Sr Principal Engineer, Enterprise Networking Architecture
Added 11 Sept · still live
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£54,900
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2133 (88% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £54,900, and Equinix is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2137 (IT network professionals, Network design focus could place it in IT network professionals) or SOC 2135 (Cyber security professionals, Security platforms and secure access are significant responsibilities). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
About the role
Who are we?
Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.
A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.
Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.
Job Summary
Equinix is seeking a world-class Sr Principal Engineer to serve as the preeminent technical authority for Enterprise Networking Architecture within the Digital Infrastructure Organization (DIO). This is a pure individual contributor role with no direct reports, carrying ultimate accountability for defining, governing, and evolving the global networking architecture and long-term strategy across the enterprise.
This leader will own the end-to-end enterprise networking architecture—spanning campus, datacenter, cloud interconnection, carrier services, and secure access—while setting a bold, forward-looking vision for modern, secure, AI-augmented networking. The role requires deep technical mastery, architectural judgment at massive scale, and the ability to influence across global teams and executive leadership without formal authority.
Responsibilities
Equinix is the world’s digital infrastructure company®, shortening the path to connectivity to enable the innovations that enrich our work, life and planet.
A place where tech thinkers and future builders turn bold ideas into breakthrough experiences, we welcome your unique perspective.
Help us challenge assumptions, uncover bias, and remove barriers—because progress starts with fresh ideas. You’ll find belonging, purpose, and a team that welcomes you—because when you feel valued, you’re empowered to do your best work.
Job Summary
Equinix is seeking a world-class Sr Principal Engineer to serve as the preeminent technical authority for Enterprise Networking Architecture within the Digital Infrastructure Organization (DIO). This is a pure individual contributor role with no direct reports, carrying ultimate accountability for defining, governing, and evolving the global networking architecture and long-term strategy across the enterprise.
This leader will own the end-to-end enterprise networking architecture—spanning campus, datacenter, cloud interconnection, carrier services, and secure access—while setting a bold, forward-looking vision for modern, secure, AI-augmented networking. The role requires deep technical mastery, architectural judgment at massive scale, and the ability to influence across global teams and executive leadership without formal authority.
Responsibilities
- Act as the Final Technical Authority: Serve as the primary interface to DIO leadership and executive stakeholders on all matters of enterprise networking architecture. Function as the ultimate escalation point for complex, cross-domain architectural decisions
- Own the Global Networking Architecture: Define and govern the holistic enterprise networking architecture across LAN, WAN, datacenter fabrics, cloud connectivity, wireless, edge/access, firewalls, secure remote access, and carrier interconnects
- Enterprise and datacenter networking (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, whitebox)
- Next-generation security platforms (Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco)
- Wireless platforms (Mist AI, Meraki)
- Out-of-band and terminal access (ZPE, Opengear)
- Carrier and managed connectivity (MPLS, VPLS, P2P, Metro Ethernet, SD-WAN, and emerging alternatives)
- Proven years of experience in enterprise-scale networking and security architecture, including 10+ years in senior, principal, or distinguished IC roles owning global, multi-site environments (10,000+ endpoints, petabit-class fabrics)
- Prior Distinguished Engineer, Senior Principal Engineer, Fellow, or equivalent executive IC role at a top-tier Fortune 50 or hyperscale technology company (e.g., Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, NVIDIA, Meta, or similar)
- Demonstrated external technical impact, including patents, influential open-source contributions, published research, standards participation, or high-profile industry speaking
- Deep, hands-on expertise across enterprise networking domains, including:
- Datacenter and enterprise networking (BGP/EVPN, VXLAN, leaf-spine, SD-WAN, 400G+ fabrics)
- Security architectures (zero trust, SASE/SSE, microsegmentation, next-gen firewalls)
- Wireless networking (Mist AI, Meraki)
- Out-of-band and resiliency engineering
- Carrier interconnects and managed connectivity
- Edge, hybrid/multi-cloud integration, automation, and performance optimization
- Proven success leading 3–5+ year strategic planning, delivering measurable outcomes such as cost optimization, ultra-high availability, and reduced security risk
- Strong experience applying AI/ML to networking operations and understanding AI’s broader implications on enterprise infrastructure
- Exceptional ability to influence at the executive level, communicate complex architectural concepts clearly, and align diverse global teams
- A forward-thinking mindset with the credibility and presence to drive industry-leading innovation while collaborating effectively across organizational boundaries
Preferred Qualifications
United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual
United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 213,000 - 319,000 USD / Annual
Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / Annual
Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.
The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.
Equinix Benefits
As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.
Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.
US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility r
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
- Active participation in industry bodies or technical communities (e.g., IETF, ONUG, CNCF networking SIGs)
- Experience operating in regulated or mission-critical environments (finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure)
- Proficiency with automation and IaC (Python, Ansible, Terraform) and GitOps-based operational models
United States - Dallas Infomart Office DAI : 177,000 - 265,000 USD / Annual
United States - Redwood City Office GHQ : 213,000 - 319,000 USD / Annual
Canada - Toronto Office TRO : 166,000 - 248,000 CAD / Annual
Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location.The pay range shown is based on our compensation structure in place at the time of posting and may be updated periodically based on business needs. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training.
The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position.
Equinix Benefits
As an employee, you become important to Equinix’s success. We ensure all your benefits are in line with our core values: competitive, inclusive, sustainable, connected and efficient. We keep them competitive within the current marketplace to ensure we’re providing you with the best package possible. So, wherever you are in your career and life, you’ll be able to enhance your experience and bring your whole self to work.
Employee Assistance Program: An Employee Assistance program is available to all employees.
US Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in health, life, disability and voluntary plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You and Equinix may contribute to a retirement plan to help you plan for your financial future. - Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays: You will receive an accrued amount of PTO each pay period along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility r
equirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific plan or program terms. Canada Core Benefits: - Insurance: You may enroll in healthcare coverage that is designed to complement the provincial healthcare system, along with life, disability and optional benefit plans that are designed for you and your eligible family members. - Retirement: You may also enroll in Equinix-sponsored retirement or savings plans: Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP), Group Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax-Free Savings Plan (TSFA). - Vacation and Paid Holidays: Equinix offers both vacation and personal time, along with various paid holidays for you to rest and recharge. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits. Benefits are subject to specific plan or program terms, and to change at Equinix discretion.
Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.
Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.
We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.
This posting is a new position within our organization.
Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.
Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.
We use artificial intelligence in our hiring process. Learn more here.
This posting is a new position within our organization.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Equinix, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
SOC 2133 · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · ~163k in sampleP25 £46kP75 £82k
£36kmedian £60kgoing rate £55k£100k
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at EquinixAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Equinix holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2133 going rate of £54,900. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.