Network Architect

As a Network Architect, you will be integral to a national security mission focused on maintaining the safety, security, and effectiveness of the United States nuclear weapons stockpile. Operating within the Network Operations team of the Information Technology (IT) organization, this role involves designing, implementing, and managing complex network architectures, ensuring high availability, performance, and security. Problems encountered are technically complex, diverse, and impact the organization, requiring the selection of the best solution from a range of possibilities and proposing innovative solutions, using professional judgment and knowledge. You might lead or guide other staff, and you'll represent the organization in solving problems for specific projects or functions. What you do and decide will significantly affect major projects and key organizational functions. This position requires a professional capable of both strategic architectural planning and providing senior-level guidance for hands-on operational support., * Provide technical leadership in the design, implementation, and management of a secure network infrastructure, including switches, routers, firewalls, and encryptors.

• Develop and implement comprehensive network strategies and architectures that align with organizational goals and security requirements.
• Participate in the design, deployment, and optimization of robust Cisco switching and routing environments, encompassing core, distribution, and access layers.
• Oversee the configuration, troubleshooting, and strategic management of Palo Alto Networks firewalls, including advanced policy design and implementation.
• Architect, manage, and optimize Cisco (Voice over Internet Protocol) VoIP Systems, including call managers, gateways, and Internet Protocol (IP) phones, ensuring high-quality communication and scalability.
• Design and administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for comprehensive network access control, policy enforcement, guest services, and device profiling across the enterprise.
• Manage and maintain the Cisco wireless network infrastructure, including access points and controllers, ensuring optimal performance and security.
• Proactively monitor network performance, analyze traffic patterns, and identify and resolve complex network issues, implementing preventative measures.
• Ensure network components' operating systems are continuously monitored, updated, and compliant with stringent cybersecurity requirements, vulnerability management protocols, and regulatory frameworks.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including high-level designs, detailed diagrams, configurations, and procedural guides.
• Provide essential after-hours support for critical emergencies and execute planned weekend maintenance activities, demonstrating flexibility and commitment to continuous system uptime.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and solutions, providing strategic recommendations to enhance the security, efficiency, and scalability of integrated enterprise-wide systems.
• Collaborate closely with the IT Project Management Office and the Enterprise Architecture Office to meticulously plan, execute, and deliver complex technology solutions on schedule and within scope, aligning with strategic IT initiatives.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline with a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience. Normally requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant experience, with typical engineering/science experience ranging from 6 to 10 years.
• OR a Master's degree in engineering/science/information technology discipline with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• OR Applicants without a bachelor's degree may be considered based on a combination of at least 12 years of completed education and/or relevant experience., The ideal candidate will possess a robust technical aptitude and a proven track record in Network Architecture, demonstrating knowledge of principles, theories, and networking concepts. You will apply and demonstrate competencies in solving a range of complex technical problems, and will be learning to lead and manage complex technical projects across organizational units. You will operate with independence in your role and in group tasks, typically receiving advice from co-workers or direction from managers. You will exercise considerable discretion and judgment in developing optimal solutions, leveraging your knowledge and experience, while managing your work to ensure timely completion of assignments. This is further demonstrated by the following core competencies:
• Network design - In-depth knowledge and experience in the design and implementation of network software and hardware.
• Network security - Advanced understanding of how to deliver secure applications and environments. Stays current on trends in IT vulnerabilities and counter measures. Maintains security protections across all networked switches, routers, etc.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with customers and technical personnel across various departments and organizations.
• Ability to clearly and effectively present complex technical and operational information both verbally and in writing, solve intricate technical problems, and maintain vigilance regarding changes that may impact system security and operational integrity.
• Candidate must have in-depth, demonstrated technical experience in the following areas:

• Experience with Cisco Switches / Routers
• Experience with Palo Alto Firewalls
• Experience with Cisco Adaptive Security Appliance (ASA) / FirePower
• Experience with Cisco VoIP
• Experience with Cisco ISE
• Experience with Cisco Wireless
• Experience with programming/scripting languages such as Perl or Python.

At Pantex, you won't just find a job-you'll discover a career of purpose safeguarding national security through work performed nowhere else on Earth. We empower dedicated, innovative individuals like you to achieve their greatest impact surrounded by exceptional talent and limitless opportunities for professional growth. When you #JointheMission, you choose a lifetime career where your commitment is genuinely valued and rewarded. At Pantex, we believe that extraordinary talent thrives when supported by a balanced life. Discover the flexibility that empowers you to excel, coupled with a benefits package designed for your total peace of mind from comprehensive health coverage and robust retirement planning, to opportunities for continuous learning through education reimbursement. Notes The minimum education and experience for the lowest career level in the job posting range are listed under Minimum Job Requirements. Successful candidates hired into a higher career level than the minimum in the range must meet the requirements listed in the job leveling charts for the career level into which they are being hired. If a range of Career Levels is posted, i.e., Senior Associate to Senior Specialist, internal applicants already in one of the Career Levels would come across at their current Career Level. Internal applicants currently in a lower level Career Level would move to the lowest posted Career Level. Requires a Q clearance; however all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of their current clearance status. The ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Energy Q clearance is required. Position may require entry into Materials Access Areas (MAA) and participation in the Human Reliability Program (HRP). If HRP is required, candidate must complete a counterintelligence-scope polygraph, pursuant to 10 CFR 709. Medical requirements may apply. Pantex is a drug-free workplace. Candidates accepting a job offer will be required to pass a pre-placement physical, drug screening and background investigation. As an employee, you may be required to receive and maintain a security clearance from the United States Department of Energy in order to meet eligibility requirements for access to sensitive information or matter. U.S. citizenship is a requirement for security clearance applicants. All employees are subject to random selection for drug testing without advance notification. Pantex is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, disability or veteran status.