WAN Architect

We are looking for an experienced WAN Architect to support a major Defence programme within a large-scale Fixed Networks environment.

You will provide technical leadership and architectural assurance across enterprise WAN services, working closely with Defence Digital, Managed Service Providers, technical authorities and third-party suppliers.

This is primarily an architecture, design assurance and technical governance role, rather than a hands-on network engineering position. You will be responsible for challenging supplier designs, supporting service transition and helping shape the ongoing modernisation of complex, secure network services., * Provide architecture and design assurance across large-scale WAN services.

• Review and challenge HLDs, LLDs, RFCs, Impact Assessments and supplier technical proposals.
• Ensure WAN designs are secure, supportable and aligned with Defence Digital standards and technical strategy.
• Support Technical Design Authorities and architecture governance forums.
• Provide architectural input into service transition, onboarding, testing and go-live activities.
• Work with MSPs and third-party suppliers to resolve technical risks and design issues.
• Review technology lifecycle and obsolescence plans and support future replacement strategies.
• Identify opportunities to modernise and optimise WAN services.
• Assess emerging technologies including SD-WAN, SDN, cloud connectivity, secure remote access, network automation and monitoring.
• Act as a technical escalation point for WAN architecture and assurance issues.
• Communicate technical risks, recommendations and design decisions to senior technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Essential Experience

We are looking for strong experience across:

• Enterprise-scale WAN architecture and design
• MPLS, IP networking and routing
• SD-WAN / SDN
• Network security architecture
• Secure remote access
• Telecommunications and fixed network infrastructure
• Network monitoring and management
• Reviewing and assuring HLD and LLD documentation
• Service transition and operational support requirements
• Supplier and MSP technical assurance
• Working within secure, regulated or complex enterprise environments

Previous MOD / Defence Digital experience would be highly advantageous, particularly experience of technical governance, TDAs, security assurance and Defence network environments.

Qualifications such as CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, TOGAF, ITIL or CISSP would also be beneficial.

Candidates must hold active DV clearance.