Network Architect

This is a remote position.

Overview

This is a remote consulting opportunity supporting a government client.

Role Summary

The Network Architect provides strategic and technical leadership across enterprise network and connectivity environments, designing and governing secure, high-performance network architectures that support enterprise operations and modernization initiatives.

The role is responsible for defining future-state network architecture spanning on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments while ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities, service delivery requirements, and transformation goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and maintain enterprise network architecture strategy, principles, and target-state designs across LAN, WAN, cloud, and hybrid environments
  
• Develop and maintain multi-year network roadmaps aligned to enterprise priorities
  
• Provide direction and oversight to network engineering and infrastructure teams to ensure consistency with architecture standards
  
• Lead modernization of network environments including SD-WAN, edge computing, and cloud networking integration
  
• Design and implement hybrid connectivity solutions across on-premise and cloud platforms
  
• Define network security architecture including segmentation strategies, zero-trust principles, and secure access models
  
• Integrate advanced security platforms such as Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks into network designs
  
• Ensure network solutions comply with organizational security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards
  
• Design and support network architectures for cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and hybrid environments
  
• Support development of business cases, cost models, and funding submissions for network investments
  
• Provide technical input into procurement strategies, RFP development, and vendor evaluations
  
• Identify and assess network risks including performance bottlenecks, security exposure, and scalability limitations
  
• Provide expert advisory services to senior leadership and technical teams on network strategy and design
  

Key Deliverables

• Enterprise network architecture strategy and target-state designs
  
• Network standards, reference architectures, and design patterns
  
• Network design reviews, assessments, and recommendations
  
• Business case inputs and cost models for network initiatives
  
• Governance artifacts supporting architecture review and enterprise intake
  
• Risk assessments and performance optimization recommendations

Requirements

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred
  
• Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNP or CCIE, Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent preferred
  
• Cloud networking certifications for Azure, AWS, or GCP considered an asset
  
• Additional security certifications such as CISSP or CISM considered an asset
  

Experience

• Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale enterprise network architectures
  
• Strong expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, and load-balancing technologies
  
• Experience with SD-WAN, cloud networking, and network virtualization solutions
  
• Strong understanding of network security protocols and zero-trust architectures
  
• Experience integrating advanced network security platforms such as Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks
  
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional network initiatives from concept to delivery
  
• Experience working in hybrid cloud and distributed environments
  
• Familiarity with satellite or remote connectivity solutions considered an asset