Senior Network Architect

Role: SENIOR NETWORK ARCHITECT

• 12 years of experience in Network architecture, Design and Implementation
• 5 years of experience with ZTNA, SASE SSE solutions
• Strong expertise in Routing, Switching, Wireless, and Firewall technologies
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, and Juniper platforms
  
  

Location: Candidates will need to work from the Client’s office in Renton, Washington in a hybrid model, 3 days a week. Remote work is not an option.

• Applications will be accepted until April 15, 2026
• This role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future
  
  

Responsibilities

• Architect, design, engineer, implement, and maintain high-throughput, low-latency network infrastructures across data center, cloud (AWS), and campus environments
• Design networks optimized for real-time gaming workloads, including latency-sensitive and bandwidth-intensive applications
• Enable and optimize remote workforce connectivity using Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), SASE, SSE solutions
• Lead ZTNA implementation in close coordination with security teams, vendors and business groups to ensure secure, scalable remote access
• Design and deploy next-generation architectures, including SD-WAN and cloud-native networking, to support distributed users and services
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business, security, and engineering) to gather requirements and drive end-to-end delivery (design, implementation, testing)
• Optimize network performance through traffic engineering, QoS strategies, and latency reduction techniques
• Develop and maintain network architecture documentation, standards, and diagrams
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to Network engineering and Operations teams
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies to improve network performance, scalability, and user experience, especially for gaming and remote environments
  
  

Required Qualifications

• 12 years of experience in Network architecture, Design and Implementation
• 5 years of experience with ZTNA, SASE SSE solutions
• Strong expertise in Routing, Switching, Wireless, and Firewall technologies
• Hands-on experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, and Juniper platforms
• Experience designing and implementing SD-WAN solutions (Cisco SD-WAN or equivalent)
• Strong experience with cloud networking in AWS and multi-cloud transit
• Proven experience designing networks for high throughput, low latency, and real-time applications
• Experience designing remote-first or hybrid workforce environments
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with game studios or similar high-performance, distributed environments
• Deep understanding of gaming infrastructure requirements including content delivery, data delivery and real-time communication systems
• Strong knowledge of performance optimization techniques (latency reduction, packet loss mitigation, jitter control)
• Familiarity with global traffic management, CDN integration, and edge networking
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP/CCIE, PCNSE, AWS Advanced Networking) are a plus
  
  

Key Competencies

• Expertise in designing low-latency, high-availability network architectures
• Ability to balance performance, security, and scalability in distributed environments
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and leadership skills
• Advanced troubleshooting and performance optimization mindset
• Excellent documentation and communication abilities
  
  

Salary and Other Compensation: The annual salary for the position is between $ 90,000/yr - $110,000/yr and depends on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  
  

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law