What are the responsibilities and job description for the Principal Network Architect position at Nevermore Solutions?
Job Title: Principal Network Architect (Network Admin 5)
Location: Hybrid – [Alexandria, VA]
Job Type: Full-Time
Travel: Occasional travel may be required for site assessments and implementation support
U.S. Citizenship: REQUIRED
Job Summary:
Join our mission to build a secure, scalable, and future-ready network infrastructure that empowers our organization to serve millions with confidence and reliability. We are seeking an experienced and visionary Principal Network Architect to oversee and lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our complex network infrastructure. This position demands a deep technical understanding, strategic planning capabilities, and the ability to mentor and guide senior engineers. The ideal candidate will have proven expertise in Cisco technologies, multi-vendor environments, and large-scale network operations, along with exceptional leadership and project management skills.
This hybrid position reports to the Program Manager and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR). A Public Trust 6C clearance is required.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Network Leadership
Develop and execute a strategic roadmap that improves network uptime, reduces total cost of ownership, and accelerates business agility.
Collaborate directly with executive leadership to ensure network initiatives align with organizational priorities.
Lead cross-functional teams and act as a key stakeholder in enterprise IT and business transformation projects.
Network Architecture & Operations
Oversee advanced network designs, including data center, campus, and cloud networks, ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
Lead the design and deployment of advanced technologies, including SD-WAN, network automation, and zero-trust security models.
Manage multi-vendor environments, integrating Cisco (ISE, ACI, DNA), Palo Alto, and other emerging technologies seamlessly.
Establish network policies, security frameworks, and ensure compliance with standards such as NIST, PCI-DSS, or ISO 27001.
Ensure network designs are documented comprehensively, including failover strategies, disaster recovery plans, and capacity planning.
Mentorship & Vendor Management
Mentor and guide Senior Network Engineers (Network Admin 4) and other IT staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
Manage vendor relationships, evaluate new products, and oversee procurement to ensure the best value and fit for the organization.
Qualifications:
Required:
Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Cisco CCIE (Enterprise/Datacenter).
12–15 years of overall IT experience with a strong focus on networking roles.
7–10 years in senior or lead network engineering positions.
3–5 years of experience in technical leadership or network architecture roles.
5 years hands-on with Cisco technologies such as ACI, ISE, and SD-WAN.
5 years managing enterprise or global-scale network environments.
3 years leading strategic initiatives or major network transformation efforts.
Deep expertise in Cisco platforms: Catalyst 9K series, ISR/ASR routers, ACI, ISE, SD-WAN.
Strong knowledge of cloud and hybrid network architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Expertise in advanced networking protocols (MPLS, BGP, OSPF) and security principles.
Proven ability to align networking strategies with enterprise goals.
Preferred:
Certifications in Palo Alto, AWS/Azure networking, or advanced SDN solutions.
Experience with network automation (Ansible, Python, Terraform).
Familiarity with ISO 27001 and other compliance frameworks.
Additional Requirements:
Exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing senior leadership.
Ability to manage multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously and deliver results under pressure.
Willingness to provide critical support coverage as needed, including on-call availability.
Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within technology teams.
Team & Scope:
You will serve as the senior-most network leader, working alongside the Program Manager and COR and overseeing a team of 4–6 senior engineers supporting a hybrid infrastructure across fewer than 10 locations.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a mission-critical team architecting and securing enterprise network infrastructure with strategic visibility and impact. This is a high-trust, high-responsibility role ideal for a seasoned network professional looking to shape an organization's future-state architecture and mentor the next generation of engineering talent.