Roles · Network Engineer · Principal
9 core skills, 53 in total. Expectations per skill, and what changes at the next level.
This page lists what a Principal } is expected to know and do, skill by skill. Core skills are the ones a manager and peers assess in a review cycle; the rest count only in self-assessment. Main areas: Cloud & Infrastructure, Security, Networking & Telecom.
Grouped by area. The label on the right is the expected depth: Awareness, Working, Advanced or Expert.
Shapes load balancing strategy for network engineering at the organizational level. Defines best practices and influences technology choices beyond their own team. Is a recognized expert in this area.
Shapes network philosophy for the organization. Researches new networking paradigms (SDN, intent-based networking). Influences datacenter network design.
Shapes VPN and network isolation strategy for network engineering at the organizational level. Defines best practices and influences technology choices beyond their own team. Is a recognized expert in this area.
Shapes network security strategy for network engineering at the organizational level. Defines best practices and influences technology choices beyond their own team. Is a recognized expert in this area.
Shapes network architecture for the organization. Researches SD-WAN, SASE and modern routing approaches. Influences network engineering industry standards.
Shapes DNS strategy for the platform. Researches modern DNS: DNS over HTTPS/TLS, DNSSEC adoption. Influences the organization's DNS standards.
Shapes network security strategy. Researches AI-driven threat detection in NGFW. Influences security architecture standards. This skill is critically important for successful performance in the role.
Shapes the network automation platform for the organization. Researches intent-based networking and AI/ML for network operations. Influences NetDevOps culture.
Shapes transport strategy for the platform. Researches QUIC/HTTP3 adoption and modern transport innovations. Influences the organization's network architecture.
Not assessed by the team, but part of the self-assessment and the development plan.
} in the open competency matrix: 53 skills across 5 levels. The matrix is free for individuals and stays free.