Principal SDN & Distributed Networking Architect

Integra Touch is seeking a Senior SDN / Distributed Networking Architect to help design and modernize secure, software‑defined communication networks that support demanding mission environments. This role focuses on architecting intelligent, adaptive, programmable networks capable of operating across diverse infrastructures, security domains, and connectivity conditions.

You will help lead the evolution of next‑generation networking by designing control‑plane logic, traffic orchestration, policy frameworks, and secure edge‑to‑cloud architectures. This position is ideal for an engineer who thrives in high‑complexity distributed systems and wants to influence the architecture of modern mission‑aligned networking solutions.

This is not a maintenance or operational role — it is a strategic, architect‑level position with major technical influence.

$/yr - $/yr

• Architect SDN control, data, and management planes for modern distributed networks.
• Define controller behaviors, flow programming strategies, and automation frameworks.
• Build intelligent routing, segmentation, and policy‑driven traffic management systems.
• Develop APIs and programmable interfaces (Open Flow, NETCONF/YANG, REST, gRPC, P4).

• Create adaptive routing and failover mechanisms across heterogeneous network transports.
• Architect multi‑path, policy‑based, and application‑aware routing solutions.
• Build frameworks for prioritization, classification, and network resiliency.
• Design virtualized networking functions (VNFs/CNFs) using VPP, DPDK, KVM, Linux networking, Docker/Kubernetes.
• Implement secure overlays, microsegmentation, and identity‑driven access models.
• Architect reliable communication patterns for edge systems operating under variable or degraded network conditions.

• Integrate encryption, authentication, and zero‑trust principles into distributed networking solutions.
• Develop secure communication patterns between edge systems, gateways, orchestrators, and cloud environments.

• Collaborate with software, cloud, Dev Ops, cybersecurity, and systems engineering teams.
• Identify architectural gaps and propose scalable, high‑impact solutions.

• 10+ years in advanced networking, SDN, SD‑WAN, or distributed systems architecture.
• Expertise with SDN controllers (Open Daylight, ONOS, NSX, Contrail, or equivalent).
• Strong background in routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, multi‑path strategies).
• Hands‑on experience with programmable networking (Open Flow, NETCONF/YANG, P4, gRPC).
• Expertise with Linux networking, VPP, DPDK, KVM, Docker/Kubernetes.
• Proficiency in cloud networking (AWS/Azure virtual networks, VPN, identity, security).

• Experience supporting defense, aerospace, telecom, or large‑scale distributed systems.
• Familiarity with multi‑transport networking architectures (public, private, wired, wireless).
• Background in zero‑trust architectures, microsegmentation, and identity‑driven network design.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with cross‑functional technical teams.
• Systems‑level thinking with a passion for solving complex, mission‑critical networking challenges.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Consulting, Engineering, and Strategy/Planning

Software Development, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Telecommunications

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Integra Touch by 2x.