Network Architect

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect to support a large-scale ADMS Hardware Upgrade Project within a utility grid operations environment. This role will provide technical leadership for network architecture, OT infrastructure design, firewall security, segmentation planning, and communication path design supporting Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS) and integrated utility platforms.

The Network Architect will be responsible for designing and documenting secure, resilient, and high-availability network architectures supporting ADMS, SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, GIS, and other operational technology systems. The role will work closely with Grid Operations, Infrastructure Teams, Cybersecurity Teams, SCADA Engineers, Vendors, and Utility Stakeholders to ensure secure and reliable real-time operational performance.

The ideal candidate will have strong experience designing enterprise and OT network architectures supporting mission-critical environments including routing, switching, firewall design, segmentation, redundancy, failover planning, and utility operational technologies.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed network and system architecture diagrams supporting ADMS infrastructure and integrated utility platforms. Design and document secure communication paths, firewall rules, network segmentation, and OT security zoning. Define LAN/WAN architectures, VLAN segmentation, routing strategies, redundancy models, and high-availability network designs. Support architecture and integration of ADMS platforms including SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, GIS, ICCP, Historian, and enterprise systems. Document IP addressing schemes, hostnames, routing requirements, interface mappings, and network topology standards. Perform network failure-mode analysis, resiliency planning, failover validation, and disaster recovery assessments. Analyze technical risks, operational dependencies, and mitigation strategies across OT and enterprise network environments. Support real-time operational technology requirements including telemetry flows, control center connectivity, and outage management systems. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to implement secure OT/IT boundary architectures and compliance-aligned security controls. Participate in network testing, performance validation, redundancy verification, and operational readiness assessments. Review firewall configurations, access control policies, network flows, and interface security requirements. Work closely with utility operations teams, SCADA engineers, vendors, and infrastructure teams to support ADMS modernization initiatives. Create and maintain technical documentation including architecture diagrams, firewall matrices, network standards, implementation procedures, and operational runbooks. Participate in technical design reviews, infrastructure planning sessions, and deployment readiness activities. Support cloud integration, enterprise connectivity, and hybrid infrastructure initiatives where applicable.

• 8+ years of experience in enterprise network architecture, OT infrastructure, or mission-critical operational technology environments. Strong experience with LAN/WAN networking, routing, switching, firewall design, VLAN segmentation, redundancy, and high-availability architectures. Experience designing or supporting operational technology (OT) networks and real-time systems. Hands-on experience with firewall technologies such as Palo Alto, Fortinet, Check Point, Cisco ASA, or equivalent platforms. Strong understanding of secure OT/IT boundary architectures, cybersecurity zoning, and network segmentation strategies. Experience supporting utility operational technologies including ADMS, SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, GIS, ICCP, Historian, or related systems. Experience documenting network architectures, IP schemas, firewall rules, routing configurations, and technical infrastructure standards. Experience supporting network failover testing, redundancy validation, disaster recovery, and resiliency planning. Strong knowledge of enterprise networking protocols, routing technologies, and communication architectures. Experience with virtualization technologies such as VMware and enterprise infrastructure environments. Ability to analyze network traffic flows, telemetry communication paths, and operational dependencies. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, and technical problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and collaboration skills working with technical, operational, cybersecurity, and business stakeholders. Experience supporting electric utility, smart grid, energy, or critical infrastructure environments is highly preferred. Familiarity with control center operations, grid modernization programs, and utility operational workflows is highly desirable. Experience supporting ADMS modernization, hardware upgrade, or OT transformation programs is a strong plus.