Senior Network Architect - 100% on-site

Long term contract opportunity in Santa Ana for a Senior Network Architect. This will be 100% on-site. 

Candidates must have extensive experience designing and deploying networks using current technologies e.g. SD-WAN, WAN, Leaf and Spine. Data center fabric and security experience is also required along with extensive knowledge of Cisco systems.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Network Architecture & Design

• Design and maintain a secure, scalable, and high-availability enterprise network leveraging Cisco technologies.
• Develop network segmentation, Virtual Local Area Network ( VLAN ) strategies, and routing topologies (Originated Short Path First ( OSPF ), Border Gateway Protocol ( BGP ), Enhance Interior Gateway Routing Protocol ( EIGRP ), etc.
• Plan and implement architecture for remote site connectivity, mobile units, data centers, and public safety systems.
• Lead modernization efforts, including Software Defined Wide-Area Network ( SD-WAN ), wireless upgrades, and zero-trust network access.

Implementation, Operations, and Support

• Serve as the hands-on lead engineer for network deployment, upgrades, and incident response.
• Configure and manage Cisco switches, routers, firewalls, WLCs, and wireless endpoints.
• Design and manage Virtual Private Network ( VPNs ), Quality of Service ( QoS ), Access Control Lists ( ACLs ), network monitoring, and logging systems (SolarWinds, NetFlow, Simple Network Management Protocol ( SNMP )).
• Act as the Level 4 escalation point for complex network issues and performance tuning.

Leadership and Staff Development

• Serve as the department s Subject Matter Expert ( SME ) on enterprise networking, guiding decisions across IT, public safety systems, and operations.
• Train, coach, and mentor internal IT staff, including junior and mid-level network technicians.
• Lead structured knowledge transfer sessions, hands-on training, and real-time coaching during support and implementation activities.
• Create Standard Operating Procedures ( SOPs ), how-to guides, and step-by-step documentation tailored for ongoing use by internal staff.
• Support staff in preparation for certification paths (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Associate ( CCNA )/Cisco Certified Network Professional ( CCNP )) if desired.

TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED:

• Expert in enterprise network design and Cisco technologies (switches, routers, firewalls, WLCs).
• Strong knowledge of routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP), VLAN strategies, and network segmentation.
• Hands-on experience with VPNs, QoS, ACLs, SD-WAN, wireless upgrades, and network monitoring tools (SolarWinds, NetFlow, SNMP).
• Proven leadership and mentoring skills; able to train and guide IT staff, develop SOPs, and lead knowledge transfer sessions.
• Experienced in high-availability, secure public safety networks, with strong troubleshooting, incident response, and Level 4 escalation capabilities.
• Must have extended experience when it comes to design/deploying networks with current network technologies (SDWAN-WAN, Leaf and Spines)

Nice-to-have Technical Skills

• Cloud networking experience: Familiarity with Azure, AWS, or hybrid cloud environments in public safety or enterprise networks.
• Advanced security certifications: CISSP, CISM, CEH, or GIAC certifications to complement Cisco-focused expertise.
• Zero-Trust & NAC solutions beyond Cisco ISE: Broader exposure to modern identity and access solutions.
• Automation & Scripting: Experience with Python, Ansible, or network automation tools for deployment and monitoring.
• Experience with emerging public safety technologies: Integration of IoT, cameras, sensors, or real-time analytics