with industry standard network load balancers.
  • Experience with network automation, configuration management, scripting, APIs, or infrastructure-as-code to improve consistency, reliability, compliance, and service delivery.
  • Aruba Certified Professional (ACP) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Certification.

Additional Information

  • Standard Weekly Hours: 36.25
  • Eligible for Overtime: No
  • Benefits Eligible: Yes
  • Probationary Period: 180 days
  • Essential Services Personnel: No
  • Physical Capacity Exam Required: No
  • Valid Driver's License Required: No
  • Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level

Salary Range

$115,000 to $130,000

Job details

Title
Senior Network Engineer
Employer
Princeton University
Location
Princeton, New Jersey, United States
Published
Sep 15, 2026
Closes:
Nov 14, 2026
Job type
Full time, Staff / Administration
Field
Network/System Administrator
Salary

Salary: $115,000 – $130,000 per year

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Frequently Asked Questions

🎓What qualifications are required for the Senior Network Engineer role?

Applicants must have at least 7 years of experience managing medium to large network routing, switching, and security infrastructure. A Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience is required. You should be proficient in Cisco Nexus and Catalyst, OSPF, BGP, VxLAN, and network security controls such as ACLs, RADIUS, TACACS, and 802.1x. Review a free resume template to ensure your application highlights this experience.

💼What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this Senior Network Engineer?

The Senior Network Engineer at Princeton University, one of the Ivy League schools, provides technical leadership for the University's enterprise network routing and switching infrastructure. Day-to-day duties include monitoring network performance, applying security updates, leading root cause analysis for major incidents, and supporting secure network architecture including segmentation, access control, and firewalls. The role also mentors colleagues and supports campus and data center network projects.

🔧Which networking technologies and protocols should I know?

Key technologies include Layer 3 protocols such as IPv4/IPv6, TCP/UDP, OSPF, BGP, and Anycast/Multicast; Layer 2 protocols including LACP, RSTP, MSTP, and VxLAN; and network security controls like IP ACLs, RADIUS, TACACS, and 802.1x. You'll also work with Cisco Nexus/Catalyst, stateful firewalls, VPNs, and core network services such as DHCP, DNS, and NTP.

📜Are any certifications preferred for this position?

Preferred certifications include Aruba Certified Professional (ACP) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP). Candidates with experience using Aruba CX switches, Palo Alto firewalls and Panorama, network load balancers, and network automation tools, scripting, APIs, or infrastructure-as-code will have an advantage.

⏰What are the working hours and on-call expectations?

Standard weekly hours are 36.25. The position is not eligible for overtime but requires on-call support on a routine schedule to perform network upgrades, execute maintenance changes, and resolve major incidents outside normal business hours. You must be able to work under pressure during critical network failures.

💰What is the salary range and benefits eligibility?

The salary range is $115,000 to $130,000. This is a benefits eligible full-time position. You can compare typical compensation by exploring university salaries in higher education.

📝How do I apply before the deadline?

Submit your application before November 14, 2026. Highlight your experience with Cisco Nexus/Catalyst, network routing and switching, and network security. Use a free cover letter template to create a focused application for this role.

About the employer

Princeton University Jobs

Princeton University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Princeton University provides a diverse array of job and work opportunities, supporting its mission in education, research, and campus operations. These opportunities broadly fall into three main categories: academic and faculty positions, administrative and staff roles, and student employment. Princeton University Jobs - https://hub-princeton.icims.com/jobs/search Academic and Faculty Positions These roles focus on teaching, research, and scholarly activities, often requiring advanced degrees and expertise in specific fields. They include: Faculty roles : Tenure-track professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors across departments like physics, computer science, arts, and more. Lecturers and instructors : Part-time or full-time teaching positions in various academic programs. Professional researchers and postdocs : Postdoctoral fellows and research associates involved in lab-based or theoretical research, such as in quantum science or plasma physics. Professional specialists and librarians : Specialists in areas like data analysis or curatorial roles at the Art Museum, and professional librarians managing collections and services. Recruitment for these positions is typically handled by individual academic departments, programs, the Art Museum, or the University Library. Interested candidates can explore opportunities through the Directory of Academic Units for contact information and apply via the AHIRE online system. https://fed.princeton.edu/cas/login Administrative and Staff Positions These non-academic roles support the university’s operations, infrastructure, and services. They are available on the main campus and at facilities like the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Key subcategories include: Managerial and professional roles : Supervisors, coaches, accountants, financial services specialists, grants managers, and administrative managers. Technology and IT positions : Software developers, IT support staff, and engineers in information technology. Technical and support roles : Laboratory support, research staff, operating engineers, tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers), building services, groundskeepers, and campus security officers. Specialized featured areas : Health and safety officers, engineering positions (e.g., in facilities or research), campus dining staff (e.g., cooks, servers), and staff research support in various labs. These positions often emphasize skills in operations, safety, or specialized fields and may be open to internal candidates as well. To search and apply, use Princeton’s career portals: the main iCIMS site for managerial and office roles, a service-oriented portal for trades and security, and a research-specific portal for lab support. Featured jobs in areas like dining or IT have dedicated search links on the HR site. Student Employment Opportunities Princeton encourages students to work part-time to gain experience, build skills, and earn money, with options available both on and off campus. These roles are designed to be flexible around academic schedules. On-campus jobs : Service-oriented positions in dining halls (e.g., food service), libraries (e.g., shelving books, assisting patrons), or administrative offices. Research and academically oriented roles include lab assistants, research aides in departments like biology or physics, or project-based work in arts centers. These can be short-term (e.g., one semester) or long-term (spanning multiple years), and some may be remote. Off-campus jobs : Facilitated through the university’s Job Location and Development program, these include tutoring local students, childcare, or professionally oriented roles like internships with nearby organizations. They range from short-term gigs to ongoing positions. Benefits include competitive pay, mentorship from faculty or staff, professional development (e.g., resume-building skills), and fostering community connections. All university-affiliated jobs must be registered and applied for through the JobX Employment Portal, while off-campus employers post via registration with the financial aid office. Overall, Princeton emphasizes equal opportunity and inclusivity in hiring, with many roles offering benefits like professional growth and contributions to a vibrant academic community. For the most current listings, visit the university’s HR careers page or specific departmental sites.

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