Network Architect

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Job Role Overview

The Network Architect is responsible for the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure, requiring deep technical expertise in modern networking technologies and a strong ability to translate complex business and operational requirements into secure, scalable, and high-performance network solutions. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, andmaintaining the organization’s IT infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, scalability, security, and reliability. This role will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Application teams ensuring seamless integration across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments and enforce standards for resilience, availability, and security.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture Design and Planning

∙ Design comprehensive network infrastructure solutions aligning with business requirements and technology roadmaps

∙ Develop reference architectures, standards, and governance frameworks ∙ Create detailed documentation including network diagrams, system specifications, and infrastructure maps

Technical Leadership

∙ Evaluate and recommend network related technologies, platforms, and services to meet organizational needs.

∙ Provide expert guidance on complex network infrastructure problems and projects ∙ Define best practices for the managing and maintaining the organization network ∙ Mentor technical teams on network infrastructure design and implementation

Cloud and Hybrid

∙ Design and implement enterprise cloud connectivity strategies and architecture solutions ∙ Optimize cloud network performance, utilization, and cost management

∙ Ensure seamless integration between on-premises and cloud environments ∙ Develop infrastructure-as-code approaches and automation frameworks

Security and Compliance

∙ Incorporate security-by-design principles into all network infrastructure solutions ∙ Design network segmentation, identity management, and access control frameworks ∙ Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and security standards

∙ Develop disaster recovery and business continuity solutions

Operational Excellence

∙ Drive network infrastructure standardization and modernization initiatives ∙ Design monitoring and observability solutions for the network infrastructure landscape ∙ Contribute to incident management for critical network infrastructure components

Required Education & Experience

∙ Bachelor's degree in computer science, IT, Cyber Security or related discipline is desired, or equivalent work experience and technical training.

∙ Over 15 years of experience in enterprise networking, including a minimum of 5 years in network architecture and technical leadership roles.

∙ Proven track record of managing enterprise network environment in production, cloud and hybrid environments.

Certifications

∙ Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise)

∙ Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) / Cisco Certified Specialist - Enterprise Design ∙ AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty

∙ Azure Network Engineer Associate

∙ Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE)

∙ Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)

∙ Infrastructure framework (TOGAF, ITIL)

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge

∙ Core Routing and Switching (Cisco Catalyst/Nexus, Meraki, Dell, Arista) ∙ BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, IPSEC, GRE

∙ Firewall Architecture (Palo Alto, Checkpoint, Cisco ASA/Firepower)

∙ Load Balancers (F5 BIG-IP LTM/GTM, Citrix ADC)

∙ VPN technologies (site-to-site, client-based, SSL VPNs)

∙ SD-WAN Technologies (VeloCloud, Meraki SD-WAN, Cisco SD-WAN)

∙ Network Access Control (Aruba ClearPass, Cisco ISE)

∙ Wi-Fi Solutions (Aruba, Cisco Wireless, Mist Systems)

∙ Network Monitoring and Management Tools (SolarWinds, ThousandEyes, PRTG) ∙ Cloud Networking (Azure Virtual WAN, AWS VPC Peering/Transit Gateway) ∙ Scripting basics (Python, Ansible) for network automation

∙ Conduct regular audits and implement necessary remediation measures ∙ Document solutions and best practices for knowledge sharing purposes

∙ Excellent communication and presentation skills

∙ Ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders ∙ Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

∙ Strategic thinking and business acumen

∙ Collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams