Network Architect

Network Architect
Location: Chicago, IL

Long Term Contract!

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect to design, standardize, and govern enterprise network infrastructure across LAN/WAN, VPN, firewalls, routers, switches, and cloud environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in enterprise networking, cloud networking, network security, M&A integrations, disaster recovery, and advanced troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

• Define, develop, review, and approve network installation and implementation standards across LAN, WAN, VPN, firewalls, routers, switches, and related network devices.
• Lead M&A network integration activities, including network assessments, analysis of acquired environments, gap analysis, standardization, and development of project timelines.
• Design and implement highly resilient network infrastructure supporting business continuity, disaster recovery, and cyber-recovery exercises.
• Serve as a Network SME and strategic consultant to business and technology stakeholders.
• Provide Level 3 escalation support for complex network, security, and operational incidents.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, event analysis, and remediation of complex network issues.
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide support for critical production environments.
• Architect secure connectivity between enterprise data centers, on-premises infrastructure, and public cloud environments.
• Design and optimize routing architectures and manipulate routing metrics and protocols to achieve desired traffic flow and resiliency.
• Design secure cloud networking solutions using native technologies within AWS and Google Cloud Platform alongside enterprise firewalls and security platforms.
• Establish and enforce network security architecture based on security protocols, cryptography, Zero Trust principles, and defense-in-depth.
• Proactively identify network vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and potential points of compromise and implement appropriate security controls.

Required Qualifications

• Strong enterprise networking background with expert-level knowledge of network architecture and data networking theory.
• Deep understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, LAN/WAN, VPN, DNS, DHCP, and directory services.
• Advanced experience with routing protocols and routing optimization.
• Hands-on experience with enterprise firewalls, routers, switches, and network security technologies.
• Strong experience designing and implementing AWS and Google Cloud Platform cloud networking.
• Experience integrating cloud-native networking with enterprise data centers and security infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of network security, cryptography, Zero Trust, and secure network architecture.
• Proven experience supporting M&A network integration and infrastructure standardization.
• Experience designing infrastructure for business continuity, disaster recovery, and cyber recovery.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, root-cause analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work with technical teams, architects, and business stakeholders.

Thanks & Regards,