Principal, Software Engineer

Walmart•Herndon, VA

1d•$132,000 - $264,000

About The Position

As a Principal Engineer, you will play an important role in shaping the technical direction and running Walmart Global WAN and Backbone network. Global WAN team is responsible for designing and deploying Backbone and WAN network that connects all of Walmart’s PoPs, Data Centers, Retail Stores, Distribution Centers and Home offices. You will collaborate closely with multiple teams such as network architecture, Data Center Networks, Edge Networks, and most importantly across the whole of the network engineering and operations team. You will drive innovation and help produce elegant and scalable network solutions. As a Fortune #1 company, our work impacts millions of associates globally. We strive to continuously improve technology and products to help managers and associates so they can focus on what matters most - supporting our customers and members. About the Global Technology Network Engineering and Operations Team: The Principal Network Engineer will report to the Senior Director of Network Engineering and Operations. The Global WAN team is part of the Network Engineering and Operations (NEO) organization. The NEO team is primarily responsible for the engineering and operations of Walmart’s network environments. Within Global Tech, we support and are supported by talented teams specializing in the architecture of our wired, wireless, data center networking, and interconnection. What you'll do: Architect and lead the design of high-performance, scalable WAN and backbone networks. Develop long-term strategy and roadmap for backbone infrastructure, considering future traffic growth, emerging technologies, and evolving business needs. Participate in on-call rotation to troubleshoot and resolve complex network challenges across multi-vendor and hybrid environments. Assist with large scale proof of concepts from conception to deployment from an engineering and operations perspective. Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Cloud, Security, and Infrastructure teams, to align network strategies with business objectives. Mentor and lead a team of network engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation. Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders on specific product areas. Document architectural decisions, design patterns, policies, and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing across the broader organization

Requirements

8+ years of experience in network architecture, network engineering, and network operations.
Experience with large scale networks such as in a SaaS, ISP, or cloud provider network
Expertise in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS), MPLS, Segment Routing, SD-WAN, and EVPN/VXLAN.
Knowledge of optical transport technologies, including DWDM and coherent optics.
Experience with network automation using Python, Ansible, or equivalent scripting languages.
Experience with network modeling and data modeling techniques.
Strong skills in both verbal and written communications, equally adept in communicating in all directions.
Strong system architecture, problem solving, and data-driven decision-making skills.
Proven experience with project delivery for large, mission-critical, cross-functional projects.
Experience with network observability, monitoring, and DevOps.
Option 1: Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 5 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.
Option 2: 7 years’ experience in software engineering or related area.

Nice To Haves

Experience with IPv6, Internet Peering, DDoS mitigation techniques, RPKI, and Multicast is a major plus.
Advanced certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, or equivalent is a plus.
Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or related area and 3 years' experience in software engineering or related area.
We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly.
The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

Architect and lead the design of high-performance, scalable WAN and backbone networks.
Develop long-term strategy and roadmap for backbone infrastructure, considering future traffic growth, emerging technologies, and evolving business needs.
Participate in on-call rotation to troubleshoot and resolve complex network challenges across multi-vendor and hybrid environments.
Assist with large scale proof of concepts from conception to deployment from an engineering and operations perspective.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including Cloud, Security, and Infrastructure teams, to align network strategies with business objectives.
Mentor and lead a team of network engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation.
Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders on specific product areas.
Document architectural decisions, design patterns, policies, and best practices to facilitate knowledge sharing across the broader organization

Benefits

Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance.
Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more.
Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage.
Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance.
Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities.
Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates.
Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.