Overview
Remote
50 - 85
Contract - Independent
Contract - 1 Week(s)
No Travel Required
Unable to Provide Sponsorship
Skills
Cisco
Cisco Certifications
IEEE 802.1Q
IP
HP
LACP
Network Design
VLAN
SOW
TCP/IP
Switches
Job Details
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Architect for a contract engagement to lead a critical network infrastructure upgrade project for a key manufacturing client. The successful candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end design, implementation, and documentation of a new network solution, replacing legacy hardware with modern, managed switches. This is a fully remote position requiring deep expertise in enterprise networking, particularly with Cisco and HP equipment, and a strong understanding of network design principles in industrial environments. The ideal candidate will be a self-directed, results-oriented professional capable of working independently to deliver a robust, secure, and compliant network infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
The Network Architect will be tasked with the following responsibilities, aligned with the project's statement of work:
Phase | Key Responsibilities |
Design & Planning | - Analyze the existing network infrastructure and develop a comprehensive migration plan. - Design a new network topology, including VLAN segmentation, switch configurations, and uplink strategies. - Create detailed logical and physical network diagrams and documentation. |
Implementation | - Remotely decommission up to eight legacy HP switches. - Install and configure eight new managed switches (both 24-port and 48-port models). - Implement switch stacking and link aggregation to create logical high-capacity switches. - Configure all network parameters, including VLANs, trunking, and port mappings. |
Optimization & Validation | - Reconfigure and reassign Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices to optimize power distribution. - Conduct thorough network testing and validation to ensure connectivity, performance, and functionality. - Verify that the new network configuration meets all project requirements and NIST compliance standards. |
Documentation & Handover | - Produce a complete documentation package, including updated network maps, switch configurations, IP schemas, and validation reports. - Conduct a final project handover and knowledge transfer session with the client's IT staff to ensure a smooth transition. |
Required Qualifications and Skills
Candidates must possess a strong foundation in enterprise networking, demonstrated through extensive hands-on experience and relevant certifications.
Technical Competencies
•Enterprise Switching: Expert-level proficiency with Cisco and HP enterprise switching hardware. This includes extensive experience with Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, configuration of managed switches, and migration from legacy systems.
•Network Protocols: Deep understanding of core networking protocols, including TCP/IP, VLANs (802.1Q), Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), and Link Aggregation (LACP).
•Power over Ethernet (PoE): Proven experience with PoE standards (802.3af/at), capacity planning, and troubleshooting for PoE-powered devices such as access points and IP phones.
•Network Design: Ability to design scalable and resilient network topologies, including the creation of detailed network diagrams and documentation.
•Security & Compliance: Familiarity with network security best practices and experience ensuring network configurations comply with standards such as NIST.
Professional Experience
•A minimum of 5-7 years of hands-on experience in a network engineering or network architect role.
•Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and completing network migration projects from start to finish.
•Experience working in and designing networks for manufacturing or other industrial environments is highly preferred.
•Proven ability to work effectively in a fully remote capacity, with strong self-management and communication skills.
Education and Certifications
•A Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is preferred.
•Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification or a demonstrably equivalent level of expertise is required.
•A Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certification is considered the minimum baseline.
•Additional certifications, such as those from HP (e.g., HP ASE) or CompTIA (Network+), are considered advantageous.
Work Environment
•Location: This is a 100% remote position. The candidate will not be required to travel.
•Duration: The engagement is for a single project, estimated to require 40 billable hours.
•Schedule: Work must be performed during standard business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM).
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