Network Architect / Modernization Leader
Top Prospect Group
Stamford, United States of America
6 days ago
Role details
Contract type
Permanent contract Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours) Working hours
Regular working hours Languages
English Experience level
SeniorJob location
Stamford, United States of America
Tech stack
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Azure
Border Gateway Protocol
Catalyst
Cloud Computing
Computer Security
Data Centers
Fault Tolerance
Python
Network Security
Network Architecture
Routing
Network Segmentation
Cisco Nexus Switches
Open Shortest Path First
Ansible
Zero Trust Network Access
Computer Networking Systems
System Availability
HybridCloud
Firewalls (Computer Science)
Infrastructure Automation Frameworks
Palo Alto Networks
Fortinet
Cloud Integration
Firepower
REST
Terraform
Open Network Automation Platform
Cisco networks
Job description
We are seeking a Network Architect / Modernization Leader to drive the transformation of our enterprise Cisco network infrastructure. This role is responsible for evolving legacy environments into modern, scalable, secure, and automated network architectures, leveraging emerging technologies such as SDWAN, cloud integration, and zero trust design. The ideal candidate combines deep Cisco expertise with a forwardthinking approach to modernization, automation, and business alignment., Network Modernization Strategy
- Lead the end-to-end modernization strategy for enterprise network infrastructure
- Assess current-state environments and define future-state architecture roadmaps
- Drive migration from legacy designs to:
- SDWAN (Cisco Viptela / Meraki)
- Software-defined and intent-based networking
- Zero Trust and segmentation-based architectures
- Align network strategy with cloud, security, and business transformation initiatives
Architecture & Design Leadership
- Architect enterprise-grade network solutions across:
- Campus, data center, and WAN environments
- Multi-site and geographically distributed networks
- Design core/distribution/access architectures and modern data center fabrics:
- Cisco Nexus, Catalyst, ACI, VXLAN/EVPN
- Define standards for:
- High availability, resiliency, and fault tolerance
- Traffic engineering and routing design (BGP, OSPF)
Security & Zero Trust Enablement
- Drive network security architecture including:
- Segmentation (VRF, microsegmentation)
- Firewalls (Cisco Firepower, Palo Alto, Fortinet)
- Identity-based access and Zero Trust models
- Ensure compliance with enterprise security frameworks and policies
Automation & Innovation
- Champion network automation and programmability:
- Python, Ansible, REST APIs, Terraform
- Move towards Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) for network provisioning and management
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies and tools
Leadership & Governance
- Act as a technical leader and thought partner across infrastructure, security, and cloud teams
- Mentor engineers and define architecture standards and best practices
- Lead design reviews, architecture governance, and technical decision-making
- Communicate complex technical strategies to executive stakeholders
Requirements
- 10+ years of experience in network engineering/architecture, with leadership responsibilities
- Deep expertise in Cisco enterprise networking technologies, including:
- Catalyst, Nexus, Cisco routing platforms
- Proven experience leading network modernization initiatives
- Strong knowledge of:
- Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF)
- Network segmentation and security architecture
- Experience designing large-scale, multi-site enterprise networks
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Cisco certifications:
- CCNP or CCIE (strongly preferred)
- Experience with:
- Cisco SDWAN (Viptela / Meraki)
- Cisco ACI / VXLAN / EVPN data center fabrics
- Hybrid cloud networking (AWS/Azure)
- Experience with:
- Network automation (Python, Ansible, Terraform)
- Background in regulated, high-availability environments