Network System Architect

Summary

CAE Defense & Security is seeking an experienced Enterprise Network Architect to lead the design and implementation of a robust wide area network (WAN) supporting the US Air Force Training, Modeling and Simulation Community's mission‑critical operations. The successful candidate will develop scalable, secure network architectures, integrate emerging technologies, and collaborate with cross‑functional teams including simulation developers, cybersecurity specialists, and logistics planners to ensure high availability, low latency, and compliance with DoD standards.

• Develop end‑to‑end WAN architecture that meets performance, scalability, and security requirements for the Air Force Training, Modeling and Simulation Community.
• Translate mission‑critical operational needs into detailed network design documents, including topology, routing protocols, and redundancy strategies.

• Lead the installation, configuration, and testing of WAN components (MPLS, SDWAN, VPN, satellite links, edge routers, firewalls, and load balancers).
• Coordinate with field teams to ensure seamless integration with existing LAN, data center, and cloud environments.

• Define and enforce key performance indicators (KPIs) such as latency, jitter, packet loss, and uptime.
• Conduct capacity planning, traffic engineering, and fault tolerance assessments to guarantee mission availability.

• Design and implement secure network boundaries, segmentation, and encryption mechanisms in line with DoD and CAE security policies.
• Perform regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and compliance audits.

• Work closely with simulation developers, cybersecurity teams, logistics planners, and senior leadership to align network solutions with operational goals.
• Provide technical guidance and training to internal teams and external partners.

• Produce and maintain comprehensive network diagrams, configuration baselines, change‑management records, and troubleshooting guides.
• Capture lessons learned and best practices for future projects.

• Evaluate and select networking equipment, software, and service providers.
• Prepare cost estimates, manage project budgets and timelines.

• Monitor emerging WAN technologies and recommend enhancements to keep the network state of the art.
• Lead post‑deployment reviews and iterative optimization cycles.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• 8 years of progressive experience in network design, implementation, and management.
• Proven track record designing large‑scale, multi‑site enterprise networks (LAN/WAN, SD WAN, MPLS, VPN, etc.).
• Experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Hands‑on experience with network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS, Zero Trust, segmentation).
• Familiarity with virtualization (VMware, Hyper‑V, KVM) and software‑defined networking (SDN, NFV).
• Deep knowledge of routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, IS‑IS) and switching technologies (VLANs, STP, MSTP, Ether Channel, QoS).
• Experience with network design tools (Solar Winds, Lucidchart, Visio) and monitoring & troubleshooting tools (Wireshark, Net Flow, sFlow, SNMP).
• Security technologies (Cisco ASA/Firepower, Fortinet, Palo Alto, Check Point).
• Cloud networking services (AWS VPC, Azure VNets, GCP VPC, Direct Connect, Express Route).
• Experience with network automation frameworks (Ansible, Terraform, Python).
• Knowledge of Zero Trust architecture and micro‑segmentation.
• Experience with risk‑management frameworks (RMF) and authorizing officials (AO).
• Experience designing network architectures that support NIST SP 800‑53 Rev.
  5 controls, including segmentation, encryption, auditing, and least‑privilege enforcement.
• Ability to produce and maintain RMF‑ready architecture artifacts such as layer 3 network diagrams, data flows, and trust boundaries.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities; excellent communication…