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 us?

Because at Cegal - You matter. You will be seen, heard, and appreciated in an Inclusive company where you can be your true self. We are problem solvers who don’t hide behind technical jargon and fancy buzzwords. Instead, we make the complicated easy to understand and turn complexity into digital success stories. We call that being Fuss Fighters. You will work with Super Skilled colleagues and experience how our diversity encourages creativity, innovation and knowledge-sharing. We are passionate about technology and have a culture of learning from others, sharing knowledge and growing.

We are dedicated to creating a work culture that is flexible, accommodating, and inclusive of diverse needs. A balanced approach to work and personal life leads to happier and more productive individuals. We prioritize employee well-being and support work-life balance. You give and receive– You matter.

What’s in it for you?

Working in Cegal you have great opportunities for professional development and social engagement:

• Career paths - Advance your career with trainee programs, mentorship, growth dialogue.
• Influence - Ideal company size - global impact, yet room for you stand out and make a difference
• Professional growth – Benefit from a training budget and dedicated time for learning and growth, while enjoying access to digital courses and our very own certification center.
• Fun at work - 870+ employees, 20+ social clubs, including football, game nights, wine tasting, and company trips.
• Technology - We are passionate about new tech. Test the latest technologies and learn how to implement them in real-world scenarios.
• Work-life balance - Enjoy a supportive and flexible work environment that enables you thrive both professionally and personally.
• Social impact - Support diversity in the tech industry through our humanitarian and advocacy programs or platinum partnership with the Oda Network

Want to know more about these and other benefits? Visit our careers page: https://www.cegal.com/en/careers/working-at-cegal

We know ChatGPT can write a perfect motivational letter, but we don't want perfect - use the cover letter as an opportunity to let us in on the real, unique and imperfect you!

We can't wait to hear from you and explore a common future.

Location:  Stavanger 

Questions?

Contact Joachim Croft Guslund , Talent Acquisition Specialist - +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. Finalist candidates will be asked to consent to a background check according to our security routines. We will ask all candidates to disclose potential ties to high-risk and sanctioned countries.