Position Summary
The Network Architect is responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing the implementation of an organization’s network infrastructure. This role focuses on ensuring the network meets business requirements for performance, scalability, security, and reliability. Network Architects work with various IT teams to develop efficient and cost-effective network solutions, optimize the use of network resources, and ensure smooth connectivity across an organization’s internal and external systems.

Responsibilities:
· Design, develop, and implement robust network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and cloud networks, to meet the organization’s communication and data transfer needs.
· Implement and enforce network security protocols, including firewalls, VPNs, and encryption techniques, to protect data and prevent unauthorized access.
· Plan and design network capacity to handle future growth and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently to meet traffic and user demands.
· Identify network issues and bottlenecks, troubleshoot problems, and optimize network performance for maximum efficiency and reliability.
· Work closely with other IT teams (systems administrators, security teams, cloud engineers) to ensure seamless integration of network infrastructure with existing IT systems and services.
· Work with vendors and service providers to select, purchase, and manage network equipment (routers, switches, cables, etc.) and services (internet, cloud services, etc.).
· Maintain detailed documentation of network designs, configurations, and processes. Provide regular performance reports and status updates to management and stakeholders.
· Ensure the network architecture complies with industry standards, legal regulations, and organizational policies regarding security, data privacy, and performance.
· Stay updated on the latest networking technologies, protocols, and industry trends. Assess new tools and technologies that could improve the organization’s network infrastructure.
· Design and implement disaster recovery strategies, ensuring that critical network services can be restored quickly in the event of an outage or failure.

Must Have Skills

• 8+ years enterprise networking experience
• Expert-level Cisco LAN routing and switching
• Strong Catalyst 9000 platform experience
• Advanced understanding of VLANs, STP, EtherChannel, routing, QoS, multicast,
• DHCP, DNS, and network resiliency
• Cisco Catalyst Center operational and troubleshooting experience
• Strong troubleshooting skills across Layers 1–7
• Experience leading major incidents and complex root-cause analysis
• Ability to review and approve network changes
• Strong documentation and customer communication skills
• Ability to technically lead and mentor other engineers

Nice to Have Skills

• Bachelor of Science Degree in a technical field
• CCNP Enterprise or CCIE
• Cisco ISE / 802.1X
• SD-Access
• ThousandEyes
• Cisco wireless experience
• Automation using Python, Ansible, APIs, or similar tools
• Experience with ServiceNow