Network|Cloud Solution Architect

Join the ECI Group's Professional Technical Services Network as a Network & Cloud Solution Architect. This is a Houston based contract role with an anticipated 7-month duration with a estimated start on May 25, 2026.Note: You must be a US Citizen or Permanent US Resident to qualify for this position. Only candidates with the ability to work on a W2 or 1099 contract vehicle will be considered for this opportunity.About The RoleThe Network|Cloud Solution Architect is responsible for delivering high‑quality solution designs that are fit for purpose, aligned with enterprise architecture standards, and optimized for total cost of ownership across the solution lifecycle. The role ensures technical integrity, security, and alignment with Shell's IT technology direction. The resulting High‑Level Designs have a measurable impact on business effectiveness and profitability.The Solution Architect is accountable to the Project Manager for the solution architecture from design through successful deployment.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projectsDesign and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, Infrastructure, and Information Security aspects into end‑to‑end solutionsEnsure solution architecture is documented using approved templates, tools, and standardsReview, assure, and approve detailed designs produced by designers and business analystsCoach project teams on architecture standards and best practicesSupport Segment Architects and participate in Architecture Review Boards as requiredContribute to the development and maintenance of Reference Models in Bizzdesign, elevating project deliverables to conceptual and logical levelsMonitor technology trends and ensure solutions are future‑proof and aligned with evolving IT standards and servicesActively contribute to the Architecture community and serve as an ambassador for architecture excellenceEnsure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR)Champion Security by Design and Privacy by Design, working closely with Information Risk Management, Security, and Compliance teamsSolution Scope (Automation & Connectivity)Enterprise network automation solutionsEnterprise connectivity tooling, including Single Source of Truth implementationTool evaluation, integration, and data model alignmentTechnical architecture, design, and service operations solutions. Special ChallengesProactively identify, balance, and reconcile competing stakeholder requirements. Escalate architectural conflicts appropriately and in a timely mannerSkills & Requirements (Critical)7–10 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposureBachelor's degree or equivalent in an IT‑related disciplineStrong stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal)Ability to articulate architectural decisions to both technical and business audiencesStrong business acumen with the ability to link business value to technical architectureRequired Technical Expertise:Vendor engagement and product selection in collaboration with portfolio, operations, and procurement teamsDeep expertise in networking technologies (Routing, TCP/IP, SSL)Strong experience with AWS and Azure cloud networking (VPC/VNET, VPN, Transit Gateway, virtual Palo Alto firewalls)Knowledge of Cisco data center designKnowledge of Aruba ESP, including Central, ClearPass, and wireless platformsIn‑depth knowledge of network automation (Infrastructure as Code, APIs, GitHub)Identity and authentication: SAML, PingID, Entra IDService solution and operational documentation deliveryIn‑depth Ansible integration for infrastructure networks, including playbook developmentWorkflow integration for infrastructure networksCI/CD pipeline creation for infrastructure networks, including virtual and physical testingSmart inventory systems (e.g. NetBox) and integration with Ansible and GitHub pipelinesPlease Note: The ECI Group uses AI-assisted tools in the early stages of application review, with all decisions guided by human oversight and fully compliant with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and ECI Group's applicable data protection policies and Privacy Notice.Powered by JazzHRTHrHY0zZa2