Cisco Network Architect

Role: Network Architect
Location: Remote Position
Long term contract

Position Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced Network Architect to design, architect, and support enterprise networking solutions for clients across multiple industries. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in Cisco networking technologies, solution design, hardware and software licensing, and the ability to develop accurate Bill of Materials (BOMs) and quotes. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to customers and internal stakeholders while supporting complex managed services engagements.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in network engineering, architecture, and solution design.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a Network Architect or Lead Network Engineer role.
• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise-scale Cisco networking solutions.
• Experience working for a Managed Services Provider (MSP) or Master Service Provider supporting enterprise customers.
• Strong customer-facing consulting and solution architecture experience.

Technical Requirements

Cisco Networking

• Expert-level knowledge of:
  • Cisco Catalyst Switching
  • Cisco Nexus Data Center Switching
  • Cisco Routing Platforms
  • Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN
  • Cisco Wireless Solutions
  • Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)
  • Cisco Firepower and Secure Firewall
  • Cisco DNA Center / Catalyst Center
  • Cisco ThousandEyes (preferred)

Network Architecture

• Enterprise LAN/WAN/WiFi architecture
• Data center networking
• Cloud connectivity (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud Platform)
• High Availability (HA) design
• Network segmentation and security architecture
• Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
• Network modernization and transformation initiatives

Managed Services Experience

• Experience architecting solutions that will be operated within managed service environments.
• Understanding of:
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
  • Operational support models
  • ITIL-based service delivery processes
  • Network Operations Center (NOC) operations
  • Transition-to-operations activities

Cisco Quoting and Licensing Experience (Required)

The successful candidate must demonstrate significant experience with:

Hardware Quoting

• Development of Cisco solution Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Hardware sizing and platform selection.
• Creation and validation of customer-ready solution quotes.
• Working with Cisco account teams, distributors, and partners to obtain pricing and discounts.
• Review and optimization of hardware configurations for cost, performance, and scalability.

Licensing Expertise

• Strong understanding of Cisco licensing models including:
  • Cisco DNA Licensing
  • Catalyst Center Licensing
  • Cisco SD-WAN Licensing
  • Security Licensing
  • Subscription-based licensing models
  • Enterprise Agreements (EA)
• Ability to determine licensing requirements for customer environments.
• Experience developing accurate licensing estimates and renewal strategies.
• Ability to align licensing consumption with customer business requirements and budgets.

Preferred Certifications

• CCNP Enterprise (Required)
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (Preferred)
• Cisco Certified Specialist certifications
• AWS and/or Azure networking certifications
• ITIL Foundation certification

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect Cisco-based networking solutions for enterprise customers.
• Lead technical discovery workshops and requirements-gathering sessions.
• Develop High-Level Designs (HLDs) and Low-Level Designs (LLDs).
• Create solution BOMs, licensing models, and customer-facing quotations.
• Review and approve network designs for scalability, security, and operational supportability.
• Provide technical leadership to engineering, operations, and project delivery teams.
• Assist network engineers in advanced troubleshooting during high priority incidents
• Collaborate with Cisco, distributors, and third-party vendors on solution development.
• Support RFPs, RFQs, and technical proposal development activities.
• Participate in customer presentations, executive briefings, and architecture reviews.
• Ensure solutions align with managed services operational models and client expectations.

Desired Soft Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer presentation and executive communication abilities.
• Proven leadership and mentoring experience.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work across sales, engineering, project management, and service delivery teams.

Ideal Candidate Profile

A senior Cisco architect with 10+ years of progressive networking experience, who has worked within a managed/master services provider organization, possesses hands-on expertise with Cisco architecture, quoting, BOM development, and licensing, and can confidently engage with customers from solution conception through delivery and operational transition.