Sr Prin Network Engineer

Consumers Energy•Jackson, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Consumers Energy is hiring a Senior Principal Network Engineer to design, implement, operate, and optimize advanced network infrastructure across on-premises and cloud environments. The role provides technical leadership to help ensure network security, reliability, scalability, and performance. It also involves mentoring engineers, leading strategic network initiatives, and working with cross-functional teams to improve network capabilities and performance. This is a hybrid position with required onsite work Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at One Energy Plaza in Jackson, Michigan. The selected candidate must be within commuting distance or willing to relocate; a relocation package is available to those who qualify. The position is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship, including H-1B or TN sponsorship, and cannot hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT. Consumers Energy describes its workplace as inclusive and focused on career development, growth, and stability. The company’s stated purpose is delivering world-class performance with hometown service.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field, plus at least 10 years of hands-on network engineering experience; or an associate’s degree in a related field plus at least 12 years; or a high school diploma or GED plus at least 14 years.
At least 4 years of hands-on cloud networking experience with a bachelor’s degree, 6 years with an associate’s degree, or 8 years with a high school diploma or GED, in AWS, Azure, or GCP environments.
At least 4 years of experience with SD-WAN, network segmentation, and automation tools with a bachelor’s degree; 6 years with an associate’s degree; or 8 years with a high school diploma or GED.
At least 4 years leading technical projects and mentoring engineers with a bachelor’s degree; 6 years with an associate’s degree; or 8 years with a high school diploma or GED.
At least 7 years designing and supporting large-scale enterprise networks, including hybrid cloud environments, with a bachelor’s degree; 9 years with an associate’s degree; or 11 years with a high school diploma or GED.
Expert-level knowledge of network architectures and protocols, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VXLAN, and EVPN.
Deep expertise in cloud networking technologies, including AWS VPC, Azure Virtual WAN, GCP VPC, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute, and cloud load balancing.
Proficiency in network automation and scripting using Terraform, Ansible, Python, and PowerShell.
Experience with SD-WAN, network virtualization, and software-defined networking technologies, including Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, and AWS Transit Gateway.
Advanced troubleshooting skills across on-premises and cloud environments.
Strong strategic thinking and technical leadership, including experience leading large-scale networking initiatives and influencing stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex networking concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and foster continuous learning and improvement.
Strong teamwork and problem-solving skills, balancing business needs with security, reliability, and operational excellence.
Ability to work collaboratively and embody the principles of being humble, hungry, and people smart.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, operate, and maintain enterprise LAN, WLAN, and WAN networks across on-premises and cloud environments, including AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Monitor, troubleshoot, and resolve critical network issues; provide Tier 3 escalation support and lead root cause analysis.
Develop and implement network automation strategies using Terraform, Ansible, Python, or PowerShell.
Develop and document network architectures, configurations, operational procedures, standards, troubleshooting guides, and project plans.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand and address network requirements, providing technical guidance and support.
Stay informed about networking technologies, industry trends, and security threats, and provide strategic recommendations for network optimization and future readiness.
Mentor and guide engineers, fostering continuous learning, technical excellence, and professional development.
Perform other duties as assigned.