Principal, Network Engineer 1

DIRECTV is seeking a highly skilled Principal Network Engineer 1 to assist in analyzing, planning, implementing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and enhancing our complex enterprise network infrastructure. This strategic role will be responsible for identifying infrastructure needs and recommending new networking technologies to improve performance, reliability, and scalability across our systems. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with LANs, WANs, and the physical and logical components that integrate these systems together as an enterprise networking backbone. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the stability and security of our network environment while driving continuous improvement through innovative solutions.

Here's what you'll do:

• Manage the establishment of networking environments by installing, configuring, testing, and documenting equipment and systems according to design specifications.
• Oversee day-to-day networking tasks to ensure network reliability, availability, and serviceability with minimal interruption.
• Provide complex technical support by responding to work orders and tickets, analyzing and solving reported network problems.
• Administer firewall security settings, configure access permissions for user groups, and set up provisions for incoming data.
• Participate in network technology upgrades and expansion projects, including hardware and software installation and integration testing.
• Coordinate network activities to minimize disruption to existing systems and services.
• Develop and produce comprehensive documentation for installation procedures, network topology, and troubleshooting protocols.
• Track and diagnose network performance issues and develop network performance profiles.
• Recommend and implement new networking technologies to enhance system performance and capabilities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure network infrastructure meets business requirements.
• Conduct regular network security assessments and implement improvements as needed.
• Prepare and deliver technical presentations to various audiences, including security personnel, upper management, and system users.
• Mentor junior network engineers and provide technical guidance on complex networking issues.
• Stay current with emerging networking technologies and industry best practices.
• Document successful project executions, issue resolutions, and methodologies for future reference.

Here's what you'll need:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field preferred.
• 3 – 5 years of experience in network engineering with demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Advanced knowledge of networking principles, switching, routing, and network security.
• Experience with enterprise network infrastructure, including LANs, WANs, VPNs, and wireless networks.
• Proficiency in configuring and managing network equipment from major vendors (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto).
• Strong understanding of network protocols (TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, OSPF, BGP, etc.).
• Experience with network monitoring tools and performance analysis.
• Knowledge of network security best practices and implementation.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple objectives.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to make technical presentations to audiences of all levels.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to relate well to both technical and non-technical professionals.
• Experience with cloud networking technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) is a plus.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP) are highly desirable.
• Experience in a media, entertainment, or telecommunications industry is beneficial.

This Principal Network Engineer 1 position offers an exciting opportunity for a skilled networking professional to make a significant impact on DIRECTV's technology infrastructure. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong communication skills to drive network reliability, performance, and security. This role requires someone who is detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about implemen