Contractor job Network Solutions Architect

This role will lead the Generally Senior Solution Architect with Network specialization and great stakeholder management capability (very proactive).
Ability to engage with the architectural governance process (HLDs) to gain appropriate approvals, overseeing projects through delivery.
Overview of skills at a high level:

Cisco ACI Data Centre Design Knowledge
F5 LTM and WAF Design Knowledge
F5 Distributed cloud Knowledge
Cisco ISE
Palo Alto Firewalls
Palo Alto SASE - Prisma Access
LAN, WAN, WLAN design.
More general skills/experience:

1.Core Responsibilities
* Design and document enterprise network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, cloud networking).
* Ensure scalability, reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure.
* Develop and maintain network roadmaps and standards aligned with business and IT strategy.
* Lead network design for data centres, cloud integrations, and hybrid environments.
* Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and vendors.
* Provide architectural oversight on implementation projects and troubleshooting escalations.
* Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure end-to-end solution integrity.
* Prepare network capacity and resilience plans.
* Document network topology, standards, and procedures.

2. Technical Requirements
Networking Technologies
* Expert knowledge of IP networking (IPv4/IPv6, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, NAT, QoS).
* Deep understanding of protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, STP, VXLAN, and DNS/DHCP.
* Familiarity with SDN and SD-WAN architectures (e.g., Cisco Viptela, Meraki, VMware NSX, Fortinet).
* Experience designing VPNs and secure remote access solutions.
* Strong understanding of wireless networking design and optimisation.
* Proficiency in load balancing, firewalls, and proxy solutions.(e.g., F5, Palo Alto, Forcepoint, Cisco ASA)

Security & Compliance
* Integration of security principles (Zero Trust, segmentation, NAC).
* Familiarity with frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, and data protection standards (GDPR).



Cloud & Virtualisation
* Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP networking services (Transit Gateway, VNet, VPC, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect).
* Understanding of hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity and governance.
* Exposure to virtual networking and automation tools (Terraform, Ansible, Python, etc.).
Monitoring & Management
* Knowledge of network management systems (SolarWinds, Cisco DNA Center, etc.).
* Performance monitoring, logging, and incident response design.

3. Experience Requirements
* Typically 7-10+ years in network engineering, with 3-5 years in architecture or design roles.
* Proven experience in large-scale or complex enterprise environments.
* Experience producing architectural artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, diagrams, standards).
* Track record of leading technical design workshops and influencing senior stakeholders.
* Vendor selection and cost optimisation experience.

4. Educational & Certification Requirements
* Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
* Relevant professional certifications (preferred or equivalent experience):
o Cisco: CCNP / CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center)
o Juniper: JNCIP / JNCIE
o AWS Certified Advanced Networking / Azure Network Engineer Associate
o TOGAF, ITIL, or equivalent enterprise architecture framework
o Security certifications (CISSP, CCSP) beneficial.

5. Soft Skills & Attributes
* Strategic and analytical thinking.
* Strong communication skills - able to translate technical design for non-technical stakeholders.
* Leadership and mentoring capability.
* Documentation and presentation excellence.
* Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality.
* Vendor and stakeholder management.
* Continuous learning mindset to keep up with evolving technologies.

6. Deliverables (Typical Outputs)
* Network Architecture Blueprint / Roadmap
* High-Level & Low-Level Design Documents
* Network Standards and Configuration Templates
* Capacity and Resilience Plans
* Risk Assessments and Security Architecture Inputs
* Technical Design Authority (TDA) artefacts and governance reports


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