Network Architect

Job Description (JD): Network Architect

Key Responsibilities:

Network Strategy & Architecture

· Define and maintain the global network architecture and roadmap, aligning with business and IT strategy.

· Design end-to-end network solutions covering DC, Cloud, WAN, LAN, and SD-WAN architectures.

· Lead the transition from legacy WAN to SD-WAN integrating regional hubs, stores, and cloud environments.

· Architect and document network security and segmentation solutions using Palo Alto, Prisma, and Cisco ISE.

· Define network performance, resilience, and availability standards.

Technical Leadership & Delivery

· Lead technical design workshops with customer architects, network teams, and vendors.

· Develop high-level and low-level design documents (HLD/LLD) for global deployments.

· Provide technical leadership and oversight during design, implementation, and migration phases.

· Mentor and guide regional network engineers and ensure design consistency across geographies.

· Evaluate and recommend tools, technologies, and best practices for network automation and observability.

Cloud and Data Center Networking

· Design and integrate on-prem data centers with cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP) using secure and optimized connectivity.

· Implement hybrid connectivity leveraging ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, or VPN gateways.

· Collaborate with cloud architects to design secure, scalable, and resilient cloud network topologies.

Security & Compliance

· Integrate network security controls including firewalls, identity-based access, and threat detection.

· Ensure compliance with enterprise security and regulatory standards.

· Define Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) principles in network designs.

Stakeholder Management

· Act as the primary technical contact for network-related initiatives.

· Work closely with customer network managers, architects, and service providers.

· Present architectural decisions and recommendations to CIO-level stakeholders.

· Participate in vendor evaluations, PoCs, and contract discussions.

Required Skills and Experience:

Technical Skills

Core Networking: Advanced knowledge of routing, switching, VPNs, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, QoS, and multicast. Routing & Switching, Security (Firewalls Cisco ASA, FortiGate, PaloAlto and PaloAlto Prisma)

Cisco ISE, Cisco ACI

Netscaler Load Balancers LTM & GTM

SD WAN (Cisco Meraki)

SD-WAN: Design and deployment experience with Cisco SD-WAN (vManage/vBond/vSmart) or VMX, and familiarity with Prisma SD-WAN.

Security: Strong understanding of Palo Alto firewalls, Cisco ISE, and Zero Trust / SASE concepts.

Cloud Networking: Hands-on with Azure, AWS, or GCP network design including hybrid and multi-cloud integration.

Network Monitoring & Automation: Familiarity with tools such as SolarWinds, ThousandEyes, Statseeker, Ansible, Terraform, or equivalent.

Protocols & Standards: IPv4/IPv6, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, SSL, IPsec, and network segmentation.

Experience

10+ years in network engineering, with at least 5 years in an architectural or technical leadership role.

Proven track record in global network transformation programs.

Experience leading multi-region deployments with distributed teams.

Strong vendor management and cross-functional collaboration experience.

Qualifications & Certifications:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or related discipline.

Preferred Certifications:

Cisco CCNP / CCIE (Routing & Switching, Security)

Palo Alto Networks PCNSE

Cisco Meraki Solution Specialist

• Prisma