Network Architect

Role: Network Architect
Location: Bellevue, WA (Onsite)
Long Term Contract

Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Network Architect with strong expertise in enterprise networking, server patch automation, and NetOps practices to design, standardize, and automate patch management across large-scale enterprise environments. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge of network architecture, data center technologies, cloud networking, security, and infrastructure automation.

This role is responsible for designing scalable, resilient, and secure network solutions that support zero- or low-downtime patching across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments while ensuring compliance with enterprise security and operational standards.

Must have:
Network Architecture
Server Patch Automation
BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS
VLANs, VRFs, VXLAN, EVPN
Leaf-Spine Architecture
Hybrid Cloud Networking
Firewalls & Network Security
Python, Ansible, Terraform
Data Center Networking
Excellent Communication Skills
Strong Technical Leadership

Nice to Have Skills:
Azure Data Factory (ADF)
Cloud Integration
SD-WAN
SASE
Network Observability Platforms

Key Responsibilities:
Network Architecture & Design
Define and maintain network architecture standards that support automated server patching and lifecycle management.
Design scalable, highly available, and secure network solutions across LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, WLAN, and data center environments.
Develop High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), architecture diagrams, standards, and implementation documentation.
Lead network modernization initiatives including automation, segmentation, cloud networking, Zero Trust, and software-defined networking transformations.
Ensure architecture aligns with enterprise security, compliance, governance, and change management requirements.

Server Patch Automation & NetOps:
Design and implement automated server patching frameworks across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid infrastructure environments.
Develop strategies for zero- or low-downtime patch deployment and lifecycle management.
Integrate automation and orchestration tools to improve patch compliance, operational efficiency, and infrastructure reliability.
Establish patching standards, governance models, and operational procedures.

Implementation & Engineering
Provide technical leadership for deploying routing, switching, wireless, firewall, VPN, and load-balancing solutions.
Develop migration strategies and lead complex cutover activities with minimal business impact.
Assess existing network infrastructure and recommend improvements related to performance, scalability, capacity, availability, and resiliency.
Support enterprise-wide infrastructure transformation initiatives.

Security & Compliance:
Design secure network architectures aligned with enterprise security policies and industry best practices.
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement firewall policies, VLANs, VRFs, micro-segmentation, IDS/IPS, VPNs, and network access controls.
Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, PCI-DSS, and HIPAA where applicable.

Cloud & Data Center Networking
Architect hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity solutions across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform environments.
Design and support cloud interconnect technologies including ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, VPN, and Cloud Interconnect.
Build modern data center architectures utilizing Leaf-Spine, VXLAN/EVPN, SDN, and load-balancing technologies.
Collaborate with compute, storage, virtualization, and cloud teams to deliver end-to-end infrastructure solutions.

Technology Strategy & Leadership
Develop long-term network architecture roadmaps and modernization strategies.
Evaluate emerging technologies including SD-WAN, SASE, network automation, observability platforms, and AI-driven networking solutions.
Drive standardization, governance, documentation, and best practices across network technologies.
Serve as a senior technical advisor to engineering, operations, security, and application teams.
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across projects.

Required Qualifications
progressive experience in Enterprise Network Engineering and Network Architecture.

Strong expertise in routing and switching technologies including:
BGP
OSPF
EIGRP
MPLS
VLANs
VRFs
VXLAN
EVPN

Deep understanding of:
Firewalls
IDS/IPS
VPN technologies
Load balancers
Network segmentation

Hands-on experience with leading firewall platforms:
Palo Alto
Cisco
Fortinet
Check Point
F5

Strong experience with Data Center Networking technologies:
Cisco Nexus
Cisco ACI
Arista
Juniper
SDN platforms
Experience designing and supporting Hybrid Cloud Networking across Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.
Knowledge of SD-WAN solutions such as Cisco Viptela, Meraki, VMware VeloCloud, and Aruba EdgeConnect.
Hands-on experience with automation and orchestration tools including Python, Ansible, and Terraform.
Strong documentation and diagramming skills using Visio, Lucidchart, and architecture frameworks.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with Azure Data Factory (ADF) and cloud integration projects.
Exposure to SASE, network observability, and AI-enabled networking solutions.
Experience leading large-scale infrastructure transformation and modernization programs.

Preferred Certifications:
CCNP Enterprise / Data Center
CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, Data Center, or Service Provider
AWS Solutions Architect Associate or Professional
Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert