Principal Network Architect oe Subject Matter Expert

Preferred to have certifications:

Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), OCI Cloud Networking Certified Professional, Google Cloud Platform Professional Cloud Network Engineer.

Position Summary

Minimum eight years of experience is required.

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) Enterprise Network Architect serves as the technical authority responsible for the architecture, design, modernization, security, and lifecycle management of the enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical operations. The SME provides strategic leadership for LAN/WAN, data center, cloud networking, network security, and enterprise modernization initiatives while ensuring compliance with federal cybersecurity and networking standards.

The SME collaborates with government stakeholders, service providers, and engineering teams to develop scalable, resilient, and secure network architectures that support on-premises, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud environments.

Primary Responsibilities

Enterprise Network Architecture

• Design and maintain enterprise-wide LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and campus network architectures.
• Develop scalable, highly available, and resilient network solutions supporting 24x7x365 operations.
• Lead network technology refresh and modernization initiatives.
• Establish enterprise networking standards, design principles, and engineering best practices.

Data Center Architecture

• Design and optimize network infrastructure supporting multiple geographically dispersed data centers.
• Architect high-availability and disaster recovery network solutions.
• Develop redundancy, failover, and load-balancing strategies.
• Support lifecycle planning for network infrastructure.

Cloud Network Architecture

• Design secure networking solutions for Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI), Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform), and hybrid cloud environments.
• Architect cloud connectivity using VPNs, dedicated interconnects, and dynamic routing.
• Develop cloud segmentation, routing, DNS, firewall, and security architectures.
• Optimize hybrid cloud network performance and resiliency.

Network Security Architecture

• Architect secure enterprise network solutions using Zero Trust principles.
• Design and oversee Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) deployments.
• Develop firewall architectures utilizing Cisco Firepower Threat Defense (FTD).
• Design VPN architectures supporting remote workforce and partner connectivity.
• Develop network segmentation and access control strategies.

Network Modernization

• Lead IPv6 transition planning and implementation.
• Develop migration strategies supporting federal modernization initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with OMB M-21-07 and applicable federal networking mandates.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and recommend adoption strategies.

Operations Support

• Provide Tier III/IV engineering support for critical incidents.
• Perform root cause analysis for complex network issues.
• Support network capacity planning and performance optimization.
• Review operational metrics and recommend continuous improvements.

Governance & Documentation

• Develop enterprise network standards, reference architectures, and technical documentation.
• Review engineering designs for compliance with federal security requirements.
• Participate in architecture review boards and change advisory boards.
• Provide technical guidance to engineering teams.