Title: Network Architect
Location: Santa Ana, CA
Contract Type: 18 months
Interview Schedule: 1 round- virtual, potential 2 being onsite.
Important Skills:
Top 5 Most Important Skills
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)
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.
SME 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.
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.
Certifications: While not strictly required, candidates with CCNA/CCNP and additional security certifications will stand out
Years of Experience: 7-10+ years
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