Sr. Network Architect

Overview

The Senior IT Network Architect will be a strategic leader responsible for designing, developing, and implementing robust network systems that range from simple to complex. This role is critical in supporting the organization's current and future IT infrastructure through innovative design, system architecture, and collaborative execution. The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a passion for designing secure, scalable, and cost-effective network solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design a range of systems-from simple to highly complex-utilizing schematic designs, product design, architectural modeling, and/or prototyping.
• Lead network architecture planning and execution, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and cybersecurity standards.
• Drive ongoing evaluations and perform troubleshooting to ensure solution effectiveness, recommending continuous improvements to optimize performance.
• Take ownership of detailed design and implementation for both short-term initiatives and long-term strategic infrastructure goals.
• Measure and monitor quality standards of IT solutions and services, ensuring excellence in execution and operational reliability.
• Develop, implement, and coordinate system policies and programs that enhance system integrity, security, and performance.
• Serve as the subject matter expert and primary point of contact for all network architecture activities and decisions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align network strategies with business goals and customer needs.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of relevant IT experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role.
• 2+ years SD-WAN experience.

Required Skills and Competencies:

Technical Expertise:

• Deep expertise in Cisco & Meraki platforms (Firewalls, Routers, Switches, Wireless, VPN, SD-WAN, etc.).
• Proven experience configuring and maintaining SilverPeak SD-WAN devices and Barracuda CloudGen Firewalls.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and network management tools.

Design & Architecture:

• Ability to lead and contribute to high-level strategic design efforts.
• Strong grasp of cybersecurity best practices and the ability to integrate them into architecture decisions.

Analytical & Problem-Solving:

• Effective use of data to identify root causes and solve complex infrastructure issues.
• Experience prioritizing cross-functional requirements and aligning solutions accordingly.

Leadership & Business Acumen:

• Experience leading cross-functional projects requiring consideration of enterprise impact.
• Demonstrated understanding of ability to review vendor contract scope and corresponding cost and impact.
• Ability to define and identify business value for IT Projects/support changes with limited oversight.
• Ability to analyze or design technical solutions and the impacts to the enterprise.

Soft Skills:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• High degree of professionalism, especially under pressure.
• Customer-focused with a proven ability to resolve issues effectively and efficiently.
• Ability to mentor and develop others while fostering a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Certifications (Not Required, But a Plus):

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or higher (e.g., CCIE)
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate
• CompTIA Network+ or equivalent

REQ-151548