Principal Network Engineer

Principal Network Engineer (HFT Trading Networks)We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to serve as the technical authority for our global, low-latency trading infrastructure. This role is ideal for a seasoned network engineering leader with deep expertise in designing, scaling, and optimizing highly distributed, latency-sensitive environments across data centers, colocation facilities, and cloud platforms.
The Principal Network Engineer will be responsible for defining the long-term architecture and evolution of mission-critical trading networks, ensuring deterministic packet forwarding, exceptional reliability, and ultra-low-latency performance. This individual will operate as a hands-on technical leader, partnering with Network Engineering leadership, Infrastructure teams, and business stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives, influence architectural decisions, and establish engineering best practices.
Direct High-Frequency Trading (HFT) industry experience is required.
The ideal candidate possesses expert-level routing and switching knowledge, strong Python automation capabilities, experience with hybrid cloud networking, and a proven track record supporting electronic trading environments where microseconds matter. Candidates with a CCIE certification or equivalent expertise are strongly preferred.

Key Responsibilities
Design, engineer, and evolve highly resilient, low-latency network architectures supporting global trading operations.
Develop deterministic, scalable network solutions across data centers, co-location facilities, exchange connectivity environments, and cloud platforms.
Drive architectural standards and long-term strategy for network scalability, resiliency, and operational excellence.
Advanced Routing & InfrastructureLead the design and implementation of complex routing solutions utilizing:BGPOSPFMPLSMulticast (PIM-SM/SSM)Traffic EngineeringHigh Availability Network ArchitecturesOptimize network performance, latency, jitter, and traffic flow across global environments.
Research, Validation & Performance EngineeringConduct proof-of-concept testing, lab validation, and technical evaluations of emerging technologies.
Analyze network behavior, platform limitations, and hardware capabilities to improve exchange connectivity and trading performance.
Validate architecture designs before production deployment to minimize operational risk.
Project LeadershipLead large-scale network transformation initiatives from design through implementation.
Develop detailed technical designs, migration plans, implementation runbooks, and capacity planning documentation.
Own complex technical challenges end-to-end with minimal oversight.
Network AutomationDesign and maintain Python-based network automation solutions for:Configuration managementChange validationCompliance verificationOperational efficiencyAutomated testingLeverage both API-driven and SSH-based automation methodologies.
Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, Application, and Trading teams to align network capabilities with business objectives.
Support strategic planning, budgeting, and technology investment decisions related to network infrastructure.
Technical LeadershipAct as a senior technical mentor across the engineering organization.
Lead architecture reviews, establish engineering standards, and promote knowledge sharing.
Influence technical direction without direct management responsibilities.
Monitoring & ObservabilityDefine network telemetry and observability standards.
Utilize tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, and similar platforms to improve visibility, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Documentation & ComplianceDevelop and maintain technical standards, architecture documentation, and operational procedures.
Contribute to audit, compliance, and regulatory documentation, including materials supporting SEC and related regulatory reviews.
Required Qualifications10+ years of hands-on Network Engineering experience within mission-critical, low-latency environments.
Direct experience supporting High-Frequency Trading (HFT), Electronic Trading, Market Making, Proprietary Trading, or Capital Markets infrastructure.
Deep expertise in low-latency network design with extensive experience analyzing:Network latencyJitterPacket lossEnd-to-end traffic behaviorExpert-level knowledge of:BGPOSPFMPLSMulticast TechnologiesGlobal Network ArchitectureStrong experience with high-performance network platforms from vendors such as:CiscoAristaJuniperExperience designing and supporting AWS networking solutions including:Direct ConnectTransit GatewayVPC ArchitectureRoute IntegrationAdvanced Python programming skills for network automation and operational tooling.
Hands-on experience with observability and telemetry platforms, including Prometheus and Grafana.
Strong understanding of network security principles, segmentation, access controls, and Zero Trust architecture.
Proven track record leading technical re