Network System Architect

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced IT Network Architect to join our innovative team for a 12 months contract role in Lawrenceville, GA.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing our organization's network infrastructure to ensure reliability, scalability, and security. As an IT Network Architect, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop strategic network solutions that support business objectives and drive growth. This position requires skills designing local and wide area networks including routers, switches, firewalls, wireless devices, etc. in a large LAN/WAN environment. The duties associated with this position include identifying and designing best of breed solutions to support business needs within budget constraints. The duties associated with this position include LAN/WAN design, datacenter network design, security design based on audit requirements.

Skills:

Minimum of 10 years of experience in supporting and 4 years of experience designing local and wide area networks in a medium to large network environment.

Preferred Experience:

· Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; Master's degree preferred.

· Proven experience (10 years) working as a Network Architect or in a similar role.

· Expertise in designing, implementing, and managing complex network infrastructures in enterprise environments.

· In-depth knowledge of networking protocols and technologies, including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VLANs, and VPNs.

· Experience with network hardware and software, such as Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto Networks, and Arista. Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices, including firewall configuration, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention.

· Proficiency in network monitoring and management tools, such as Wireshark, Nagios, SolarWinds, or equivalent.

· Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on detail and accuracy.

· Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

· Relevant certifications (e.g., Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional (JNCIP), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)) preferred.

Responsibilities:

· Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the organization's network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and VPN technologies.

· Collaborate with stakeholders to gather requirements and define network architecture objectives. Design end-to-end network solutions that align with business needs and support future expansion. Create detailed network architecture diagrams, documentation, and specifications to communicate design plans and implementation strategies.

· Evaluate and recommend network hardware, software, and protocols to enhance performance, reliability, and security.

· Lead the implementation and configuration of network components, including routers, switches, firewalls, and load balancers.

· Design and implement network security measures, including access controls, encryption, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.

· Conduct regular network performance monitoring and optimization activities to ensure optimal performance and uptime.

· Collaborate with IT teams to troubleshoot and resolve network-related issues and challenges.

· Stay abreast of emerging networking technologies, industry trends, and best practices to drive innovation and continuous improvement