Principal Network Engineer

Rightworks offers the only intelligent cloud purpose-built for accounting firms and professionals. Backed by award-winning support, our fully managed IT and applications ensure customers have secure, reliable, on-demand access to their technology. We provide a curated software ecosystem that simplifies the complexity of running an accounting firm or small business, supported by a community of thought leaders, peer networks, and educational resources. Our success is made possible by leveraging decades of specialized experience in leading accounting firms, SMBs and technology companies. Thousands of Firms and SMBs count on us to run their business every day. 

We have a great team, we’re growing fast and have a winning culture based on innovation, teamwork, and mutual respect. 

Job Overview 

We are seeking an accomplished Principal Network Engineer with foundational knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI) to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our network infrastructure. This role will involve exploring introductory AI techniques to enhance network performance, automation, and security. The ideal candidate will combine extensive networking expertise with a willingness to learn and apply basic AI concepts to support our mission-critical systems. 

This is a hybrid position, with 3 days per week in our Nashua, NH headquarters.  

Responsibilities 

• Network Design and Optimization: Architect and deploy scalable, high-performance network infrastructure to support AI workloads, ensuring reliability and low latency. 

• AI Exploration: Learn and apply introductory AI tools and techniques, such as basic machine learning models, for network traffic analysis, monitoring, and optimization. 

• Automation and Scripting: Develop network automation scripts using tools like Python to streamline provisioning, configuration, and management tasks. 

• Security Implementation: Implement network security measures and explore AI-driven tools for basic threat detection and mitigation. 

• Performance Monitoring: Use monitoring tools to analyze network performance, with an interest in applying basic AI techniques to identify trends or issues. 

• Collaboration: Work with cross-functional teams, including software engineers, security engineers and operations, to integrate network solutions with AI-driven applications. 

• Innovation and Learning: Stay updated on networking trends and build foundational AI knowledge to propose improvements to network systems. 

• Leadership and Mentorship: Guide junior engineers, lead network projects, and foster a culture of technical excellence. 

Requirements  

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. 

• 7+ years of experience in network engineering, with at least 3 years in a senior or principal role. 

• Basic exposure to AI or machine learning concepts through coursework, self-study, or introductory projects. 

• Expertise in network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS) and technologies (Software Defined Networking, Network Functions Virtualization). 

• Familiarity with programming for automation (e.g., Python, Bash, Terraform). 

• Basic understanding of AI/ML concepts or tools (e.g., introductory experience with TensorFlow, scikit-learn, or similar). 

• Knowledge of cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud environments. 

• Familiarity with network security best practices. 

• Certifications (Preferred): CCNP, CCIE or equivalent; introductory AI/ML certifications (e.g., Coursera AI/ML courses, AWS AI Practitioner). 

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills. 

• Excellent communication and leadership abilities. 

• Eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience with network automation platforms (e.g., Ansible, Cisco DNA Center). 

• Basic exposure to AI-driven network tools (e.g., Juniper Mist AI or similar). 

• Completion of online AI/ML courses or bootcamps. 

Eligibility Requirements 

• This role is open to US Citizens or permanent residents authorized to work in the United States. Rightworks LLC is unable to offer visa sponsorship.  

• Due to specific state regulations, we are unable to accept applications from residents of California, Hawaii, or Alaska.  

• Relocation will not be offered for this position. 

Benefits 

To provide best-in-class solutions, we need a best-in-class team. We offer competitive salaries to recruit the best talent. We provide company-paid short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance and a generous 401K match. We offer highly affordable medical, dental, vision coverage, and many other valuable benefits. We offer flexible PTO, and numerous paid holidays, affording you the time to be there for what is important in your life. We encourage giving back to our communities by providing paid volunteer time off. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer!