Principal Network Engineer - East Coast or Midwest
MKS Inc. · United States
- Hybrid
- Full-time
- $182,900 / year
- United States
Tailored resume — keyword-matched to this role.
Hiring manager — we find who's hiring.
Intro email — drafted to reach them directly.
Job highlights
- Architect, design, and implement global network technologies.
- Lead network modernization and cloud integration.
- Manage firewalls and security architecture.
- Drive Aruba technologies deployment and lifecycle.
- Support daily operations and on-call rotation.
About the role
Principal Network Engineer at MKS Inc.
As a Principal Network Engineer at MKS, you will partner closely with our Enterprise Infrastructure team to architect, design, and evolve the network technologies that power MKS’ global operations. You will collaborate with cross-functional technical groups, business teams, and external partners to deliver resilient, scalable, and secure connectivity across our worldwide footprint. In this role, you will report to the Senior Manager, Network Engineering.
Impact You Will Make:
- Designing, architecting, and implementing data communication networks, including cloud-integrated architecture for AWS and Azure.
- Leading enterprise network modernization, capacity planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Managing MKS’ global Palo Alto firewall footprint and contributing to Fortinet-based security architecture.
- Driving deployment and lifecycle management of Aruba technologies (wired, wireless, ClearPass, Aruba Central).
- Overseeing network implementation plans, schedules, budgets, and communication to leadership.
- Supporting daily operations, including automation, incident escalation, and participation in on-call rotation.
- Coordinating technical execution with internal business and technical partners across the organization.
- Participating in ServiceNow ticketing processes for operational and project-based work.
- Travel Requirements: Up to 5%
Skills You Bring:
Required Technical Skills
- Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience
- 10+ years of similar work experience
- Experience integrating networks with AWS, Azure, and other cloud service providers.
- Expertise in DNS, DHCP, and IP addressing.
- Competency with remote access technologies (SSL, IPSec) and site-to-site VPN.
- Strong knowledge of wireless networks and controller-based deployments.
- Deep understanding of WAN and SD-WAN provisioning and optimization.
- Experience with routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers in multivendor environments.
- Strong foundational networking skills: TCP/IP, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS, IPSec VPN, L2/L3 switching, VLANs, firewall policy design.
Preferred Skills
- Hands-on experience managing and designing solutions with Fortinet and Palo Alto firewalls.
- Extensive experience with Aruba routers, switches, wireless APs, and cloud management via Aruba Central.
- Familiarity with authentication services: RADIUS, TACACS/TACACS+, 802.1X.
- Experience with ClearPass, SolarWinds, Cisco Umbrella, Infoblox, Cisco ISE.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and communication skills.
- Experience supporting network infrastructure in a 24/7 on-call rotation.
- Ability to work effectively in cross-functional and international team environments.
- Experience designing or operating Zero-Trust network models.
- Experience with network automation frameworks or scripting tools.
- Background leading major network modernization or cloud migration projects.
- Familiarity with high-availability load balancing across multi-cloud or multi-site environments.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Ability to participate in after-hours maintenance windows and on-call coverage.
- Occasional work in data center environments, including moving or installing equipment up to ~20 lbs.
In addition to the above responsibilities, the following are considered material job duties of the position: Ability to take and follow directions and instructions. Ability to interact with other employees, customers, suppliers, vendors, or the public, in a safe, professional, and respectful manner. Access to sensitive and confidential business systems and software, personally identifying information, the company’s financial information, and/or the ability to maintain physical security and safety. Because this position involves the above material job duties, trustworthiness, reliability, and good judgment also are material job duties.
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary Pay Range: $ 109,750.00 - 182,900.00 per year.
Bonus: This position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus, in an amount to be determined by MKS [or as applicable].
Benefits: MKS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance coverage (medical, dental and vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, 12 paid holidays, sick time, 15 paid vacation days, [6 weeks fully paid] parental leave, adoption assistance and tuition reimbursement [and for participation in any stock programs, signing bonus, etc.
MKS will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers.
Key skills/competency
- Network Architecture
- Cloud Networking (AWS, Azure)
- Network Security (Firewalls)
- Aruba Technologies
- WAN/SD-WAN
- Network Automation
- BGP/OSPF
- TCP/IP
- Wireless Networking
- Troubleshooting
Skills & topics
- Principal Network Engineer
- Network Engineering
- Network Architecture
- Cloud Networking
- AWS
- Azure
- Firewalls
- Palo Alto Networks
- Fortinet
- Aruba
- SD-WAN
- BGP
- MPLS
- TCP/IP
- Network Security
- Remote Access
- Wireless Networking
- Site-to-Site VPN
- On-call Rotation
- Network Automation
- Troubleshooting
- Enterprise Infrastructure
- MKS Inc.
How to get hired
- Tailor your resume: Highlight your 10+ years of experience, cloud integration (AWS/Azure), firewall management (Palo Alto/Fortinet), and Aruba technologies.
- Showcase your expertise: Emphasize your deep understanding of TCP/IP, BGP, MPLS, SD-WAN, and remote access technologies.
- Address preferred skills: Include any experience with network automation, Zero-Trust models, or load balancing in your application.
- Prepare for technical interviews: Be ready to discuss complex network designs, cloud architectures, and troubleshooting scenarios.
- Demonstrate strong communication: Highlight your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with leadership.
Technical preparation
Review TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, and MPLS concepts.,Practice cloud network design for AWS and Azure.,Study firewall configuration and security policies.,Prepare for SD-WAN and wireless network scenarios.
Behavioral questions
Describe a complex network problem you solved.,How do you handle cross-functional team collaboration?,Tell me about leading a network modernization project.,How do you manage incident escalation and on-call duties?
Frequently asked questions
- What is the salary range for the Principal Network Engineer role at MKS Inc.?
- The salary pay range for the Principal Network Engineer position at MKS Inc. is $109,750.00 to $182,900.00 per year. This range is an estimate and may vary based on qualifications, experience, and other factors.
- Does MKS Inc. offer bonuses for the Principal Network Engineer position?
- Yes, this Principal Network Engineer position is eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The specific amount will be determined by MKS.
- What benefits does MKS Inc. provide for this role?
- MKS Inc. offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), 401(k) with company match, life and disability insurance, paid holidays, sick time, vacation days, parental leave, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.
- What are the key technical skills required for the Principal Network Engineer role at MKS Inc.?
- Key technical skills include a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience, 10+ years of work experience, network integration with AWS/Azure, expertise in DNS/DHCP/IP addressing, remote access technologies, wireless networks, WAN/SD-WAN, and foundational networking protocols like TCP/IP, BGP, and MPLS.
- Are there any preferred technical skills for the Principal Network Engineer position at MKS Inc.?
- Preferred skills include hands-on experience with Fortinet and Palo Alto firewalls, extensive experience with Aruba technologies, familiarity with authentication services (RADIUS, TACACS+), and experience with tools like ClearPass, SolarWinds, Cisco Umbrella, Infoblox, and Cisco ISE.
- What is the work arrangement for the Principal Network Engineer at MKS Inc.?
- The job description implies a hybrid or on-site work arrangement, given the mention of 'data center environments' and the need for occasional travel. However, it is not explicitly stated. Candidates should clarify during the interview process.
- What is the travel requirement for this Principal Network Engineer role?
- The travel requirement for this Principal Network Engineer position is up to 5%.
- How can I best prepare my resume for the Principal Network Engineer application at MKS Inc.?
- To prepare your resume for the Principal Network Engineer role at MKS Inc., focus on quantifying your achievements in network architecture, design, and implementation. Highlight your experience with cloud platforms like AWS and Azure, specific firewall technologies (Palo Alto, Fortinet), and any network automation or SD-WAN expertise.