Vantage Data Centers is hiring: Principal Network Engineer, Global in Denver
Vantage Data Centers, Denver, CO, United States
About Vantage Data Centers
Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.
Technology & Systems Department
The Technology & Systems department drives technological innovation for the company and advances the technology strategy to support global growth. This includes IT, Software Development, OT / Automation Systems and business process improvement. At Vantage, we are very hands on. In most cases, we specify, purchase, configure and maintain all networking and server hardware. We also work closely with partner VARs to learn about the latest technology changes so we can make informed purchase decisions. The Technology & Systems department participates in designing each of our new data center building’s networking infrastructure, including but not limited to diverse pathways connecting to carriers, meet‑me room (MMR) hosting (rack, cabs, ladders, cross‑connect panels…), wireless AP coverage, etc.
Position Overview
This role can be based remotely in the United States. The Principal IT Network Engineer serves a pivotal role within the IT Infrastructure department, typically reporting to the IT Infrastructure Director. In this capacity, they lead engineering teams, offering technical direction and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. The role involves coordinating engineering projects and providing technical guidance, showcasing proficiency in addressing intricate technical challenges. They collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to lead the technical aspects of project implementation, demonstrating expertise in network design, configuration, and troubleshooting. Responsibilities include designing and implementing network solutions, optimizing network performance, conducting system upgrades, and ensuring the security and integrity of the network infrastructure. The Lead IT Network Engineer collaborates with stakeholders to gather requirements, assess network needs, and develop scalable solutions. Additionally, they stay abreast of industry trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend enhancements to maintain a robust and efficient network environment.
Essential Job Functions
Program Strategy & Execution
Develop and own the multi‑year roadmap for network capacity planning, disaster recovery (DR), and incident response (IR) across NA, EMEA, and APAC
Build detailed program plans (scope, milestones, dependencies, KPIs) and drive cross‑functional delivery to schedule and budget
Establish and chair governance cadences, decision forums, and program communications to maintain global alignment
Track outcomes via clear KPIs/OKRs (e.g., utilization, headroom, MTTD/MTTR, change success rate, RTO/RPO attainment)
Capacity Planning & Architecture
Lead comprehensive capacity planning strategies that align with data center architecture and long‑term business objectives
Develop forecasting models and “what‑if” scenarios to guide investments, resiliency, and growth (campus, core, cloud, edge)
Partner with Engineering and Operations to codify network reference architectures and standards for scalability and performance
Mentor engineers on complex capacity trade‑offs, cost/risk optimization, and design patterns
Disaster Recovery & Organizational Resilience
Architect organization‑wide DR strategies and playbooks—defining RTO/RPO targets, tiering, dependencies, and failover patterns
Lead cross‑functional DR exercises and simulations; ensure lessons learned drive continuous improvement and budgeted remediation
Align DR with business continuity planning (BCP), vendor strategies, and regulatory/compliance needs across regions
Incident Response & Operations Excellence
Oversee incident response strategy, including readiness, runbooks, tabletops, and post‑incident reviews with actionable RCA
Integrate IR with monitoring, SIEM/SOAR, change, problem, and asset/CMDB processes to reduce MTTD/MTTR and incident recurrence
Provide executive‑level briefings during critical events; drive coordinated response across internal teams and partners
Standards, Tooling & Automation
Define global standards for network design, security controls, and documentation; govern adherence through audits and reviews
Lead adoption of advanced monitoring, observability, and automation (workflow orchestration, configuration as code) across environments
Champion patch management, compliance reporting, and continuous hardening to reduce risk and operational toil
Stakeholder, Vendor & Risk Management
Collaborate with leadership, regional owners, and SMEs to prioritize work, allocate resources, and manage dependencies
Manage vendors and partners (SOWs, SLAs, escalations) to ensure delivery quality and value realization
Identify, quantify, and mitigate program risks; escalate with data‑driven recommendations and recovery options
Additional duties as assigned by Management
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field
Minimum of 8–10 years of program management experience driving complex, cross‑functional network and/or resilience initiatives in global environments
Experience in data centers, cloud networking, large‑scale enterprise networks, or high‑growth global organizations strongly preferred
Relevant certifications are a plus (e.g., PMP/PgMP, ITIL, CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Networking, CISSP/CISM, SANS GCIH)
Capacity Planning & Architecture: Leads enterprise capacity strategy; expert in scenario modeling, utilization headroom, and cost‑risk optimization
Disaster Recovery Planning: Architects org‑wide DR solutions, sets/attains RTO/RPO, and conducts large‑scale exercises
Incident Response: Designs IR strategy and playbooks; mentors senior engineers; drives continuous improvement via RCA
Network & Platform Expertise (Subject Matter Expert proficiency across the following):
IT Network Protocols: Advanced knowledge (e.g., SSL/TLS, VoIP protocols); advises on protocol selection for performance/security
Network Monitoring & Observability: Deep expertise in security, cloud, and application performance monitoring; SRE‑aligned metrics
Firewall Management: Expert‑level rule design/optimization; integration with broader security controls and zero‑trust patterns
VoIP & Unified Communications: SME and advisor on complex UC initiatives; evaluates emerging trends and standards
Cloud Networking (AWS/Azure/GCP): Multi‑cloud design and optimization; transit architectures, private connectivity, and policy
LAN/WAN Configuration: Enterprise‑scale designs; contributes to standards and best practices
Network Security: Specialization in areas such as threat intel, pen testing, or secure segmentation; drives innovation in controls
IT Network Automation: Designs advanced automation and workflow orchestration for heterogeneous environments
Routing & Switching: Performance/scalability optimization; adoption of new routing technologies
Wireless Network Management: Deep expertise in modern wireless architectures and security; mentors junior staff
DHCP Configuration: Integrations with DNS/Active Directory; policy and standards development
Network Hardware Installation & Configuration: Deploys cutting‑edge platforms; leads evaluations and investment recommendations
Patch Management: Designs automated patching at scale; ensures compliance and audit readiness
IT Network Documentation: Innovates documentation methods/tools; integrates into project and change workflows
Network Load Balancing: Designs and manages complex, multi‑platform LBs; expert troubleshooting
ITIL Framework Knowledge: SME; tailors ITIL processes for data center
etwork environments (change, incident, problem)
DNS Management: Designs high‑availability, secure DNS; provides strategic guidance to leadership
VLAN Configuration: Develops advanced VLAN strategies; conducts audits and trains staff
IT Network Auditing: Specialization in compliance or penetration testing; guides audit programs and improvements
Network Performance Optimization: Expert in application
etwork optimization and advanced performance tooling
Data Privacy: Leads complex privacy initiatives; provides strategic guidance on data protection within network contexts
Network Architecture: Influences strategic design decisions; ensures seamless integration across platforms
VPN Configuration: Provides strategic guidance on technology selection, optimization, and integration with security controls
IT Network Design: Specialized expertise in security/scalability; champions modern methodologies and emerging tech
Software‑Defined Networking (SDN): Designs customized SDN solutions; conducts performance analysis; thought leadership
Network Troubleshooting: Develops advanced troubleshooting strategies; raises reliability across diverse environments
Virtualization: SME in advanced virtualization, including SDN and storage virtualization, and R&D leadership
Professional Capabilities: Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills; strong analytical thinking; ability to drive clarity and alignment across global teams; highly organized with a track record of on‑time delivery
Travel required is expected to be up to 20% but may increase over time as the business evolves
Physical Demands And Special Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Additional Details
Salary Range: $180,000‑200,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)
This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.
We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.
Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.
We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Vantage Data Centers powers, cools, protects and connects the technology of the world’s well-known hyperscalers, cloud providers and large enterprises. Developing and operating across North America, EMEA and Asia Pacific, Vantage has evolved data center design in innovative ways to deliver dramatic gains in reliability, efficiency and sustainability in flexible environments that can scale as quickly as the market demands.
Technology & Systems Department
The Technology & Systems department drives technological innovation for the company and advances the technology strategy to support global growth. This includes IT, Software Development, OT / Automation Systems and business process improvement. At Vantage, we are very hands on. In most cases, we specify, purchase, configure and maintain all networking and server hardware. We also work closely with partner VARs to learn about the latest technology changes so we can make informed purchase decisions. The Technology & Systems department participates in designing each of our new data center building’s networking infrastructure, including but not limited to diverse pathways connecting to carriers, meet‑me room (MMR) hosting (rack, cabs, ladders, cross‑connect panels…), wireless AP coverage, etc.
Position Overview
This role can be based remotely in the United States. The Principal IT Network Engineer serves a pivotal role within the IT Infrastructure department, typically reporting to the IT Infrastructure Director. In this capacity, they lead engineering teams, offering technical direction and ensuring the successful delivery of projects. The role involves coordinating engineering projects and providing technical guidance, showcasing proficiency in addressing intricate technical challenges. They collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to lead the technical aspects of project implementation, demonstrating expertise in network design, configuration, and troubleshooting. Responsibilities include designing and implementing network solutions, optimizing network performance, conducting system upgrades, and ensuring the security and integrity of the network infrastructure. The Lead IT Network Engineer collaborates with stakeholders to gather requirements, assess network needs, and develop scalable solutions. Additionally, they stay abreast of industry trends, evaluate emerging technologies, and recommend enhancements to maintain a robust and efficient network environment.
Essential Job Functions
Program Strategy & Execution
Develop and own the multi‑year roadmap for network capacity planning, disaster recovery (DR), and incident response (IR) across NA, EMEA, and APAC
Build detailed program plans (scope, milestones, dependencies, KPIs) and drive cross‑functional delivery to schedule and budget
Establish and chair governance cadences, decision forums, and program communications to maintain global alignment
Track outcomes via clear KPIs/OKRs (e.g., utilization, headroom, MTTD/MTTR, change success rate, RTO/RPO attainment)
Capacity Planning & Architecture
Lead comprehensive capacity planning strategies that align with data center architecture and long‑term business objectives
Develop forecasting models and “what‑if” scenarios to guide investments, resiliency, and growth (campus, core, cloud, edge)
Partner with Engineering and Operations to codify network reference architectures and standards for scalability and performance
Mentor engineers on complex capacity trade‑offs, cost/risk optimization, and design patterns
Disaster Recovery & Organizational Resilience
Architect organization‑wide DR strategies and playbooks—defining RTO/RPO targets, tiering, dependencies, and failover patterns
Lead cross‑functional DR exercises and simulations; ensure lessons learned drive continuous improvement and budgeted remediation
Align DR with business continuity planning (BCP), vendor strategies, and regulatory/compliance needs across regions
Incident Response & Operations Excellence
Oversee incident response strategy, including readiness, runbooks, tabletops, and post‑incident reviews with actionable RCA
Integrate IR with monitoring, SIEM/SOAR, change, problem, and asset/CMDB processes to reduce MTTD/MTTR and incident recurrence
Provide executive‑level briefings during critical events; drive coordinated response across internal teams and partners
Standards, Tooling & Automation
Define global standards for network design, security controls, and documentation; govern adherence through audits and reviews
Lead adoption of advanced monitoring, observability, and automation (workflow orchestration, configuration as code) across environments
Champion patch management, compliance reporting, and continuous hardening to reduce risk and operational toil
Stakeholder, Vendor & Risk Management
Collaborate with leadership, regional owners, and SMEs to prioritize work, allocate resources, and manage dependencies
Manage vendors and partners (SOWs, SLAs, escalations) to ensure delivery quality and value realization
Identify, quantify, and mitigate program risks; escalate with data‑driven recommendations and recovery options
Additional duties as assigned by Management
Job Requirements
Bachelor’s in Engineering, Information Systems, Computer Science, or related field
Minimum of 8–10 years of program management experience driving complex, cross‑functional network and/or resilience initiatives in global environments
Experience in data centers, cloud networking, large‑scale enterprise networks, or high‑growth global organizations strongly preferred
Relevant certifications are a plus (e.g., PMP/PgMP, ITIL, CCNP/CCIE, AWS/Azure Networking, CISSP/CISM, SANS GCIH)
Capacity Planning & Architecture: Leads enterprise capacity strategy; expert in scenario modeling, utilization headroom, and cost‑risk optimization
Disaster Recovery Planning: Architects org‑wide DR solutions, sets/attains RTO/RPO, and conducts large‑scale exercises
Incident Response: Designs IR strategy and playbooks; mentors senior engineers; drives continuous improvement via RCA
Network & Platform Expertise (Subject Matter Expert proficiency across the following):
IT Network Protocols: Advanced knowledge (e.g., SSL/TLS, VoIP protocols); advises on protocol selection for performance/security
Network Monitoring & Observability: Deep expertise in security, cloud, and application performance monitoring; SRE‑aligned metrics
Firewall Management: Expert‑level rule design/optimization; integration with broader security controls and zero‑trust patterns
VoIP & Unified Communications: SME and advisor on complex UC initiatives; evaluates emerging trends and standards
Cloud Networking (AWS/Azure/GCP): Multi‑cloud design and optimization; transit architectures, private connectivity, and policy
LAN/WAN Configuration: Enterprise‑scale designs; contributes to standards and best practices
Network Security: Specialization in areas such as threat intel, pen testing, or secure segmentation; drives innovation in controls
IT Network Automation: Designs advanced automation and workflow orchestration for heterogeneous environments
Routing & Switching: Performance/scalability optimization; adoption of new routing technologies
Wireless Network Management: Deep expertise in modern wireless architectures and security; mentors junior staff
DHCP Configuration: Integrations with DNS/Active Directory; policy and standards development
Network Hardware Installation & Configuration: Deploys cutting‑edge platforms; leads evaluations and investment recommendations
Patch Management: Designs automated patching at scale; ensures compliance and audit readiness
IT Network Documentation: Innovates documentation methods/tools; integrates into project and change workflows
Network Load Balancing: Designs and manages complex, multi‑platform LBs; expert troubleshooting
ITIL Framework Knowledge: SME; tailors ITIL processes for data center
etwork environments (change, incident, problem)
DNS Management: Designs high‑availability, secure DNS; provides strategic guidance to leadership
VLAN Configuration: Develops advanced VLAN strategies; conducts audits and trains staff
IT Network Auditing: Specialization in compliance or penetration testing; guides audit programs and improvements
Network Performance Optimization: Expert in application
etwork optimization and advanced performance tooling
Data Privacy: Leads complex privacy initiatives; provides strategic guidance on data protection within network contexts
Network Architecture: Influences strategic design decisions; ensures seamless integration across platforms
VPN Configuration: Provides strategic guidance on technology selection, optimization, and integration with security controls
IT Network Design: Specialized expertise in security/scalability; champions modern methodologies and emerging tech
Software‑Defined Networking (SDN): Designs customized SDN solutions; conducts performance analysis; thought leadership
Network Troubleshooting: Develops advanced troubleshooting strategies; raises reliability across diverse environments
Virtualization: SME in advanced virtualization, including SDN and storage virtualization, and R&D leadership
Professional Capabilities: Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills; strong analytical thinking; ability to drive clarity and alignment across global teams; highly organized with a track record of on‑time delivery
Travel required is expected to be up to 20% but may increase over time as the business evolves
Physical Demands And Special Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop or kneel; talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Additional Details
Salary Range: $180,000‑200,000 Base + Bonus (this range is based on Colorado market data and may vary in other locations)
This position is eligible for company benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and AD&D, short and long‑term disability coverage, paid time off, employee assistance, participation in a 401k program that includes company match, and many other additional voluntary benefits.
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including your qualifications, skills, competencies, and experience and may fall outside of the range shown.
We operate with No Ego and No Arrogance. We work to build each other up and support one another, appreciating each other’s strengths and respecting each other’s weaknesses. We find joy in our work and each other, actively seeking opportunities to inject fun into what we do. Our hard and efficient work is rewarded with an above market total compensation package. We offer a comprehensive suite of health and welfare, retirement, and paid leave benefits exceeding local expectations. Throughout the year, the advantage of being part of the Vantage team is evident with an array of benefits, recognition, training and development, and the knowledge that your contribution adds value to the company and our community.
Don't meet all the requirements? Please still apply if you think you are the right person for the position. We are always keen to speak to people who connect with our mission and values.
Vantage Data Centers is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Vantage Data Centers does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm agencies. Fees will not be paid in the event a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired; such resumes will be deemed the sole property of Vantage Data Centers.
We’ll be accepting applications for at least one week from the date this role is posted. If you're interested, we encourage you to apply soon—we’re excited to find the right person and will keep the role open until we do!
#J-18808-Ljbffr