Network Architect-W2 Only

Role: Network Architect-W2 Only

Location: Columbia, SC

Duration: 6 Months contract with possibility of extensions

Interview Process: 2 rounds, virtual and in person

IRG Clients is looking for a Senior Network Engineer to provide advanced technical support for enterprise networking projects. This role will focus on improving network reliability, modernizing older systems, developing technical standards, and supporting long-term infrastructure goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise network architecture, engineering, modernization, and implementation projects.
• Design, implement, and support LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, VPN, firewall, and network security solutions.
• Develop network architecture standards, technical roadmaps, network diagrams, and documentation.
• Review network designs and provide technical guidance to other engineers.
• Analyze business and technical requirements and convert them into effective network solutions.
• Lead network modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, and upgrades of aging infrastructure.
• Improve network monitoring, automation, alerting, performance, and reliability.
• Use automation, orchestration, and Infrastructure as Code to improve network deployment and operations.
• Serve as a Tier III escalation point for complex network issues and critical incidents.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and provide architecture-level solutions.
• Work with internal IT teams, security teams, cloud teams, vendors, contractors, and project teams.
• Evaluate new networking technologies and provide technical recommendations.
• Support technology evaluations, procurement, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Provide mentoring, technical guidance, and knowledge transfer to other technical staff.
• Participate in maintenance activities and after-hours support when required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills:

• 4+ years of experience with enterprise network architecture and engineering within complex, mission-critical environments.
• 4+ years of experience with LAN/WAN technologies, including Juniper enterprise routing and switching, TCP/IP, enterprise routing protocols, DNS, DHCP, and IPAM.
• 4+ years of experience leading complex network architecture and engineering initiatives from requirements and design through implementation, troubleshooting, and operational transition.
• 4+ years of experience with enterprise infrastructure modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, resiliency, and high-availability design.
• 4+ years of experience with network security architecture and technologies, including Fortinet firewalls and VPN/SASE technologies, Network Access Control (NAC), segmentation, and security policy implementation.
• 4+ years of experience with cloud and hybrid networking, including AWS or Microsoft Azure.
• 4+ years of experience with network automation, orchestration, scripting, and Infrastructure as Code concepts and technologies.
• 4+ years of experience with enterprise network monitoring, observability, analytics, metrics, and performance management.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing enterprise network strategy, architecture standards, reference architectures, and long-term technology roadmaps.
• Experience supporting network architecture and engineering in a complex higher education environment, including academic, research, administrative, and other diverse institutional technology requirements.
• Experience with Aruba and Cisco enterprise switching and wireless technologies, including software-defined and centrally managed network architectures.
• Experience implementing enterprise observability, telemetry, automation, and proactive or self-healing infrastructure capabilities.
• Experience with virtualization, cloud networking, and hybrid cloud infrastructure.
• Experience coordinating infrastructure projects with facilities organizations, architects, contractors, consultants, and external engineering firms.
• Experience supporting enterprise cybersecurity, zero-trust, segmentation, and secure network architecture initiatives.

Certification

One of the following certifications: JNCIP-ENT, FCP, CCNP, CCIE, ITIL, CompTIA Security+, AWS or Azure