Data Center Network Architect

Data Center Network Architect

New York, NY – Hybrid (Onsite up to 20%, max 1 week/month)

Duration-10 months

Job Description:

As a Data Center Network Architect, you will be responsible for designing, validating, and evolving modern network architectures that support enterprise data centers, private cloud platforms, and public cloud environments. You will work closely with platform, cloud, security, and application teams to translate business and technical requirements into scalable, resilient, and automated network solutions. This role requires strong technical depth in data center networking, cloud-native and Kubernetes networking, as well as the ability to influence stakeholders across a large, complex enterprise environment.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Network Architecture & Design: Design and deliver network solutions for enterprise data centers, hybrid cloud, and cloud-native platforms, grounded in proven L2/L3 networking fundamentals, routing, segmentation, EVPN/VXLAN fabrics, and high-availability principles.

·         Hands-on Engineering & Validation: Build, prototype, and validate network designs through lab environments, proofs of concept, and automation-driven implementations.

·         Reference Architectures & Standards: Define, document, and evolve reference architectures, design patterns, and standards for modern data center, hybrid-cloud, and Kubernetes-based networking.

·         Automation & Infrastructure as Code: Embed automation and IaC principles into network designs using tools such as Terraform and Ansible, ensuring repeatable and scalable deployments.

·         Kubernetes & Cloud-Native Networking: Design networking architectures for Kubernetes platforms, including CNI solutions (Cilium, Calico, OVN-K), BGP peering with data center fabrics, ingress/egress design, load balancing, and traffic engineering for modern applications.

·         Cloud Connectivity: Architect and manage large-scale cloud connectivity solutions using AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, Google Cloud Interconnect, and NaaS providers such as Equinix Fabric or Megaport.

·         Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with platform, cloud, security, and application teams to align network solutions with application and business requirements.

·         Documentation & Governance: Produce clear, decision-oriented design documentation and actively participate in architecture and design review forums.

·         Technology Evaluation: Assess emerging networking, cloud, automation, and observability technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

·         Observability & Troubleshooting: Leverage network and application observability tools (e.g., Splunk, Prometheus, ThousandEyes, Kentik) to improve visibility, performance, and troubleshooting effectiveness.

Required Skills & Experience:

·         Strong experience in data center networking, including leaf-spine architectures, SDN, EVPN/VXLAN fabrics, BGP, VPNs, and modern DC designs using Cisco ACI or Arista

·         Core networking knowledge, including large-scale routing, BGP, MPLS, and high-capacity network design

·         Deep understanding of Kubernetes networking and cloud-native networking concepts

·         Experience with cloud networking and hybrid connectivity across major cloud providers

·         Proficiency with Linux environments

·         Strong background in automation and IaC, with hands-on experience in Terraform and/or Ansible

·         Working knowledge of Python and/or Go for scripting, tooling, and integrations

·         Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills

·         Strong communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences

Nice to Have:

·         Familiarity with SD-WAN and SASE architectures and their integration with hybrid-cloud environments

·         Understanding of Zero Trust networking and identity-based access models

·         Exposure to CDN architectures and global traffic optimization strategies

·         Knowledge of DNS architecture, including public, private, and hybrid resolution models

·         Experience working with platform engineering or internal developer platform teams