Lead L5 Juniper Architect

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Lead L5 Juniper Architect in New York, NY.

Overview:
We are seeking a Lead Juniper Network Architect (L5) to serve as the technical authority and strategic advisor for a high-visibility client engagement. This role goes beyond engineering execution and focuses on end-to-end network architecture, design governance, and technical leadership across the Juniper portfolio.

Duties:
* Act as the overall Juniper architecture lead and technical authority for all client engagements
* Define and own end-to-end network architecture, design standards, and best practices across routing, switching, SD-WAN (SSR), and Mist
* Lead architecture reviews, design approvals, and technical governance to ensure scalable, secure, and supportable solutions
* Translate business and operational requirements into robust Juniper-based architectures
* Serve as the primary technical advisor on all client-facing discussions, including executive and senior stakeholder forums
* Lead high-level solution strategy discussions, roadmapping, and technology alignment sessions
* Provide confident guidance during high-impact escalations, ensuring rapid resolution and long-term architectural improvements
* Build strong client trust through clear communication with both technical and non-technical audiences
* Oversee technical delivery to ensure solutions align with approved architecture and design intent
* Act as the final escalation point for complex or systemic network issues
* Partner with project managers and delivery leaders to manage risks, dependencies, and technical outcomes
* Ensure architectural consistency across multiple workstreams and teams
* Provide technical leadership and mentorship to senior and junior engineers, including offshore resources
* Guide engineers on design patterns, troubleshooting approaches, and Juniper best practices

REQUIREMENTS:
* Proven experience operating at an L5/Lead/Architect level in client-facing network roles
* Demonstrated experience leading technical strategy, architecture governance, and escalations
* Deep architectural expertise across Juniper routing, switching, SD-WAN (SSR), and Mist
* Strong ability to own and defend architecture decisions in high-stakes client environments
* Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical stakeholders
* Ability to work independently, set technical direction, and drive outcomes across distributed teams

Nice to Have:
* Prior experience working with UK-based teams or leading transitions from international delivery teams
* Experience defining or modernizing enterprise or large-scale Juniper network architectures

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.

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