Network Architect

Job Title: Network Engineer/Network Architect

Work Location: Richmond, VA (Hybrid)

Duration: 6 Months (Contract to hire)

Job Description:

Senior Network Engineer Cloud & Enterprise Networking
Key Responsibilities Architecture & Design
Lead design and implementation of enterprise and cloud networking architectures (Azure, AWS, hybrid)
Develop and execute network consolidation strategies across multiple environments and business units
Architect secure, scalable connectivity patterns including:
Site-to-site and client VPNs
SD-WAN deployments
Cloud transit hubs and hub/spoke models
Define standards for routing, segmentation, and high availability
Cloud Networking

Design and manage networking in Azure and familiarity AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.
Implement and maintain:
Virtual networks (VNets/VPCs)
Peering and private connectivity (ExpressRoute, Direct Connect)
Network security controls (NSGs, firewalls, routing tables)
Integrate on-prem and cloud environments.
Routing & Core Networking
Design and troubleshoot complex routing environments using:
BGP, OSPF/EIGRP
Optimize routing policies for performance, failover, and traffic engineering
Lead troubleshooting of latency, packet loss, and asymmetric routing issues
Security & Firewalls
Manage next-gen firewall solutions, primarily:
Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PAN-OS, Panorama)
Define and enforce security policies, NAT, and segmentation strategies
Partner with security teams on threat mitigation and compliance requirements
SD-WAN & Branch Networking
Design and support SD-WAN solutions using:
Cisco Viptela / Cisco SD-WAN
Manage and optimize branch networking using:
Cisco Meraki (full stack: MX, MS, MR)
Ensure consistent policy, performance, and visibility across all sites
Carrier & Vendor Management

Act as primary technical liaison with telecom carriers and ISPs
Lead troubleshooting of circuit issues (latency, outages, routing anomalies)
Validate and design circuit turn-ups (DIA, MPLS, broadband, LTE/5G)
Coordinate with vendors during deployments, escalations, and outages
Operations & Leadership

Serve as Tier 3 escalation point for network-related incidents
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance
Develop and maintain documentation, standards, and runbooks
Participate in on-call rotation as needed
Required Qualifications

Years of experience Architect level 15
Deep expertise in BGP routing and network design
Strong hands-on experience with:
Palo Alto Networks firewalls
Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
Cisco Meraki full stack
Proven experience designing and implementing cloud networking architectures
Strong troubleshooting skills across routing, firewall, and connectivity domains
Experience working directly with telecom carriers and ISPs
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
Multi-tenant or multi-environment network consolidation
Certifications (preferred but not required):
CCNP/CCIE
PCNSE (Palo Alto)
Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
AWS Advanced Networking Specialty