Principal Network Engineer
Role Overview
Cboe Global Markets is seeking a Principal Network Engineer to serve as a deep technical anchor for our global network infrastructure. This role is responsible for shaping the design, scalability, and long-term evolution of highly distributed, latency-sensitive trading networks across on-prem and cloud environments.
Location Overview
Cboe HQ is located in the historic Old Post Office district, blending classic architecture with modern amenities. The building features expansive spaces with high ceilings and large windows, offering an abundance of natural light and panoramic views of the city skyline and the Chicago River. It is conveniently located in the heart of downtown, with easy access to major transportation hubs, including Union Station and multiple CTA lines.
Responsibilities
Design and evolve low-latency, highly resilient network architecture across global data center, co-location, and cloud-connected environments, with a focus on deterministic packet forwarding, scalability, and operational consistency.
Lead advanced routing design and implementation across complex global environments, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, multicast, hybrid cloud connectivity, traffic engineering, and high-availability network patterns.
Conduct deep technical research, lab validation, and pre-implementation testing for major network initiatives, working closely with engineering and software development teams to evaluate hardware capabilities, identify design constraints, and optimize exchange performance based on findings.
Lead high-complexity strategic projects from design through execution, producing detailed technical designs, migration runbooks, capacity plans, and implementation guidance for large-scale network changes.
Develop and maintain Python-based network automation to support configuration management, change validation, testing, and operational efficiency, with direct experience using both API-driven and SSH-based automation approaches.
Partner across infrastructure, security, application, and business teams to align network design and delivery with technical requirements, operational goals, and broader organizational priorities, including support for budgeting and planning related to network hardware and software investments.
Serve as a senior technical leader and mentor across the engineering organization, driving architecture reviews, design standards, knowledge sharing, and technical development for other engineers.
Operate effectively in a fast-moving, dynamic environment where priorities can shift, balancing long-term architectural direction with immediate engineering and operational needs.
Contribute to monitoring and telemetry strategy by helping define meaningful visibility requirements and supporting the use of tools such as Prometheus, Grafana, or similar platforms where they improve operational insight and troubleshooting.
Support the development of technical standards, design documentation, and regulatory or audit-facing materials when needed, including documentation that may be used to support SEC or other regulatory review processes.
Requirements
10+ years of hands-on network engineering experience in mission-critical, low-latency environments, with a strong track record operating and evolving high-performance network infrastructure.
Advanced knowledge of routing protocols at scale, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and multicast (PIM-SM/SSM), with proven experience designing resilient, highly available global networks.
Strong understanding of network hardware and platform capabilities across major vendors, with the ability to evaluate limitations and optimize design decisions through hands-on research and lab validation.
Proven experience building and maintaining Python-based network automation, including API-driven and SSH-based approaches for configuration management, testing, and operational efficiency.
Working knowledge of observability and telemetry concepts, with exposure to platforms such as Prometheus, Grafana, or similar tools for network visibility and performance analysis.
Solid understanding of network security fundamentals, including segmentation, access control, and zero-trust principles as they apply to network design.
Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers, influence technical direction, and contribute to engineering standards and best practices across an organization.
Qualifications
CCIE Certification (Routing & Switching or Data Center) or equivalent experience.
Expert-level knowledge of deterministic packet forwarding, advanced routing design, and ultra-low latency architecture.
Ability to operate independently and own complex problems end-to-end.
Strong communication skills to translate complex architectural decisions, trade-offs, and risks into clear, actionable insights for both engineering teams and senior leadership.
Experience with modern observability platforms such as Prometheus and Grafana to drive data-informed engineering decisions.
Skills
Deep technical expertise in low-latency and deterministic network design.
Advanced knowledge of routing protocols at scale, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and multicast (PIM-SM/SSM).
Strong understanding of network hardware and platform capabilities across major vendors.
Experience with Python scripting for network automation.
Working knowledge of observability and telemetry concepts, with exposure to platforms such as Prometheus, Grafana, or similar tools.
Experience with modern observability platforms such as Prometheus and Grafana.
Strong communication skills to translate complex architectural decisions, trade-offs, and risks into clear, actionable insights.
Benefits And Perks Of Working For Cboe Global Markets
Fair and competitive salary and incentive compensation packages with an upside for overachievement.
Generous paid time off, including vacation, personal days, sick days and annual community service days.
Health, dental and vision benefits, including access to telemedicine and mental health services.
2:1 401(k) match, up to 8% match immediately upon hire.
Discounted Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
Tax Savings Accounts for health, dependent and transportation.
Employee referral bonus program.
Volunteer opportunities to help you give back to your communities.