Network Architect

The Network Architect plays a key role in Client's architecture / technology division. The role involves producing designs and overseeing the implementation of solutions encompassing hardware, software, and security to ensure performance, scalability, and reliability, bridging business needs with solutions for LANs, WANs, cloud and hybrid environments.
This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements, providing technical leadership, and ensuring designs meet Client's architectural principles and security standards. The architect should be a strong technologist that is very aware of current developments in the technology spectrum.

Key Responsibilities:

Author High Level Solution Design, Solutions Overviews and Conceptual Architectures.
Design and architect solutions based on technical and business requirements.
Develop and document architecture blueprints and best practices.
Provide technical leadership on network architecture including integration and management to ensure best practices are supported and implemented effectively.
Act as a lead Architect on projects.
Contribute to the development and management of the Network Strategy.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of Architecture within CLS.
Contribute to product roadmaps and reference architectures.

Required

Skills and Experience:

Proficient in enterprise, data centre and cloud network architecture with a strong track record of successful projects and in-depth knowledge of industry best practices.
Experience developing and delivering solutions leveraging on-premises and cloud components.
Good knowledge of cloud networking (AWS and Azure) components, including VPC design and hybrid connectivity.
Familiarity with SaaS-based security and SASE architecture, Zero Trust principles.
Familiarity with monitoring tools like Solar Winds and Dynatrace.
Ability to communicate solutions to other stakeholders.
Ability to assess and recommend third-party tools and services to complement existing offerings.
Stakeholder management.
Knowledge of security design.
Good knowledge of Risk management
Work closely with other architecture disciplines including Enterprise, Infrastructure and Security, as well Engineering and Operations
Provide technical guidance to team members and stakeholders.
Identify and recommend opportunities for efficiency.
Stay updated on new features and capabilities and best practices.
Ability to deal with ambiguity and manage diversity.
Share knowledge with the team and contribute to the organization's learning culture.

Specialized Skills and Knowledge:
Enterprise Infrastructure  – Routing and Switching, including routing protocols, P , MPLS, VPN, SD-WAN, STP, ACL, L2/L3 switching technologies and QoS.
Data Centre Infrastructure  – Spine and leaf architecture, VxLAN fabric, Cisco NX-OS, RSA and Net Scaler.
Wi-Fi  – Centralised and cloud-based WLAN solutions (Meraki preferred).
Cloud Integration  – Connectivity into cloud providers e.g. AWS Direct Connect, DX Gateway, NAT Gateway, Transit Gateway and VPN, management using security groups.
Security and Firewall Management  – Multi-vendor knowledge ( Firepower, ASA and Checkpoint), network segmentation using multi-context / multi-zone environment, IPS, encryption (IPSEC, MACsec), VPN, NAC (Cisco ISE), and RSA
Monitoring  – Solar Winds and Dynatrace

Education and Certification:
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
Industry recognized certifications such as TOGAF, Cisco CCNA/CCNP/CCIE, AWS Advanced Networking, Fortinet NSE, Checkpoint CCSA/CCSE.