Sr. Network Architect.

Job Location: Columbia, SC

Position Type: W2 Contract Work Mode: Primarily Onsite; Occasional Remote

Visa: USC/GC

Openings: 1

Interview Process: 2 Rounds Virtual + In-Person Primary SkillsEnterprise Network Architecture Network Engineering LAN/WAN Juniper TCP/IP Routing & Switching DNS DHCP IPAM Fortinet Firewalls VPN SASE NAC Network Segmentation Network Security Cloud Networking AWS Microsoft Azure Network Automation Orchestration Infrastructure as Code Network Monitoring Observability Capacity Planning High Availability Hybrid Networking

Requirements: 4+ years enterprise network architecture and engineering in complex/mission-critical environments 4+ years LAN/WAN including Juniper routing/switching, TCP/IP, routing protocols, DNS, DHCP and IPAM 4+ years leading network architecture initiatives from requirements/design through implementation and operational transition 4+ years infrastructure modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, resiliency and high-availability design 4+ years network security architecture including Fortinet firewalls, VPN/SASE, NAC, segmentation and security policies 4+ years cloud/hybrid networking including AWS or Azure 4+ years network automation, orchestration, scripting and Infrastructure as Code 4+ years network monitoring, observability, analytics and performance management Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Position Overview: We are seeking a highly experiencedNetwork Architect Consultantto provide senior-level enterprise network architecture, engineering, modernization, automation, and operational support. The position will serve as a senior technical resource responsible for designing scalable, secure, resilient network solutions and leading complex infrastructure initiatives. The role will collaborate with architecture, network operations, security, cloud, facilities, project teams, vendors, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities: Define and advance enterprise network architecture and long-term technical strategy. Design and engineer scalable, resilient, and secure LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, VPN, firewall, and NAC solutions. Lead complex network infrastructure modernization and implementation initiatives. Develop enterprise architecture standards, engineering standards, reference architectures, technical roadmaps, and lifecycle recommendations. Design highly available connectivity across campus, data center, cloud, and external environments. Develop network automation, orchestration, Infrastructure as Code, and deployment practices. Implement monitoring, observability, alerting, analytics, capacity planning, and operational metrics. Serve as a Tier III escalation point for complex network incidents and engineering issues. Perform advanced troubleshooting and provide architecture-level guidance. Review and validate network designs developed by other technical staff. Translate business and technical requirements into enterprise network designs and implementation strategies. Lead network modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, and remediation initiatives. Evaluate emerging technologies and provide recommendations for procurement and long-term infrastructure planning. Provide technical mentoring, knowledge transfer, and engineering guidance. Participate in maintenance windows and after-hours support when required.

Preferred Skills: Experience developing enterprise network strategy, architecture standards, reference architectures, and long-term technology roadmaps. Experience supporting complex higher-education network environments. Experience with Aruba and Cisco enterprise switching and wireless technologies. Experience with software-defined and centrally managed network architectures. Experience implementing enterprise observability, telemetry, automation, and proactive/self-healing infrastructure. Experience with virtualization, cloud networking, and hybrid cloud infrastructure. Experience coordinating infrastructure projects with facilities organizations, architects, contractors, consultants, and engineering firms. Experience supporting cybersecurity, zero-trust, network segmentation, and secure network architecture initiatives. EducationBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of the degree. Preferred CertificationsJNCIP-ENT or higher Fortinet Certified Professional (FCP) or higher CCNP Enterprise or CCIE Aruba networking certification AWS or Microsoft Azure networking/cloud certification ITIL Foundation or higher CompTIA Security+

Additional Requirements: Strong technical documentation and architecture diagramming skills. Experience developing technical standards. Project management and enterprise implementation experience. Strong technical mentoring and knowledge-transfer capabilities. Excellent written, verbal, analytical, and customer-service skills. Advanced troubleshooting and technical leadership during mission-critical incidents. Strong stakeholder coordination and vendor-management skills. Demonstrated experience leading complex technical initiatives across multiple teams and stakeholders.