Job Description

Job purpose 

The Senior Network Solution Architect is responsible for the strategic design, implementation, and continuous optimization of the organization’s network infrastructure services. This role is critical in transforming business requirements into comprehensive network solutions, focusing on developing end-to-end campus, data center and SDWAN network services. The Architect will ensure that the network architecture is flexible, secure, and scalable, supporting the development and operation of new and existing services seamlessly across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Design & Architecture:

  • Lead the design of complex network solutions, incorporating SD-WAN (Palo Alto, Cisco, Aruba), campus (Aruba), and data center (Cisco ACI) technologies.
  • Ensure that network designs are aligned with business objectives, providing scalability, security, and high performance.
  • Maintain and update comprehensive documentation and blueprints for the network architecture.

• Strategic Service Development:

  • Collaborate with service owners to design, develop, and implement new network services that meet business requirements.
  • Ensure the network infrastructure supports the efficient development and deployment of new services, with a focus on minimal disruption and seamless integration.
  • Contribute to the design of management processes, ensuring that network services are secure, reliable, and scalable.
  • Develop the delivery and cost model for the network services.

• Implementation & Optimization:

  • Oversee the deployment and integration of network solutions (campus, data center and SDWAN) with service observability and service management systems, packaging it into a managed service.
  • Continuously monitor and optimize the performance of network services, addressing issues and making improvements as needed.
  • Lead efforts to integrate emerging technologies into the existing network architecture, ensuring it remains cutting-edge and effective.

• Leadership & Collaboration:

  • Provide leadership and mentorship to network engineers, emphasizing best practices in the deployment and management of campus, data center and SDWAN network services.
  • Lead cross-functional project teams to execute network-related service development initiatives, ensuring they align with broader IT and business strategies.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for complex network architecture issues, providing expert guidance and support.
  • Lead the R&D, design, testing and implementation of secure, scalable network architectures that comply with government security standards and regulatory requirements for SDWAN and Cloud Networking.
  • Supervise network engineers in engineering work to deliver complex solutions, ensuring alignment with government needs, performance goals, and best practices.
  • Act as the primary network architecture liaison with government stakeholders and manage vendor relationships to ensure successful integration of network technologies.

Requirements

• Educational Qualifications:

  • Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
  • Relevant certifications in SD-WAN, Campus networks, and Data Center Network (e.g., CCIE, Aruba Certified, Palo Alto Networks Certified) are highly desirable.

• Experience:

  • Minimum of 12 years of experience in network architecture, focusing on SD-WAN, campus networks, and data center networking.
  • Extensive experience with Palo Alto, Cisco, and Aruba technologies, particularly in designing and implementing Campus LAN/WLAN and Data Center and SDWAN solutions.

• Technical Skills:

  • Deep expertise in Campus LAN/WLAN (Aruba and Cisco), Data Center Network (Cisco) and SDWAN (Aruba, Palo Alto and Cisco).
  • Strong expertise in Cloud Network technologies of hyperscalers like AWS, Azure and GCP.
  • Proficiency in network automation and management tools relevant to these technologies, such as Cisco DNA Center, Aruba AirWave and Clearpass.

• Soft Skills:

  • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve complex issues across SD-WAN, campus, and data center networks.
  • Effective communication skills to articulate technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Leadership experience in guiding and mentoring technical teams, with a focus on continuous improvement.