Network Architect

Job Description

Title: Network Architect

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Location: Berkeley Heights, NJ / Alpharetta, GA (5 days onsite)

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Job Type: Full-time

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Role Summary

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We are seeking a Network Architect to lead network design and technical delivery for a new data center (primary/secondary). This role partners with security, computer, storage, backup/DR, and facilities teams to implement a production-grade network that supports critical workloads, tight security controls, and predictable operations. The architect owns the network target state, standards, configurations, testing, and migration/cutover governance.

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Key Responsibilities

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• Network Architecture & Strategy: Define target-state DC network architecture including fabric design, routing strategy, segmentation model, and operational standards aligned to resiliency and security requirements.

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• Data Center Fabric: Architect and guide implementation of leaf-spine with EVPN/VXLAN and/or Cisco ACI (or equivalent); define underlay/overlay, BGP, MTU/jumbo frames, and control-plane protections.

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• Segmentation & Security Zones: Design VRF/VLAN strategy, micro-segmentation alignment (where applicable), east-west controls, firewall placement, and north-south security boundaries in coordination with InfoSec.

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• DC Interconnect (DCI) & WAN Edge: Design DCI between DC1/DC2, connectivity to WAN/Internet/cloud, redundancy, QoS, and routing policy (BGP/OSPF as required).

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• Core Network Services: Own integration patterns for DNS/DHCP/IPAM (Infoblox or equivalent), NTP, PKI/cert dependencies, TACACS/RADIUS, and network management.

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• Load Balancing & Traffic Services: Partner on L4–L7 design (e.g., F5 or equivalent), VIP standards, failover, and integration with security zones.

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• Observability & Operations: Define monitoring/telemetry (SNMP/streaming telemetry), syslog/SIEM integration, NetFlow/IPFIX, alerting standards, and operational runbooks.

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• Implementation Governance: Validate BOMs and vendor designs, lead build MOPs, configuration standards, peer reviews, and testing/acceptance criteria.

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• Migration & Cutover Support: Create cutover plans for network moves (routing changes, VLAN extensions, DCI cutovers), rollback procedures, and validation checklists; support window change.

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• Documentation & Standards: Maintain network HLD/LLD, diagrams, IP plans, naming conventions, port maps, and “as-built” documentation.

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Required Qualifications

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• 8–12+ years in enterprise network architecture with delivery leadership in new DC builds or major network transformations.

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• Deep expertise in DC networking concepts: BGP, EVPN/VXLAN, leaf-spine, routing policy, redundancy, and high availability design.

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• Strong experience with segmentation: VRFs/VLANs, security zoning, and firewall integration.

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• Proven ability to produce HLD/LLD, standards, MOPs, and operational runbooks.

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• Strong stakeholder leadership across security, compute, storage, and facilities with clear communication and decision-making.

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Preferred

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• Experience with Cisco ACI, Nexus/Arista/Juniper fabrics, and multi-DC DCI patterns.

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• Exposure to Palo Alto (or equivalent firewalls) and F5 (or equivalent load balancers).

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• Familiarity with regulated environments (banking/healthcare) and audit-ready operational controls.

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