Principal Network Engineer

Job title: Principal Network Engineer in Tempe, AZ at Salt River Project

Company: Salt River Project

Job description: SRP is one of the largest public power and water utilities in the U.S. providing electricity to approximately one million customers in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Since its founding in 1903, SRP has fostered a culture of stewardship and customer service consistently ranking as an industry leader in customer service according to J.D. Power and named one of Arizona's best employers by Forbes. SRP continues to adapt to its changing business environment by seeking innovative ways to reimagine utility service and the provision of critical resources essential to the life and economy of Arizona.Why Work at SRPAt SRP, we foster an inclusive work environment and believe everyone should have a fair chance to work, regardless of who they are. That's why we value teams with diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to help SRP deliver on its mission of providing reliable, affordable and sustainable water and power.SRP's success is rooted in our employees' happiness, health, and safety. That's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to meet the needs of our employees and enhance their well-being. In addition to competitive pay and performance incentives, eligible employees can take advantage of the following benefits:

• Pension Plan (at no cost to the employee)


• 401(k) plan with employer matching


• Available your first day: Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance


• Over 200+ hours of PTO (includes vacation days, holidays, floating holidays, and sick leave)


• Parental leave (up to 4 weeks) and adoption assistance


• Wellness programs (including access to a recreation and fitness facility)


• Short and long-term disability plans


• Tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate programs


• 10 Employee Resource Groups for career development, community service, and networking

SummaryWe are seeking a visionary and technically accomplished Principal Network Engineer to lead the evolution of SRP's OT network infrastructure supporting our power generation fleet. This role is pivotal in shaping the secure, resilient, and scalable network foundations that underpin critical control systems across diverse generation technologies.As a senior leader within the Generation Infrastructure, Security, & Compliance team, you will serve as the architect of next-generation OT network solutions, driving strategic initiatives that align with SRP's mission of delivering reliable and sustainable energy. You will act as a bridge between Engineering, Operational Technology (OT), and Information Technology (IT), bringing deep technical insight, architectural foresight, and a collaborative mindset to complex challenges.This role demands a unique blend of technical mastery, leadership, and strategic influence. You will guide the design and implementation of secure network architectures, mentor engineering teams, and partner with cybersecurity, compliance, and operations stakeholders to ensure our infrastructure meets the highest standards of performance and protection.If you are passionate about building secure, future-ready OT networks and thrive in environments where innovation, reliability, and cross-functional leadership intersect-this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the energy systems of tomorrow.Job Responsibilities

• Lead the design, architecture, and strategic planning of complex network and system infrastructures - including firewalls/VPNs, switches/routers, and server/infrastructure technologies.


• Serve as a technical advisor and mentor to engineering and support teams, providing guidance on best practices, emerging technologies, and architectural decisions.


• Drive the integration of control technologies across the Generation Fleet, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards and operational goals.


• Partner with Cyber Security Services to define and implement robust security strategies that protect critical systems, data, and assets.


• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends, and develop strategic roadmaps for their adoption within SRP's infrastructure.


• Oversee and prioritize complex initiatives, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.


• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of infrastructure projects.


• Deliver executive-level reporting and strategic insights to leadership on infrastructure health, risks, and opportunities.


• Lead and manage multi-disciplinary projects, ensuring timely delivery and high-quality outcomes.


• Ensure compliance with all applicable NERC CIP requirements and proactively address evolving regulatory needs.

Additional Information

• Must be adaptable and eager to lead in a fast-evolving technical landscape.


• Ability to work remote or on-site as needed, including travel to various SRP generation facilities.


• Proven leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence across technical and non-technical teams.


• Strong organizational and strategic thinking abilities, with a focus on long-term planning and innovation.


• Deep knowledge of network architectures, protocols, and security frameworks.


• Expertise in TCP/IP, routing, switching, and industrial control systems.


• Familiarity with control systems and their integration into secure network environments is highly desirable.


• Current industry certifications will be given preference:

• Cisco


• Palo Alto


• Please include a cover letter explaining how your experience fulfills the needs of this position.


• Must possess a valid Arizona driver's license.

ExperienceA minimum of 10 years of related experience is required (if no degree, 14 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and related experience totaling 14 years).

• Minimum of 10 years' experience implementing/supporting/troubleshooting network devices and infrastructures is preferred.


• Experience deploying, supporting, and integrating network and infrastructure technologies such as firewalls, and switches/routers.


• Experience designing secure and reliable networks that support critical systems.


• Experience evaluating security configurations to determine if unacceptable risks are appropriately mitigated.

EducationA bachelor's degree related to the assignment from an accredited institution is preferred.Hybrid WorkplaceSRP currently offers a hybrid workplace, which allows employees whose jobs can be performed remotely, and who have sufficient technical capability, to telework up to three days per week. Although teleworking is available, all employees must live and work in Arizona.Drug/Alcohol Policy StatementTo promote the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve, SRP is committed to maintaining a drug/alcohol free work environment. Although marijuana may now be legal in Arizona, except as otherwise specified under Arizona law, SRP considers it to be an illegal drug for the purpose of our drug/alcohol policy because marijuana remains illegal at the federal level. Any candidate found to be impaired during the hiring process or who has the presence of an illegal drug or unauthorized substance in their system during the pre-employment drug/alcohol test may be disqualified from further consideration in the hiring process.Equal Opportunity Employer StatementSalt River Project (SRP) is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state or local law.Work AuthorizationAll candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

Currently, SRP does not sponsor H1B visas, OPT, or other employment-related visa's.

Expected salary:

Location: Tempe, AZ

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