Network Architect
Role details
Job location
Tech stack
Job description
The Network Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and governing a highly secure network for Critical National Infrastructure to ensure it is secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with business objectives.
This role provides technical leadership across enterprise, cloud, and hybrid networking environments and acts as the architectural authority for network-related decisions.
What will I be doing?
Network Architecture & Design
- Design and maintain enterprise-wide network architectures (LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, cloud, and hybrid environments).
- Define network standards, principles, and reference architectures.
- Ensure network designs support availability, performance, scalability, and security requirements.
Technical Leadership & Governance
- Act as the network architecture authority, approving designs and providing expert guidance.
- Review low-level designs (LLDs) and ensure alignment with agreed architecture standards.
Security & Resilience
- Embed security-by-design principles, including segmentation, encryption, and zero-trust concepts.
- Collaborate with cybersecurity teams on risk mitigation, vulnerability management, and compliance.
- Design resilient and fault-tolerant networks, including disaster recovery and business continuity considerations.
Stakeholder & Delivery Support
- Translate business and non-functional requirements into network architecture solutions.
- Provide architectural support to delivery teams during build, test, and deployment phases.
- Engage with vendors and suppliers on technical solutions, evaluations, and roadmaps.
Requirements
- Enterprise network design (routing, switching, firewalls, load balancing, VPNs).
- Awareness of Cloud networking (VPC/VNet design, hybrid connectivity, ExpressRoute/VPN Gateway).
- Network security architecture and compliance frameworks.
- Network performance, monitoring, and troubleshooting at scale.
Architectural & Professional Skills
- Strong experience producing HLDs, LLDs, architecture diagrams, and design justification.
- Ability to balance technical risk, and business outcomes.
- Clear communication skills for both technical and non-technical stakeholders., * Proven experience in a senior network engineering or network architecture role.
- Strong background in enterprise-scale networking environments.
- Relevant certifications (desirable):
- Cisco (CCNP / CCIE)
- Cloud networking certifications (e.g. Azure Network Engineer, AWS Advanced Networking)
- Security certifications (e.g. CISSP, CCNP Security)
Clearance Requirements:
To be eligible for this position, you must possess or be able to obtain SC and NPPV clearance. If you do not already have DV clearance, you may also be required to secure it.
Benefits & conditions
At Leidos we are PASSIONATE about customer success, UNITED as a team and INSPIRED to make a difference. We offer meaningful and engaging careers, a collaborative culture, and support for your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance. We provide an employment package that attracts, develops and retains only the best in talent. Our reward scheme includes:
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Contributory Pension Scheme
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Private Medical Insurance
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33 days Annual Leave (including public and privilege holidays)
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Access to Flexible benefits (including life assurance, health schemes, gym memberships, annual buy and sell holidays and a cycle to work scheme)
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Flexi-Time Working, Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.