Senior Network Architect

Job Summary:

A Senior Network Architect with 20+ years of experience is responsible for the design, planning, implementation, and optimization of large-scale, enterprise-wide networking solutions. The role demands advanced technical expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership capabilities to guide network development initiatives that align with business goals, ensuring robust, secure, and efficient network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Network Design & Architecture:
   • Lead the design and architecture of enterprise-wide network systems, including data centers, cloud environments, and branch office networks.
   • Develop scalable, secure, and high-performance network topologies, integrating both on-premises and cloud-based solutions.
   • Oversee network capacity planning, ensuring the infrastructure meets both current and future business demands.
2. Strategic Planning & Consulting:
   • Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term network strategies that align with business objectives.
   • Provide high-level consulting on emerging technologies such as SDN (Software-Defined Networking), NFV (Network Function Virtualization), and network automation.
   • Conduct risk assessments, security evaluations, and performance tuning to ensure network reliability and uptime.
3. Technical Leadership:
   • Lead and mentor a team of network engineers and administrators.
   • Ensure the team follows best practices, network design principles, and industry standards.
   • Provide guidance on troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues across all network layers (Layer 1-7).
4. Project Management:
   • Manage large-scale network transformation projects, from initial design through deployment and optimization.
   • Oversee vendor selection and management, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
   • Develop project timelines, milestones, and budgets; manage resources efficiently to meet deadlines.
5. Network Security & Compliance:
   • Design and implement robust network security frameworks, ensuring compliance with industry regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS).
   • Integrate secure VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and multi-factor authentication systems into the network design.
   • Conduct vulnerability assessments and implement disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.
6. Troubleshooting & Optimization:
   • Oversee proactive network monitoring and performance management to prevent outages and optimize performance.
   • Troubleshoot and resolve advanced network issues and failures, collaborating with the IT operations team as needed.
   • Continuously improve network efficiency through traffic analysis, bandwidth management, and load balancing techniques.
7. Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
   • Collaborate with vendors to evaluate, purchase, and implement new hardware and software solutions.
   • Serve as the primary technical contact for external partners and internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment of network goals with organizational needs.
8. Documentation & Reporting:
   • Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration files, and project plans.
   • Provide detailed reports and presentations to senior management, ensuring clarity on network performance, issues, and improvements.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience: 20+ years in network engineering and architecture, with proven experience in designing complex, large-scale networks for global organizations.
• Certifications:
  • Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Juniper JNCIP/JNCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certifications.
  • ITIL, TOGAF, or other relevant frameworks preferred.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Advanced knowledge of routing, switching, and network security technologies (e.g., BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VPN, Firewalls).
  • Experience with SDN, cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and data center technologies.
  • Familiarity with automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible, Terraform).
• Leadership: Strong leadership skills with experience managing and mentoring teams.
• Problem-solving: Excellent analytical and troubleshooting skills to handle high-level network issues.
• Project Management: Strong background in managing large projects, with a deep understanding of budget, timelines, and resource allocation.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with virtualization technologies (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Knowledge of advanced wireless networking technologies (Wi-Fi 6, 5G).
• Background in network automation and orchestration.
• Experience with IoT networks and edge computing.

Work Environment:

• The position involves collaboration with cross-functional teams across IT, security, and business units.