Network Architect Senior Network Engineer

Network Architect / Senior Network Engineer

The Network Architect / Senior Network Engineer will be responsible for designing implementing optimizing and maintaining enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical government and educational services. The role requires deep technical expertise in routing switching firewalls and data center networking along with the ability to translate business requirements into scalable network architectures.

NWRDC operates 24x7 Tier III data center environments with redundant power generators and network connectivity providing services to multiple government agencies and supporting disaster recovery and cloud infrastructure.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelors degree with 5 years of relevant experience OR

High school diploma/equivalent with 10 years of relevant experience OR

Equivalent combination of education and professional experience totaling 10 years.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network Architecture & Engineering

Design plan and optimize enterprise network infrastructure.

Develop strategies for network systems using current and emerging technologies including wireless solutions.

Translate business and operational requirements into network architecture and design.

Recommend network hardware system management software and architectural solutions.

Approve and modify network architecture ensuring compliance with enterprise standards.

Configure and maintain routers switches hubs and firewalls.

Monitor network performance and conduct capacity planning.

Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend new solutions for enterprise deployment.

2. Network Operations & Troubleshooting

Perform advanced troubleshooting of complex network issues.

Develop automated troubleshooting scripts and resolution procedures.

Provide second-level technical support to internal teams and external customers.

Monitor the Service Desk ticketing system and respond according to SLAs.

Ensure system availability security and confidentiality across the network environment.

3. Project Leadership & Technical Expertise

Serve as Project Leader or Subject Matter Expert (SME) on enterprise networking projects.

Work on high-complexity technical issues involving multiple technologies and business units.

Define enterprise-wide network architectures and design frameworks.

Mentor and coach junior technical staff.

Work on multiple concurrent projects and initiatives.

4. Internal Processes & Documentation

Follow established team processes and operational procedures.

Develop and maintain technical documentation for network systems and processes.

Participate in change management processes.

Facilitate hardware procurement and maintenance renewals.

Track project time for professional services billing.

Develop quality control methods to ensure system outputs meet organizational standards.

5. Security Emergency & Operational Readiness

Maintain network security standards and incident response readiness.

Participate in Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) activities.

Participate in Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercises and disaster recovery operations.

Be available for on-call support and emergency response.

Work during emergencies including disasters or system outages when required.

Required Skills & Experience

Experience configuring and managing enterprise routers switches and firewalls.

Strong knowledge of OSPF and BGP routing protocols in large enterprise environments.

Experience migrating SonicWall NSA firewalls to Palo Alto firewalls.

Ability to analyze business requirements and evaluate technical solutions.

Strong documentation and technical writing skills.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in small teams.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.

Ability to maintain professional relationships with customers and stakeholders.

Preferred Skills

Experience with Palo Alto Networks Firewalls

Experience with Cisco Systems Nexus and ACI

Experience with F5 Big-IP LTM

Experience managing multi-tenant data center networks

Industry certifications from vendors such as Cisco Palo Alto or F5.

Soft Skills

Strong oral communication skills

Strong written communication skills

Analytical thinking and problem solving

Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines

Team collaboration and mentoring ability

Work Environment

24/7 Tier III enterprise data center environment

Requires on-call availability and emergency response support

May require work beyond normal business hours during incidents or disaster recovery operations.