Demo

Network Architect

Apptad Inc
Richmond, VA Contractor | Full Time
POSTED ON 6/4/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/4/2026
Network Engineer (Security) Location

Richmond, VA (Hybrid Onsite presence required 1 day per week)

Duration

6 Months Contract-to-Hire Only W2

Important Note

Only vetted candidates with the following mandatory skill set:

  1. Palo Alto Firewall / Security (Must Have)
  2. Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
  3. Enterprise Networking
  4. Strong Communication Skills
Position Overview

We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer with Architect-level expertise (12 years) in Enterprise Networking, Security, Cloud Networking, and SD-WAN technologies. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in BGP routing, Palo Alto Firewalls, Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco Meraki, and Cloud Networking architectures across Azure, AWS, and Hybrid environments.

Top Skills Required Mandatory
  • Deep expertise in BGP Routing and Network Design
  • Palo Alto Networks Firewalls
  • Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
  • Enterprise Networking
  • Excellent Communication Skills
Preferred
  • Cisco Meraki Full Stack
  • Azure Networking
  • AWS Networking
  • Carrier & ISP Management
  • Multi-Cloud Networking
Key Responsibilities Architecture & Design
  • Lead the design and implementation of enterprise and cloud networking architectures across Azure, AWS, and Hybrid environments.
  • Develop and execute network consolidation strategies across multiple environments and business units.
  • Architect secure and scalable connectivity patterns including:
    • Site-to-Site VPNs
    • Client VPNs
    • SD-WAN Deployments
    • Cloud Transit Hubs
    • Hub-and-Spoke Network Models
  • Define enterprise standards for:
    • Routing
    • Network Segmentation
    • High Availability
Cloud Networking Design and Manage Networking Across:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • Amazon Web Services (AWS)
  • Familiarity with Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform)
Implement and Maintain:
  • Virtual Networks (VNets/VPCs)
  • Peering and Private Connectivity
    • Azure ExpressRoute
    • AWS Direct Connect
  • Network Security Controls
    • NSGs
    • Firewalls
    • Routing Tables
  • Integrate On-Premises and Cloud Environments
Routing & Core Networking Design and Troubleshoot Complex Routing Environments Using:
  • BGP
  • OSPF
  • EIGRP
Responsibilities:
  • Optimize routing policies for:
    • Performance
    • Failover
    • Traffic Engineering
  • Lead troubleshooting efforts involving:
    • Latency
    • Packet Loss
    • Asymmetric Routing
Security & Firewalls Manage Next-Generation Firewall Solutions:
  • Palo Alto Networks Firewalls
  • PAN-OS
  • Panorama
Responsibilities:
  • Define and enforce security policies
  • NAT Configuration and Management
  • Network Segmentation Strategies
  • Partner with Security Teams on:
    • Threat Mitigation
    • Compliance Requirements
SD-WAN & Branch Networking Design and Support:
  • Cisco Viptela / Cisco SD-WAN
Manage and Optimize:
  • Cisco Meraki Full Stack
    • MX
    • MS
    • MR
Ensure:
  • Consistent Security Policies
  • Performance Optimization
  • Network Visibility Across All Sites
Carrier & Vendor Management Act As:
  • Primary Technical Liaison with Telecom Carriers and ISPs
Responsibilities:
  • Troubleshoot Circuit Issues
    • Latency
    • Outages
    • Routing Anomalies
  • Validate and Design Circuit Turn-Ups:
    • DIA
    • MPLS
    • Broadband
    • LTE/5G
  • Coordinate with Vendors During:
    • Deployments
    • Escalations
    • Outages
Operations & Leadership Responsibilities:
  • Serve as Tier-3 Escalation Point for Network-Related Incidents
  • Mentor Junior Network Engineers
  • Provide Technical Leadership and Guidance
  • Develop and Maintain:
    • Documentation
    • Standards
    • Runbooks
  • Participate in On-Call Rotation as Needed
Required Qualifications Experience
  • Architect-Level Network Engineering Experience (12 Years)
  • Deep Expertise in BGP Routing and Network Design
Hands-On Experience With:
  • Palo Alto Networks Firewalls
  • Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
  • Cisco Meraki Full Stack
Additional Requirements
  • Proven experience designing and implementing Cloud Networking Architectures
  • Strong troubleshooting skills across:
    • Routing
    • Firewalls
    • Connectivity Domains
  • Experience working directly with Telecom Carriers and ISPs
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Qualifications Experience With:
  • Multi-Tenant Network Environments
  • Multi-Environment Network Consolidation Initiatives
Certifications (Preferred but Not Required)
  • CCNP
  • CCIE
  • PCNSE (Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer)
  • Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
  • AWS Advanced Networking Specialty


ABOUT US

Apptad offers strategic consulting, enterprise information management and digital transformation services. With globally connected offices in US and India along with a team of trained and certified IT resources, Apptad ensures quick and effective delivery to its customers.Apptad is relentlessly reinventing the outlook of how companies leverage data.

With an effort to enable our customers the ability to solve biggest problems within their organization.We perceive our clients problems and respond with custom solutions instead of handing over boilerplate responses.

OUR MISSION

Customer Focus: We listen carefully to the needs of our clients so that we know what s important for their business and can design a customized solution for their business.

Innovation: As a firm, we believe in constantly upgrading ourselves and improving our solutions to adapt to the changing landscape of technology.

Accountability and Ethics: We believe in taking our commitments as seriously as our customers and living up to them while building trust for a long term business relationship.

Salary.com Estimation for Network Architect in Richmond, VA
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