Principal IT Infrastructure and Network Engineer

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Are you a senior-level infrastructure and networking expert ready to lead from the front?

We’re looking for a highly experienced Principal IT Infrastructure & Network Engineer to take ownership of complex technical environments, provide strategic technical leadership, and mentor high-performing engineering teams within a fast-paced, enterprise IT environment.

This is more than a technical role — it’s an opportunity to influence architecture, drive innovation, lead critical projects, and become a key escalation point across the business.

The Principal Engineer plays a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and guidance to ensure the alignment of strategies and services with the objectives of our customers, the company, and regulatory standards. This position is charged with the responsibility of overseeing high-impact, complex, time-sensitive, or critical challenges and orchestrating cross-departmental collaboration and execution to achieve successful outcomes.

As a Principal Engineer, you are entrusted with leading the development of innovative technical methods, techniques, and strategies in line with our business plans. Your industry-recognised expertise positions you as a mentor and influencer, offering guidance and knowledge transfer to technical staff within your specialised discipline.

Duties & Responsibilities

Technical Ability and Escalations

• Provide expert service delivery to clients
• Lead by example with administrative tasks such as ensuring logs are up to date and time is accounted for in systems as per the company policy
• Oversee and manage the design, development, and implementation of technical solutions
• Analyse technical challenges and develop solutions
• Research and recommend new technologies, processes, and procedures
• Proactively identifies opportunities to reuse or generalise existing services and product features
• Exposes technology and organisational needs throughout the field.
• Solves technical problems of the highest scope, complexity, and ambiguity for their customers and peers.
• Interfaces with Senior Management and enables techs to engage on department-level aspects of larger initiatives
• Looks for innovation opportunities between several teams
• Proposes initial technical implementation to support architectural changes
• Ensures company-wide goals are aligned across the technical team
• Provides a point of escalation for complex technical challenges
• Attain a measurable impact on the work of the technical team
• Interact with customers and other external stakeholders
• Exposes the work of the technical team and their business impact internally
• Knowledgeable in all specialties practiced within the company
• Provides clear and effective guidance for technical approaches to accomplish certification of designs by employing methodologies that bring the greatest overall value to the company
• Provides technical review and approval of technical designs, especially those that are of high risk or new technology
• Establishes and maintains relationships with essential internal and external technical experts to ensure technical expertise is available and program requirements are being achieved
• Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Be aware of scope creep and ensure that work effort is aligned with quotes and services
• Be an escalation point for senior engineers (L4)

Training and Development of Staff

• Monitor and assess the performance of the technical team and provide feedback to Senior Management for growth and learning opportunities
• Teach, mentor, grow, and provide advice and guidance to engineers and service staff
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring of technical staff
• Partner with management and HR to assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and employee performance evaluations
• Assist with identifying new and existing talent to be introduced to the business

Project Management

• Lead and manage technical projects from conception to completion as and when required
• Align with the business technical methods, approaches, and products that meet the solution requirement
• Take a leading role in projects that require thought leadership and guidance
• Ensure we are on track regarding project tasks, providing assistance where required to project managers
• Provides input and guidance during all phases of programs to solve challenging technical issues
• Strive to meet project milestones on time in accordance with the project plan

Review and Audit Checks on Client Accounts

• Conduct reviews and audits of clients to ensure compliance with technical standards and client requirements
• Collaborate with internal teams to address any discrepancies or issues identified during the audit process
• Provide technical input and guidance to rectify audit findings and ensure client satisfaction
• Ensure customer technical documentation is up to date at all times and is accurate

Self Training and Development

• Maintain architect level certifications in products and vendors that align with the organisation’s vision.
• Actively grow your leadership and management skillset
• Continuous development of leadership and management skills through various training interventions both through the company and personally.

General

• Work closely with pre-sales department and sales department ensuring constant alignment
• Communicate effectively via company communication tools (WhatsApp, Teams, CRM, Service Desk)
• Lead by example always
• Work with engineers to help them achieve their work targets
• Ensure that you are in the office 3 days a week to assist the team and lead by example.
• Be generous with your after-hours time to help your colleagues develop and learn from you
• We are aware of and manage your stress levels to ensure you have a composed and calm demeanour always
• Have a constant improvement mindset

Performance

• Achieve your billable hours-based targets
• Account for 100% of your time at the service desk
• Ensure administration is always up to date in systems
• Respond to work communications quickly and effectively
• Have a “get it done now” attitude
• Ensure sufficient diligence prior to escalation to management
• Ensure matters that are escalated are done so timeously
• Take accountability and responsibility for your role and duties

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering or a related field
• Proven experience in progressively responsible technical roles, including leadership positions
• Senior experience in system design, architecture, and implementation
• Proven track record of successful project management
• Strong technical and analytical skills
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Able to work as part of a team and independently
• Knowledge of best practices and secure design principles
• Able to work effectively in stressful situations
• Open minded to personal growth and development
• A “can do now” mindset