Network Architect (Security)

Title: Network Architect (Security)
Location: Richmond VA onsite

Duration: 3-6 months (Contract to hire)

Top skills:

Architect level- 15 years of experience in enterprise networking
Deep expertise in BGP routing and network design

Strong hands-on experience with:
Palo Alto Networks firewalls
Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)


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 GCP.
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