Network Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Network Architect in Lowell, MA.

Summary:
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Network Architect to lead the design, evolution, and governance of our global hybrid network infrastructure. This role is responsible for defining and driving the enterprise networking strategy across on-premises, cloud, and security domains while ensuring scalability, resiliency, performance, and operational excellence.

The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in enterprise network architecture, multi-cloud networking (Azure and Google Cloud Platform), network security, automation, and observability. This individual will serve as a technical authority, influencing architecture decisions, establishing standards, and guiding engineering teams through the implementation of complex network initiatives.

Core Responsibilities:
Network Strategy & Architecture:
* Define and maintain the enterprise network architecture roadmap supporting business growth, cloud adoption, and digital transformation initiatives
* Lead the architecture and design of global network solutions spanning data centers, campuses, branch locations, cloud environments, and internet edge connectivity
* Develop reference architectures, design standards, and engineering best practices for hybrid and multi-cloud networking environments
* Evaluate emerging networking technologies and provide strategic recommendations aligned with business and technology objectives
* Establish architectural governance processes to ensure consistency, scalability, security, and operational efficiency across all network platforms

Hybrid Cloud & Connectivity Architecture:
* Design and optimize connectivity architectures across Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and on-premises environments
* Architect resilient WAN, SD-WAN, MPLS, Internet, and cloud interconnect solutions
* Define routing, segmentation, and traffic engineering strategies utilizing technologies such as BGP, OSPF, VRF, IPSec, and software-defined networking

REQUIREMENTS:
Basic Qualifications Experience:
* 13+ years of experience in enterprise networking, network architecture, and infrastructure engineering
* 10+ years of experience designing and architecting complex global network environments
* Proven experience leading architecture initiatives across hybrid and multi-cloud environments

Enterprise Network Architecture:
* Deep expertise in: Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF); Switching architectures (Juniper); WAN technologies (MPLS, SD-WAN, IPSec); DNS architectures (Infoblox, Cloudflare, Cloud DNS); Internet edge and cloud connectivity architectures

Cloud Networking:
* 10+ years of experience architecting networking solutions within Azure and Google Cloud Platform
* Expertise designing cloud-native networking services and hybrid connectivity architectures
* Strong understanding of cloud security, traffic engineering, and multi-cloud integration patterns

Network Security:
* Extensive experience with Palo Alto and Juniper firewall architectures
* Strong understanding of Zero Trust, segmentation, secure access, and network security design principles

Wireless & Application Delivery:
* Experience architecting Aruba Wireless solutions
* Strong understanding of enterprise load balancing architectures including F5, Azure Load Balancer, and Google Cloud Load Balancing

Automation & Modern Infrastructure:
* Advanced knowledge of Infrastructure-as-Code and network automation using Terraform and Ansible
* Experience integrating automation into large-scale network lifecycle management processes

Observability & Troubleshooting:
* Expert-level knowledge of network monitoring and observability platforms including Splunk and ThousandEyes
* Strong packet analysis and protocol troubleshooting skills using tools such as Wireshark
* Proven ability to translate operational insights into long-term architectural improvements

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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