Principal IT Engineer - Network Operations  

Are you a recognized expert in network architecture who defines direction in complex environments, is trusted in critical situations, with a track record of defining and implementing strategic direction for next‑generation network infrastructure and services

We are looking for a Principal IT Engineer in Network Operations who applies deep technical expertise to define and drive direction for network services at scale.

You will hold a central role in defining how global network operations are designed, standardized and governed , operating at scale across 200+ customers with diverse and complex environments, requiring consistent architecture and operating models.

What you will do

• Own and define the strategic direction for network operations in Cegal
• Accountable for defining and governing the target architecture for network services across customers, platforms, and regions.
• Drive the transition from device‑centric networking to software‑defined, policy‑driven, and Infrastructure‑as‑Code based models
• Set and govern design principles and decisions across teams, ensuring alignment with long‑term strategy and operational realities
• Engage in major incidents where resolution requires principal-level judgement impacting architecture, standards, or future design.
• Drive and enforce standardization principles across a highly diverse customer landscape
• Define how ServiceNow and supporting platforms underpin the operating model, data foundations and service governance.
• Own lifecycle strategy,  automation principles, and how network services are built, operated, and evolved.
• Drive the transformation to platform-based operating models and ensure adoption across teams.

About the role

As a Principal IT Engineer, you operate as a recognized expert in your field, combining deep and broad expertise with the  responsibility to define and set direction across the organization.

In this role, you will:

• Own and drive resolution of critical and complex problems impacting service design, scalability, and long-term direction for network.
• Define and lead cross-team initiatives that shape standards, architecture, and operating models.
• Take ownership of technical direction, standards, and key decisions within your area
• Act as a role model and mentor, supporting colleagues in developing their skills and approach
• Define and implement structural improvements to operating models and service design
• Represent network architecture and service design in high-impact or complex stakeholder interactions when required

Success in this role is defined by your ability to establish clear direction, ensure adoption of standards, and deliver scalable and consistent network services globally.

Who are you?

You are a recognized expert with deep and broad expertise, trusted in critical situations with 15+ years of experience and strong architectural thinking and a structured, pragmatic approach. You are comfortable navigating complexity and making decisions where multiple stakeholders, technologies, and customer requirements meet.

You lead through recognised expertise, shaping decisions, alignment, and direction across teams without formal authority You enjoy improving how things are done by addressing root causes and driving lasting improvements.

We believe you have: 

• Strong experience from complex network environments, ideally combining operations and solution architecture
• Deep understanding of network architecture, cloud networking, and virtualized environments
• Experience designing or evolving towards SD‑WAN, SDN, and cloud‑native networking models
• Solid experience handling critical incidents and complex troubleshooting in high‑availability environments
• Understanding of Infrastructure as Code and automation concepts (e.g. Terraform/Bicep, Git‑based workflows)
• Ability to drive standardization across diverse environments and customer setups
• Proven experience and technical credibility matter more than formal education

Why Cegal?

Cegal is the place for people who want to have an impact!  What makes us unique is the combination of deep energy industry expertise, advanced technology and scalable delivery models. What we do can be seen in real-world outcomes and on bottom-lines, not just on powerpoint slides

While we are big enough to have work with global customers, we are still small enough for you to make a real difference and stand out.  With colleagues from 40+ nationalities, diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes and good ideas travel fast. If you like improving how things are done, you’ll have room to do it here!

You will:

• Play a key role in defining and governing how network services are designed and delivered across a large and complex customer base
• Define and govern architecture, standards, and platform direction at scale
• Collaborate with a skilled global team across Norway, UK, USA, Malaysia.
• Contribute directly to the stability, quality, and long‑term customer trust in a critical service area.

We value people who lean forward, take ownership and create clarity in complex environments. We believe great things happen when we dare to raise the bar for ourselves and each other, driven by our values of accountability, innovation, proactivity and fuss fighting.

Location: Stavanger 

Questions?  Contact the hiring manager Bjørnar Tveit (+4794323931) or Talent Acquisition Specialist Joachim Croft Guslund (+47 93 68 87 97) 

This is a direct company recruitment. We will not accept applications or candidates via employment agencies. As a candidate you will need to have a valid working visa for Norway. Cegal does not sponsor visas. For successful candidates, Cegal might ask for consent to perform a background check.