Cloud Network Architect

Position: Cloud Network Architect
Location: Deerfield, IL (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience: 10 Years
Certification: CCNA and Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification Required (CCNP/CCIE Preferred)

Position Summary
Zion is seeking an experienced Cloud Network Architect with a strong focus on Google Cloud Platform (Google Cloud Platform) to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise network architectures. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in cloud networking, network security, hybrid cloud connectivity, and large-scale infrastructure design, with the ability to architect secure, scalable, and highly available solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Design and architect enterprise-grade network solutions across Google Cloud Platform and hybrid cloud environments.
Lead cloud networking initiatives involving Google Cloud Platform VPCs, Cloud Router, Cloud Interconnect, Cloud VPN, Load Balancing, and DNS services.
Design secure connectivity between on-premises data centers and Google Cloud Platform environments.
Develop network architecture standards, governance frameworks, and best practices.
Architect highly available and disaster-resilient network infrastructures.
Design and implement routing, switching, segmentation, and security solutions.
Lead cloud migration and modernization projects from traditional infrastructure to Google Cloud Platform.
Work closely with Cloud, Security, Infrastructure, and Application teams to deliver integrated solutions.
Provide architectural guidance for network performance optimization, scalability, and cost efficiency.
Conduct technical reviews, architecture assessments, and root cause analysis for complex issues.
Create architecture diagrams, technical documentation, and implementation roadmaps.
Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across network and cloud initiatives.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field.
10 years of experience in Network Engineering, Infrastructure Architecture, and Cloud Networking.
Mandatory CCNA certification and

Google Professional Cloud Network Engineer certification
Minimum 5 years of experience designing and implementing Google Cloud Platform networking solutions.
Strong expertise in:
Google Cloud Platform VPC Design
Cloud Router
Cloud Interconnect
Cloud VPN
Cloud Load Balancing
Cloud DNS
Shared VPC
Network Security Policies
Deep knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, VLANs, VPNs, DNS, DHCP, NAT, and QoS.
Experience with enterprise Cisco networking technologies.
Strong understanding of network security architecture and Zero Trust principles.
Experience designing hybrid cloud and multi-region network environments.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent advanced networking certification.
Experience with Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, Ansible).
Experience with Palo Alto, Fortinet, or Cisco security platforms.
Knowledge of Kubernetes networking and containerized environments.
Experience with cloud automation and network orchestration.