Network Architect

SOFT's client located in Dallas, TX ( Hybrid ) is looking for a Network Architect for a long term contract assignment.

Bachelor s degree in applicable discipline or the equivalent is required.
10+ years of technical area experience in a complex enterprise IT environment, for large-scale systems across
multiple hardware and software platforms.
At least 7+ years of experience in network and security infrastructure technology engineering (e.g., routing and
switching, firewall).
DevOps / Automation: TerraForm, Ansible, Python
In-depth knowledge of the following:
Network Routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP
Network WAN technologies MPLS over mGRE, DMVPN, IPSEC VPN, WAN MACSec
Juniper and Palo Alto Firewalls
Algosec or similar firewall policy tool
Cisco Nexus Hardware (ACI & Nexus Mode), Cisco Catalyst Catalyst 8500, 9k Series, ASR and ISR series
Expert at network fundamentals including the OSI model, TCP/IP, IPv4 and IPv6
Must be comfortable with Linux commands/file system
Strong technical knowledge of IT enterprise systems and tools
Experience with IDS/IPS, network access control, load balancers preferred
Experience learning, sharing, and implementing best practices with the ability to determine operational processes
Progressive leadership experience with responsibility for leading technical staff and matrixed teams within large
mission-critical systems with complex network requirements, or the equivalent required
Experience implementing network and security infrastructure for large critical enterprise environment that is a
target of Nation-State attackers.
Deep understanding of network and security infrastructure capabilities and gaps.
Understanding of NIST and FedRAMP security requirements

Responsibilities:
As an architect you will need to align technical strategic direction and roadmaps for network products with the business and security
strategies. Work with peers and leaders in the Network Product Line to influence their roadmaps including ensuring that
they are enabling Infrastructure Architecture and Security strategic priorities. As an architect you will be communicating
and presenting at all levels of the organization including non-technical audiences. Participate in planning, design, and
execution of critical and strategic efforts with a focus on recognizing, providing resolutions, and escalating issues before
they have impact. Work closely with architects around the System and business / product owners to
understand and advance NIT strategic directions from a network and security infrastructure strategy perspective. This
position will require an individual who is a self-starter and can work well in multiple roles including leading a team,
participating as a member of a team, and also alone.

Develop and maintain strategic network and security infrastructure architectural roadmaps with a 2-5 year outlook
taking into account business direction, customer experience, and technology trends
Develop and maintain network and security infrastructure capability map
Be an active participant providing tactful advice and guidance during all Architecture Review Board activities
Partner with internal customers to provide guidance on architectural patterns. Recommends and implements
changes to business information and technical architecture requirements.
Partners with our clients and other resources in detecting critical architectural and infrastructure gaps or
deficiencies in the IT environment. Recommends solutions for improvement.
Provide input and directional guidance for network and security infrastructure automation
Work with peer architects to create integration patterns that inform and set standards for various traffic patterns in
a hybrid enterprise environment
Oversees and directs major, critical, and emerging technology studies. Assess merit and impact; Work with NPL
Architects on architecture standards and influence designs
Understand inherited risks related to network and security infrastructure environment that encompasses
colocation data centers, multiple CSPs, SaaS and on-premise sites that are interdependent on each other
Support Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Delivery (CD) efforts to ensure adherence to CI/CD
principles
Maintain working relationships with peers and business partners and communicate with key executives and
stakeholders on successes, opportunities, and challenges
Initiates and oversees project development, system/design/testing, requirement direction and investigation of
alternatives for implementation of feasible new technology.
Provides key consultative leadership on System projects focused on planning, development and implementation
of strategic technological directives.
Provides strategic foresight and long-term development planning for future technology impacting the client

Please refer to the Position ID when inquiring about a job posting or sending in your resume.

***INDEPENDENT CONSULTANTS ONLY! NO THIRD PARTIES/NO SUB CONTRACTORS***