Network Architect

Position - Network ArchitectLocation: Denver, CO (Hybrid)Long Term Contract Unable to provide sponsorship for this role.Job Description:As a Network Architect, you will be responsible for the strategic design, planning, and security of our organization's network infrastructure. You will oversee the integration of advanced technologies to support the demands of both our on-premise data centers and cloud services, ensuring a resilient, scalable, and highly secure network.ResponsibilitiesLead the design and development of network architectures, roadmaps, and technical specifications for enterprise-level networks, encompassing on-premise data centers and hybrid cloud environments.Serve as the subject matter expert for all network-related technologies, providing technical leadership and guidance to engineering and operations teams.Evaluate, recommend, and integrate new technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Software-Defined Wide Area Networking (SD-WAN) to improve network agility and efficiency.Design and implement robust network security solutions, including the configuration of firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), and other security fabric components.Manage network segmentation and isolation strategies to protect sensitive data and critical systems, ensuring compliance with security standards.Design and manage network load-balancing solutions to ensure high availability, optimal performance, and efficient traffic distribution across the network.Oversee the implementation of routing and switching protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP) to ensure network stability, performance, and scalability across multi-site and global environments.Ensure the design of secure interconnectivity between on-premise infrastructure, cloud services (e.g., AWS, Azure), and remote access points.Develop comprehensive network documentation, including diagrams, topologies, and implementation plans, and provide ongoing support and troubleshooting for complex network issues.Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including cybersecurity, cloud engineering, and application development, to align network architecture with business goals and security requirements.Stay current on emerging networking and security trends, technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation.Required skills and qualificationsBachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering, with at least 5 years in a network architect role designing enterprise-level networks.Expert-level knowledge and hands-on experience with routing and switching protocols and configuration (e.g., Cisco, Juniper).Extensive experience with network security technologies, including firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Check Point), IDS/IPS, and VPNs.Proven experience in architecting and implementing secure solutions for on-premise and cloud (IaaS/PaaS) environments.Strong knowledge of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) principles and practical experience with SDN technologies.Expertise in designing and managing load-balancing systems for high-traffic applications.Experience with network modeling, capacity planning, and performance analysis.Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, AWS Certified Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer Associate) are highly desirable.