Principal Engineer, Global Labs

The Principal Engineer, Global Labs at Calix will serve as the primary technical lead for global labs infrastructure, driving the integration of lab network and infrastructure design. This role involves aligning engineering efforts with strategic goals, defining and maintaining infrastructure architecture, and leading cross-functional planning. The candidate will ensure compliance with industry standards, monitor project execution, and drive continuous improvement. Key responsibilities include providing architectural guidance on advanced networking technologies like EVPN, VXLAN, and PON, supporting troubleshooting, and evaluating tools for monitoring and automation. Strong background in data center architecture and network engineering with leadership capabilities is essential.

Must Have

• Serve as Primary Technical Lead for Global Labs infrastructure.
• Align lab network and design engineering with goals and technical roadmaps.
• Define and maintain Global Labs infrastructure architecture.
• Lead cross-functional planning sessions.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (BICSI, RCDD) and internal policies.
• Monitor and guide lab network and design projects.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide architectural guidance on EVPN, VXLAN, PON.
• Support troubleshooting and escalation for complex infrastructure issues.
• Evaluate and recommend tools for monitoring, automation, and asset management.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years in Telecommunication product validation, tools, and lab infrastructure architecture.
• 5+ years at Architect level driving innovation in distributed teams and complex Product Validation environments.
• In-depth exposure to test and validation of Networking products.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (L2/L3, EVPN, DHCP, NAT, DNS).
• Understand EVPN spine leaf architecture and data center/enterprise network functionalities.
• Test and Automation skills in scripting (bash, perl, python).
• Knowledge of power standards and limitations in AC and DC distribution.
• Experience with Calix products or similar ONT/OLT architectures.
• Experience with Cisco and Juniper network equipment.
• Experience with Telecommunication Test Traffic Generation tools.
• Familiarity with DCIM tools, CMDBs, and asset tracking platforms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under deadlines.

Good to Have

• Knowledge of power and cooling systems, EPMS platforms, and high-availability solutions.
• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, OpenSource tools).
• DEV-OPS skills in networking.

Perks & Benefits

• Bonus eligibility
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work option

Calix provides the cloud, software platforms, systems and services required for communications service providers to simplify their businesses, excite their subscribers and grow their value.

Reporting to Director of Global Labs, the Principal Eng serves as the central point of Technical Leadership driving integration of Lab Network and Infrastructure Design. Candidate will work closely with Lab Engineers / Technicians as well as internal Development and Test functions to ensure seamless collaboration, optimal resource utilization, and translating user requirements in alignment with established strategic priorities and goals.

The candidate should possess a strong background in data center architecture and network engineering with proven leadership and project management capabilities.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Primary Technical Lead and coordinator for Global Labs infrastructure activities and initiatives.
• Align lab network and design engineering efforts with outlined goals and technical roadmaps.
• Define and maintain the Global Labs infrastructure architecture, including network topology, equipment layout, and power / cooling strategies.
• Lead cross-functional planning sessions with Lab Management, System Administrators, Development and Test Engineers, and Technicians.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards (e.g., BICSI, RCDD) and internal policies.
• Monitor and guide the execution of lab network and design projects.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across lab operations.
• Provide architectural guidance on EVPN, VXLAN, PON, and other advanced networking technologies.
• Support troubleshooting and escalation for complex infrastructure issues.
• Evaluate and recommend tools for monitoring, automation, and asset management (e.g., Netbox, SolarWinds, ServiceNow).
• Global Collaboration & Communication
• Facilitate communication across global teams and time zones.
• Represent lab architecture in technical forums.
• Coordinate and participate in lab visits, audits, and in-person meetings as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in Telecommunication product validation, tools and lab infrastructure architecture.
• 5+ years of experience at the Architect level driving innovation into globally distributed teams and highly complex Product Validation environments
• In-depth exposure to test and validation of Networking products, including test strategy development, testbed design and management, and test cycles.
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols (L2/L3, EVPN, DHCP, NAT, DNS).
• Understand the overall EVPN spine leaf architecture and data center / enterprise network functionalities.
• Test and Automation skills in core scripting disciplines (bash, perl, python etc)
• Networking layers 1-7 with Voice, Video and High-volume data preferred.
• Knowledge of power standards and limitations in AC and DC distribution.
• Experience with Calix products or similar ONT/OLT architectures.
• Experience with Cisco and Juniper network equipment.
• Experience with Telecommunication Test Traffic Generation tools
• Familiarity with DCIM tools, CMDBs, and asset tracking platforms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to multi-task, prioritize, and work under deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of power and cooling systems, EPMS platforms, and high-availability solutions.
• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, OpenSource tools).
• DEV-OPS skills in networking a plus.

Location: Richardson, TX

Hybrid work option available for candidates based in Dallas area. Lab operates 24x7 supporting Development and Test Teams across US and Global time zones. Position requires candidate to offer some flexibility in work schedule and be available for early / late for meetings or assisting in troubleshooting network issues. Travel may be required to visit labs and / or attend in-person meetings and events.

The base pay range for this position varies based on the geographic location. More information about the pay range specific to candidate location and other factors will be shared during the recruitment process. Individual pay is determined based on location of residence and multiple factors, including job-related knowledge, skills and experience.

San Francisco Bay Area:

182,900 - 310,500 USD Annual

All Other US Locations:

159,000 - 270,000 USD Annual

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for a bonus. For information on our benefits click here.