Overview
Skills
Job Details
Job Title: Senior Datacenter Network Architect
Location: Remote (Travel paid for visits to Phoenix, AZ / Sterling, VA)
Job Summary:
We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Datacenter Network Architect with over 15 years of deep hands-on experience in designing, migrating, and managing enterprise-scale data center networks. This role will lead strategic transformations, including migration from Cisco to Arista, Cisco SD-WAN implementation, and HPC infrastructure support (Dell EMC). This is a client-facing, strategic role that requires frequent collaboration with cross-functional teams, and occasional travel to data center sites.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the architecture and execution of Cisco-to-Arista data center migration projects.
- Design and implement scalable, secure, and redundant data center network architectures.
- Drive Cisco SD-WAN deployments across multiple enterprise locations for hybrid cloud readiness.
- Architect, optimize, and troubleshoot Dell EMC HPC systems for high-performance workloads.
- Support day-to-day operations at Equinix data center locations, including remote hands, circuit management, and facility operations.
- Define and document network standards, security postures, and DR strategies.
- Act as the subject matter expert and strategic advisor for emerging networking technologies.
- Perform capacity planning, network monitoring, and root cause analysis.
- Work cross-functionally with cloud, security, and application teams.
Required Skills & Experience:
Skill | Required Level | Priority | Comments |
Network Architecture (DC, Core, Edge) | Expert (15+ years) | High | Design, planning, and hands-on execution |
Cisco Routing & Switching (NexCatalyst) | Expert | High | Legacy environment to be migrated |
Arista Switches | Advanced | High | Migration target platform |
Cisco SD-WAN | Advanced | High | Design & deployment experience |
Dell EMC HPC Systems | Intermediate to Expert | Medium | Optimization and support of high-performance nodes |
Equinix Data Center Operations | Intermediate | High | Experience with facility, cross-connects, etc. |
Hybrid Cloud Integration | Intermediate | Medium | Collaborate with cloud teams |
Disaster Recovery & Network Security | Advanced | High | Architecture and governance experience |
Documentation (HLD/LLD, SOPs) | Proficient | Medium | Clear and client-ready documentation |
Monitoring & Root Cause Analysis | Proficient | Medium | Tools like SolarWinds, PRTG, etc. |
Emerging Tech Evaluation (AI/ML/Automation) | Basic to Intermediate | Low | Added value |
Certifications (Cisco/Arista preferred) | Preferred | Medium | CCIE, Arista ACE, etc. |
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certifications such as CCIE, Arista ACE, or equivalent.
- Prior experience in large-scale migration projects.
- Exposure to Zero Trust Networking models.
- Experience working in regulated industries (finance, healthcare, etc.).
Why This Role?
- Join a high-visibility project modernizing the network for one of the top consulting firms.
- Collaborate with industry-leading architects and engineers.
- Excellent long-term opportunity with paid travel and strategic ownership