Network Architect Subject Matter Expert (SME)

About NDi:

Network Designs, Inc. (NDi) is a leading Federal contractor that specializes in designing, developing, and delivering information technology and network solutions for government customers. Founded in 1985, NDi's firmly defined core values have driven all aspects of the business, which have been paramount to our company's success and the establishment of an enjoyable workplace atmosphere. At NDi, we believe that our people are the cornerstone of our success, and we value collaboration, career growth, and winning ideas. Military Veterans Encouraged to Apply.

Job Description:

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Network Architect Subject Matter Expert (SME) to join our IT team. The Network Architect will lead the design, integration, and optimization of secure, large-scale enterprise networks. This role requires advanced expertise in routing, switching, wireless, firewall ecosystems, and identity services, as well as the ability to mentor junior to senior engineers and collaborate with enterprise operations staff. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, deep technical knowledge, and proven experience designing resilient, scalable, and compliant federal network infrastructures.

Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship is required
• Must be able to obtain a Public Trust clearance
• This position requires working onsite in Washington D.C., 5 days per week

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (advanced degree preferred) and 10 years of enterprise network engineering/architecture experience; or 13 years of equivalent experience in lieu of degree
• 15 years of enterprise network engineering/architecture experience
• Must have at least one of the following: CCNA Security, CySA , GICSP, GSEC, Security CE, SSCP, or other Security certification.
• Proven expertise in enterprise-scale network design, integration, and operations Expert-level proficiency with Cisco routing, switching, and wireless platforms.
  
• Strong experience with Cisco ISE, 802.1X certificate authentication, RADIUS, and TACACS .
  
• Advanced knowledge of firewall ecosystems, including Palo Alto Panorama and NGFWs, and Cisco ASA.
  
• Hands-on experience with VXLAN, BGP EVPN, and IPSec tunneling.
  
• Deep familiarity with Catalyst Center (DNAC) and streaming telemetry.
  
• Solid understanding of PKI concepts, certificate management, and Active Directory (LDAP/LDAPS).
  
• Significant experience with network monitoring and analytics platforms (SolarWinds or equivalent).
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Strong leadership, documentation, and mentoring abilities.
  Work Environment

Preferred Certifications:

• ITIL v4 Foundation or higher
  
• CCNP/CCIE Enterprise or Security
  
• Palo Alto Networks PCNSE

Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of enterprise network infrastructure across LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center environments.
  
• Integrate Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) with wireless and wired networks using 802.1X certificate authentication (RADIUS).
  
• Design, configure, and manage TACACS and RADIUS attributes to support Cisco and non-Cisco systems.
  
• Architect and manage firewall ecosystems, including Palo Alto Panorama and next-generation firewalls, as well as Cisco ASA/Firepower platforms.
  
• Implement and support advanced routing and switching solutions (OSPF, BGP, VXLAN, BGP EVPN overlays).
  
• Develop and maintain IPSec tunnel architectures and secure integrations with the Justice Management Network (JUTNet).
  
• Oversee Catalyst Center (DNAC) integration with Wireless LAN Controllers, including streaming telemetry.
  
• Leverage network management tools (SolarWinds and others) for monitoring, analytics, and proactive remediation.
  
• Define, document, and enforce PKI, certificate-based authentication, and Microsoft Active Directory (LDAP/LDAPS) integrations.
  
• Prepare and maintain architecture documentation, runbooks, and operational guides.
  
• Experience with NetBox as a source of truth for network management and documentation.
  
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and serve as an escalation point for critical incidents.
  
• Mentor junior and senior network engineers and work collaboratively with enterprise operations technicians to ensure reliable service delivery.
  
• Align network operations with ITIL principles and federal government compliance requirements.

Compensation and Benefits:

At NDi, we value our team and are committed to retaining top talent by offering competitive benefits and compensation packages. Our employee benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, vision, pet, and legal insurance. Our corporate benefits include 401(k) retirement matching, paid leave, paid holidays, and health and wellness programs. In addition, we provide employer-paid life and disability insurance, professional development, education benefits, and much more to ensure our team has the resources they need to thrive on and off the job.

Veterans First Commitment:

As a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), NDi is dedicated to hiring veterans and providing a supportive work environment that honors their service while recognizing the unique skills and experiences they bring to our organization.

Commitment to Diversity:

NDi is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran or military status, citizenship, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by law in all phases of the employment process and compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. As a federal government contractor, NDi complies with all applicable affirmative action requirements.

Apply Now: Take advantage of this unique opportunity to join one of the fastest-growing companies in Federal contracting!