Principal IT Systems Engineer

ExtraHop

10h • $165,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal IT Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in the design, implementation, and evolution of our enterprise infrastructure, cloud services, and systems operations. This role combines deep hands-on engineering expertise with architectural ownership and strategic influence, ensuring the scalability, reliability, security, and performance of business-critical systems. As a senior technical leader, you will drive infrastructure strategy, establish engineering standards, and lead complex cross-functional initiatives across networking, systems, identity management, security, and business systems. You will serve as a trusted advisor to IT leadership, mentor engineers across the organization, and help shape the future direction of our technology ecosystem through automation, modernization, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in systems engineering, infrastructure architecture, cloud engineering, or related technical disciplines.
• Deep expertise in Linux/Unix systems administration, automation, and infrastructure operations.
• Working knowledge of Windows systems and services in an enterprise environment.
• Strong proficiency with Shell/Bash, Python, or similar scripting and automation technologies.
• Experience designing and operating enterprise-scale cloud and hybrid infrastructure environments.
• Advanced knowledge of networking and application protocols, including TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP/S, SSH, and TLS.
• Deep experience with federated and bilateral authentication and authorization technologies (SAML, OAuth, Active Directory, LDAP) and platforms such as Okta, Google, and AWS.
• Experience with infrastructure-as-code and configuration management tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Puppet, or Chef.
• Strong understanding of security principles and secure systems design.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical initiatives and influence decisions across teams and stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with AWS, Azure, and/or GCP.
• Experience supporting enterprise SaaS applications such as Google Workspace and other business-critical systems.
• Familiarity with virtualization platforms, container technologies, and modern infrastructure practices.
• Understanding of network, firewall, and other security principles at the system level.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the technical roadmap for infrastructure, cloud services, identity management, and systems operations.
• Architect and implement secure, scalable, and highly available hybrid and multi-cloud solutions.
• Lead the design and continuous improvement of production monitoring, observability, and operational support practices.
• Serve as the highest-level technical escalation point for complex infrastructure and operational challenges.
• Design and implement automation solutions, infrastructure-as-code frameworks, and operational workflows that improve efficiency and reliability.
• Establish and promote engineering standards, architectural best practices, and operational processes across the IT organization.
• Partner with security teams to proactively identify and mitigate infrastructure and operational risks.
• Lead cross-functional projects involving infrastructure, networking, security, and business systems teams.
• Mentor engineers and provide technical guidance to support professional growth and knowledge sharing.
• Driving strategic efforts over projects up to months in duration, while concurrently addressing smaller tactical needs and escalations from Tier 1 and 2 support teams.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• Flexible PTO, Sick Time Prorated Based on Date of Hire, and All Federal Holidays (US Only) + 3 Days of Paid Volunteer Time
• Non-Commissioned Positions may be eligible to participate in the Annual Discretionary Bonus Plan
• FSA and Dependent Care Accounts + EAP, where applicable
• Educational Reimbursement
• 401k with Employer Match or Pension where applicable
• Pet Insurance (US Only)
• Parental Leave (US Only)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Principal
• Education Level: No Education Listed