Network Architect

Job Title: Network Architect

Location: Chesapeake, VA (hybrid)

We are searching for a Network Architect, a seasoned leader who will be responsible for offering strategic guidance and supervision in network design and architecture. The Architect will assess the existing network architecture and technologies and introduce innovative technologies and design principles to optimize network performance, enhance security, and improve overall efficiency. The network architect will ensure the alignment of the network infrastructure with the organization's business objectives and future growth plans. In addition, the position requires in-depth design, strategic planning, and the implementation of complex networking solutions.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess the current corporate, distribution centers, remote offices, store network, and cloud connectivity infrastructure. Provide recommendations for improving performance and implementing a robust, fault-tolerant design.
• Make sure that the network infrastructure closely aligns with the organization's business objectives and growth plans. This alignment is crucial for leveraging the network as a strategic asset to support the overall business strategy.
• To mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive data, it is important to proactively address security threats, compliance requirements, and potential vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure.
• Encourage collaboration among IT, security, and business units. Act as a bridge between these teams to ensure that network design and implementation align with broader organizational goals and requirements.
• Work with cross-functional IT teams to understand the technology requirements generated by business strategies. Communicate opportunities and present alternatives to IT and business leadership. Recommend areas where new technologies can drive business results.
• Collaborate closely with IT teams and third-party vendors to ensure the seamless delivery of infrastructure services.
• Participate in and lead infrastructure projects and services from initiation to completion, ensuring that the assigned objectives are achieved according to schedule.
• Provide coaching, technical direction, and leadership to cultivate an engaged team for extraordinary results.
• Demonstrate proficiency in project management techniques, including time estimates, resource allocations, project status updates, critical path, and milestone deadlines management.
• Collaborate with the Network and Security team to coordinate the budget preparation for the Department.
• Evaluate network performance and diagnose network-related issues.

Minimum Requirements/Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent technical training
• 10+ years experience in Information Technology field, 3+ years of project management experience,
• Excel in strategic planning to ensure that the network aligns with the organization's long-term goals.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills necessary for helping clients define business solutions and working effectively with senior management.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and mentoring skills
• Advance Network certification required.

Technical Skills

• 8+ years experience in a medium to large enterprise network technical position.
• Proficiency in network design, protocols, and infrastructure, such as LAN/WAN, SDN, and cloud networking. Must also be familiar with Linux, IPv4/IPv6, QoS, Wireless (Wifi / Private 5G), OSPF and BGP.
• Experience with Cisco (IOS-XE, IOS-XR, ACI/Nexus), Fortinet, Palo Alto, and Aruba technologies.
• Experience leveraging large multivendor networking environments (Juniper, Arista, Cisco, Aruba, Nile)
• In-depth understanding of technologies such as SASE, SD-WAN, VPN, VoIP, including cabling infrastructure.
• Understanding of network automation, analysis, monitoring tools and various statistical reporting tools.
• Experience in network management, monitoring tools and automation
• Good working knowledge of WAN technologies including MPLS, Broadband, VSAT, LEO provisioning and performance monitoring.
• Understanding of network authentication and security tools, such as IPS/IDS and 802.1X.
• Experience partnering with LEC Telco’s, Long-Haul carriers, and ISP’s.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage large scale infrastructure projects.
• Experience with Microsoft Networking Infrastructure (DNS, DHCP, WINS, Active Directory) and Windows Operating Systems.
• Experience partnering with IT leadership to develop and derive key performance indicators of network performance and delivery
• Experience developing and maintaining network architecture and deployment standards