Lead Network Engineer

It’s an exciting time in technology, and that buzz is felt throughout PetSmart! We are continuing to grow at a faster pace and we want to continue to provide best-in-class experiences for pets and pet parents.

Our Technology team has 6 different departments: Information Security, Service Delivery, Business Enabling Systems, eCommerce & Marketing Technology, Data and Stores, Services & Supply Chain.

Whether it’s online or in our stores, the work that the IT team does is instrumental in PetSmart’s success. We have a strategic and actionable plan underway and are looking for associates who are just as excited about it as we are.

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

This role will work in our Phoenix Home Office - Visa sponsorship is not available for this role

PetSmart is seeking a highly experienced Lead Network Engineer to join our Enterprise Network Engineering and Operations team within the Service Delivery organization. This role is ideal for an external candidate who brings deep technical expertise, strong leadership capabilities, and a proven track record designing and operating large-scale enterprise networks.

As the Lead Network Engineer, you will play a critical role in shaping the strategy, architecture, and reliability of PetSmart’s network infrastructure across retail, distribution, corporate, and cloud environments. You will serve as both a hands-on technical expert and mentor, partnering across teams to deliver scalable, secure, and highly available network solutions.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Expert-level knowledge of advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) in large-scale enterprise environments.
• Deep expertise in VXLAN/EVPN/Underlay/Overlay networks
• Experience and understanding of implementing Zero Trust architecture
• Advanced understanding of secure networking concepts including VPNs (IPsec/SSL), PKI, ACLs, and network segmentation.
• Strong experience with VLANs, VRFs, and multi-tenant architectures.
• Proven ability to design and support large-scale WAN environments (1000+ sites), including SD-WAN integration (SilverPeak or equivalent).
• Experience with hybrid and cloud networking architectures (GCP preferred).
• Familiarity with network monitoring and observability tools (e.g., SolarWinds).
• Exceptional troubleshooting skills across complex, distributed environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the architecture, design, and deployment of enterprise network solutions across data centers, corporate offices, distribution centers, retail locations, and cloud platforms.
• Act as a technical authority for network engineering, providing guidance and assisting with decision-making on complex designs and issues.
• Drive end-to-end delivery of network projects, including planning, execution, risk management, and post-implementation validation.
• Provide Tier 3/4 escalation support for major incidents, performing deep troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
• Establish and enforce network standards, best practices, and documentation for a multi-vendor enterprise environment.
• Partner with security, cloud, infrastructure, and application teams to deliver integrated and secure solutions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements aligned to business and technology roadmaps.
• Manage vendor relationships, including product selection, escalation management, and performance oversight.
• Lead change management activities and ensure compliance with operational and security policies.
• Participate in a 24x7 on-call rotation and lead incident response when required.
• Mentor and guide network engineers, fostering knowledge sharing and technical growth across the team.

LEADERSHIP & COMMUNICATION

• Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives and influence cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, enterprise environment.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and time management skills.
• Collaborative mindset with a focus on delivering business outcomes.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in network engineering, computer science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10 – 12+ years of progressive network engineering experience in large enterprise environments, w/ 4 or more of those years in a Sr level role. 
• Prior experience in a lead or senior-level engineering role required.
• Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, or PCNSE are highly desirable.

Collaborative & Flexible Work Environment: We believe in fostering growth, teamwork and creativity in a dynamic workplace. This role is based at PetSmart’s Phoenix Home Office, where associates currently enjoy the benefits of in-person collaboration while having the flexibility to work remotely one day per week (a “flex workday” with leader approval), and an expected four days in the office. At PetSmart, you’ll be part of an engaging and supportive environment designed to help you and our teams thrive.

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

• Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!
• On-site Dog Park
• “Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers
• “Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options
• On-site coffee bar
• “Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)
• Volunteer events with PetSmart Charities
• Learn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/
• Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/
• Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/
• If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.