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Principal network engineer skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
5 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.,
Marc Lessard
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal network engineer skills. We ranked the top skills for principal network engineers based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 6.0% of principal network engineer resumes contained linux as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal network engineer needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal network engineer skills for your resume and career

1. Linux

Linux is a Unix-like operating system. Just like Windows, Mac OS, and IOS, Linux is an operating system used by millions across the globe. Android itself is powered by the Linux operating system. Linux manages all the hardware resources that are associated with your computer. The software is famous because of the protection it grants from viruses, malware, and crashes. The Linux operating system is entirely free and is an open-source software meaning it can be altered by those equipped with the knowledge to code.

Here's how principal network engineers use linux:
  • Facilitated the team's comfort with the Linux (Fedora platform) which the CBS firewalls run on.
  • Led IP video carrier grade system development, Linux IP Video Engine with home gateway set-top box.

2. Lan Wan

Here's how principal network engineers use lan wan:
  • Supported and administered existing LAN WAN Infrastructure.
  • Designed, installed, moved, and maintained LAN WAN systems for Xantel Corp (internal) customers.

3. Network Infrastructure

Here's how principal network engineers use network infrastructure:
  • Ensured efficient network infrastructure upgrades through targeted communication with equipment vendors and clients.
  • Resolve complex configuration and troubleshooting issues within a dynamic network infrastructure.

4. VPN

A Virtual Private Network, VPN encrypts a device's internet access, activity, and identity through a secure server, making data theft and third-party traceability more difficult, and increasing the privacy and security of public and private networks, the internet, and Wi-Fi hotspots. The VPN is designed to protect one's system and network from being compromised.

Here's how principal network engineers use vpn:
  • Engineered and implemented VPN solution for support of investment management and systems professionals permitting secure remote accessibility to corporate resources.
  • Acted as liaison between both technical teams to ensure successful set up of VPN and HL7 interface.

5. Network Performance

Here's how principal network engineers use network performance:
  • Perform ongoing network fine tuning, upgrades and enhancements to optimize network performance, availability, stability and security.
  • Focused strongly on redundancy, security, and network performance.

6. Firewall

Here's how principal network engineers use firewall:
  • Installed and managed Firewall solution using Raptor.
  • Managed firewall infrastructure using Cisco Security Manager.

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7. Network Architecture

Here's how principal network engineers use network architecture:
  • Helped increase operational efficiency and decrease operational costs by simplifying new network rollouts and standardizing network architecture throughout Global operations.
  • Implemented new Cisco Multi Layer Switch (MLS) network architecture.

8. Lan

Here's how principal network engineers use lan:
  • Designed, Configured and performed Architectural Analysis of complex Multi-Protocol, Multi-Platform Networks (LAN, WAN, MAN).
  • Performed all engineering duties including test and turn up of all WAN/LAN/WLAN & VoIP LAN for each office space.

9. Switches

Here's how principal network engineers use switches:
  • Performed basic configuration and troubleshooting of Cisco switches.
  • Supported/managed Data Center Network Switches and routers.

10. OSPF

Here's how principal network engineers use ospf:
  • Designed IS-IS to OSPF redistribution network for VOIP and IP video network.
  • Designed Frame Relay connected networks, utilizing BGP and OSPF routing protocols.

11. BGP

The Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is a procedure that facilitates the exchange of routing information among different networks connected through the internet. It also refers to the electronic language used among internet routers, to determine how a piece of information is sent from one router to the other over the network. This process is extremely quick that occurs within mini-seconds, enabling the internet to function properly.

Here's how principal network engineers use bgp:
  • Use of BGP dual-homed ISP peering networks.
  • Implemented the ISP redundancy for Guyana Telephone and Telegraph at Guyana using BGP and Nortel Networks routers.

12. Juniper

Juniper Networks, Inc. develops and markets networking products and software which include routers, network management software, and network security products. Many large enterprises use Juniper products and software as part of their larger networking operating management suite.

Here's how principal network engineers use juniper:
  • Configured and Installed Juniper SRX Routers for major power plant in Texas using BGPOSPF and 3G Sierra Wireless backup.
  • Provided Tier 4 support for Cisco and Juniper LAN/WAN.

13. F5

Here's how principal network engineers use f5:
  • Designed and managed the deployment of Mirror Image's next generation local load balancing solution using F5 LTM load balancers.
  • Implemented local and site-to-site disaster recovery environment using F5 Global/Local Traffic managers and Cisco CSS devices.

14. DOD

Definition of Done (DoD) is a set of deliverables that are needed to devise software. These deliverables are valuable to the system and can be exemplified by writing code, coding comments, unit testing, integration testing, design documents, release notes, and so on.

Here's how principal network engineers use dod:
  • Maintained network security utilizing Group Policy and the latest DoD Information Assurance standards and Business Best Practices.
  • Performed as subject matter expert and liaison between the DoD WHS BPO group and Commercial Wireless Carriers.

15. Network Design

Here's how principal network engineers use network design:
  • Provided substantial input in network design and topology including migration from old facilities.
  • Managed a 6 person network engineering team that supported a large Campus Area Network with O&M and network design.
top-skills

What skills help Principal Network Engineers find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What principal network engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dr. Ariful Azad Ph.D.

Director of Graduate Studies for the Dept. of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Assistant Professor of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University Bloomington

I recommend enhancing skills in data analytics, if a graduate lacks such skills. Revitalizing business practices by analyzing user or inventory data is an integral part of almost all business applications. Hence, skills in data analytics will give a graduate an edge in the changing job market. Data analytics comes in various flavors: from gathering simple statistics to advanced machine learning. Hence, a graduate can always improve their skill from freely available online lectures, online classes such as Coursera, or on-ramp classes offered by many universities.

What type of skills will young principal network engineers need?

Marc Lessard

Professor, University of New Hampshire

This is a very good and important question. Graduates who can address complex problems in creative ways will be the most successful. This might sound obvious, but there seems to be a trend developing where younger engineers tend to want to follow written procedures or instructions for solving problems.

What is more valuable, of course, is being able to use a broad-based background to provide new and creative solutions, or at least to suggest new ideas and engage in discussions to further develop those ideas. The cliche of "thinking outside the box" will always be important.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about principal network engineer

List of principal network engineer skills to add to your resume

Principal network engineer skills

The most important skills for a principal network engineer resume and required skills for a principal network engineer to have include:

  • Linux
  • Lan Wan
  • Network Infrastructure
  • VPN
  • Network Performance
  • Firewall
  • Network Architecture
  • Lan
  • Switches
  • OSPF
  • BGP
  • Juniper
  • F5
  • DOD
  • Network Design
  • Technical Expertise
  • MPLS
  • TCP/IP
  • Servers
  • VoIP
  • VMware
  • EIGRP
  • Nexus
  • DNS
  • Virtualization
  • Project Management
  • Cisco Asa
  • IPSEC
  • Network Equipment
  • Multicast
  • QoS
  • ASA
  • Network Troubleshooting
  • Network Issues
  • Network Hardware
  • Configuration Management
  • SolarWinds
  • Technical Support
  • IP
  • IOS
  • Unix
  • SAN
  • Cisco Ios
  • Network Devices
  • Capacity Planning
  • Ethernet
  • RF
  • Provisioning
  • SIP

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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