Principal Enterprise Network Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principal Enterprise Network Architect in Los Angeles, CA.

Overview:
We are seeking a Principal Enterprise Network Architect to serve as a senior, client-facing technical leader responsible for shaping, communicating, and guiding enterprise network transformation initiatives. This role combines deep Cisco architecture expertise, executive presence, consultative communication skills, and the ability to act as a trusted advisor to client leadership.

The successful candidate will work directly with business stakeholders, technical teams, program leadership, and executive sponsors to define network strategy, explain architecture decisions, align technology outcomes to business goals, and guide delivery across complex multi-site environments.

Key Responsibilities:
* Lead architecture discussions, discovery sessions, design workshops, roadmap reviews, and governance meetings
* Translate business, operational, and security requirements into scalable network architecture solutions
* Serve as a trusted advisor to executive and technical stakeholders
* Define enterprise network strategy across campus, WAN, security, identity, automation, and operational domains
* Develop modernization roadmaps and identify architecture gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities
* Lead design and governance of Cisco SD-Access, Catalyst Center, ISE, FTD/Firepower, and SD-WAN solutions
* Oversee segmentation, identity, security, cloud connectivity, routing, and automation initiatives
* Review and validate high- and low-level designs, migration approaches, operational readiness plans, and implementation strategies
* Provide architecture guidance during pilots, deployments, cutovers, and issue resolution
* Deliver executive presentations, technical recommendations, roadmap briefings, and decision papers
* Mentor engineering teams and promote best practices, standards, and reusable architectures

REQUIREMENTS:
* 10+ years of enterprise networking experience designing and supporting large, multi-site environments
* Experience serving as a Principal Architect, Enterprise Architect, Solutions Architect, or trusted technical advisor
* Strong client-facing communication skills and executive presence
* Deep expertise in Cisco enterprise networking technologies

Technical Expertise:
* Cisco SD-Access (fabric design, segmentation, border/control/edge nodes, transit models)
* Cisco Catalyst Center (automation, assurance, templates, workflows, lifecycle management)
* Cisco ISE (802.1X, MAB, TrustSec, SGTs, authorization policies, guest/BYOD access)
* Cisco FTD/Firepower (firewall policy, NAT, VPN, IDS/IPS, high availability)
* Cisco SD-WAN (overlay/underlay design, application-aware routing, segmentation, security integration)
* Enterprise routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, route redistribution, filtering, and summarization
* Campus, WAN, data center, cloud, and security architecture integration

Leadership & Advisory Skills:
* Ability to lead architecture workshops, technical governance meetings, and executive presentations
* Experience documenting architecture decisions, standards, roadmaps, HLDs, and LLDs
* Proven success leading network modernization programs and complex migrations
* Strong mentoring and technical leadership capabilities

Preferred Qualifications:
* CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure, Security, or related track)
* CCDE or other advanced architecture certifications
* Experience with network automation tools such as Ansible, Python, Terraform, APIs, and Git
* Experience with wireless architectures, cloud networking (Azure/AWS), DNS, DHCP, and IPAM
* Knowledge of operational transformation, governance models, support frameworks, and runbook development
* Experience in highly visible enterprise environments with strict change management and mission-critical availability requirements

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.

By clicking ?Apply Today? you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages or emails from Kforce and its affiliates, and service providers. Note that if you choose to communicate with Kforce via text messaging the frequency may vary, and message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You will always have the right to cease communicating via text by using key words such as STOP.