Lead IT Network Architect

Title: Lead IT Network Architect (Hybrid)

Duration: 12+ months contract position

Location: Columbia, SC 29201

Direct Client

Scope of the Project

We are seeking an expert Lead IT Network Architect-Consultant to work directly with the IT Infrastructure and Operations networking team, I/O project manager, and project stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure the successful completion and ongoing maturation of IT network and server related projects. This is a broad position that will work with all aspects of the systems and network area.

Daily Duties/ Responsibilities:

Configure and install network hardware and software to meet agency and industry standards.

Analyze network efficiency by conducting network tests and running diagnostics to forecast performance thresholds.

Monitors and reports on network traffic, usage, and performance

Reviews network changes and trends to forecast future needs while determining and correcting complex network problems. Review configurations on existing network infrastructure as well as make changes as needed.

Provide network design recommendations and solutions to network problems while determining feasibility, cost, equipment needs, and time constraints/allocations for assigned projects.

Assist in the development of strategic direction of the network infrastructure for both the current environment and potential future environment.

Travel to different offices throughout the state to provide network configuration, implementation, and maintenance on the network infrastructure.

Make recommendations on specific improvements in network efficiency and effectiveness using network diagrams and reports for I/O Leadership.

Troubleshoot network connectivity issues with emphasis in Routing, DNS, URL-Filtering, and IPSEC VPN tunnels.

Network security including proper configuration measures prior to devise deployment as well as retroactively on production systems in accordance with MARS-E standards.

Prepare Network infrastructure documentation and assist with daily operations on infrastructure management.

Technical Knowledge:

Experience with documentation and artifacts related to any or all the following technologies would be considered desirable for this position:

Health Information Technologies

IT Network Infrastructure Operations/Implementations

Palo Alto Firewalls and CISCO devices

Extensive network wiring, configuration, and management

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Extensive experience with configuring and installing Palo Alto network firewalls and software to meet agency and industry standards.

Detailed at analyzing network efficiency across the entire agency network

Constantly reviewing network changes and trends in order to forecast future needs while determining and correcting complex network problems to region offices

Ability to provide network design recommendations and solutions to network problems while determining feasibility, cost, equipment needs, and time constraints/allocations for assigned projects.

Providing backup support with development of strategic direction of the network infrastructure for the network environment.

Experience deploying and maintaining DNS/DHCP

Required Skills:

Minimum 5 to 10 years Networking experience

5+ plus years of experience within network infrastructure, server, and system administration operations.

Ability to design, configure, and manage Palo Alto 3k and 5k Firewalls.

Ability to design, configure, and manage configurations within the SolarWinds environment.

Ability to assign appropriate priorities to work activities based on organizational goals and situational pressures.

Ability to work on multiple network projects concurrently and sometimes independently.

Knowledge of Cisco Routers/Switches

Deep understanding of networking protocols, and networking software/hardware

Knowledge of Meraki Wireless Access points

Preferred Skills:

HIPAA, CDC, and other network infrastructure and server frameworks

Configuration and troubleshooting experience with F5

Knowledge of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) Experience

Infoblox DNS/DHCP

FORESCOUT

VMWARE VSPHERE

VMWARE NSX

CISCO Umbrella

Required education/certifications:

Bachelor s degree and/or 8 years of IT networking related work experience

CCNA or CCNE Certification