Sr. Solutions Architect - SHI Labs

About UsSince 1989, SHI International Corp. has helped organizations change the world through technology. We’ve grown every year since, and today we’re proud to be a $16 billion global provider of IT solutions and services.Over 17,000 organizations worldwide rely on SHI’s concierge approach to help them solve what’s next. But the heartbeat of SHI is our employees - all 7,000 of them. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy:Our commitment to diversity, as the largest minority- and woman-owned enterprise in the U.S.Continuous professional growth and leadership opportunities.Health, wellness, and financial benefits to offer peace of mind to you and your family.World-class facilities and the technology you need to thrive - in our offices or yours.Job SummaryWe are seeking a highly experienced and customer-facing networking expert to serve as a senior technical leader within our organization. This role operates at the intersection of consulting, pre-sales, and engineering-partnering with customers, internal stakeholders, and vendors to design, validate, and deliver modern network solutions.The ideal candidate is equally comfortable advising executive stakeholders and executing hands-on technical work in complex lab environments. This individual will drive innovation, influence network strategy, and play a critical role in shaping both customer outcomes and internal technical capabilities.Role DescriptionCustomer Engagement & AdvisoryServe as the lead technical voice providing solution demonstrations to customersAct as a trusted advisor to presales Field CIOs, CISOs, and engineering teams, influencing network strategy and technology decisionsTranslate business and security requirements into structured use cases and test plansLead workshops, technical deep dives, and executive briefingsArchitecture, Design & Lab ExecutionDesign and build complex lab environments simulating enterprise architecturesDevelop and execute proof-of-concept (POC) and proof-of-value (POV) testing across multiple network solutionsValidate vendor capabilities, integration points, and real-world operational impactProduce reference architectures, design documentation, and validation reportsPre-Sales & Post-Sales LeadershipPartner with account teams and presales engineering to develop new network solutions, evaluate partnerships, and guide overall network support strategyLead the development and validation of clearly defined use cases and test casesLead technical scoping, sizing, and delivery planning for pilot engagementsEnsure successful project execution, stepping in to resolve complex or at-risk deployments when neededLab Innovation & Practice LeadershipDrive innovation within the networking team by evaluating emerging technologiesProvide feedback to vendors on product gaps, limitations, and enhancement opportunitiesMentor and develop engineers across the practice, from junior to senior levelsAssist in talent identification and technical interviewingBehaviors and CompetenciesProblem-Solving: Can proactively identify and take ownership of complex problem-solving initiatives, initiate preventative measures, collaborate with others to find solutions, and drive successful outcomes.Communication: Can effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences, facilitate effective communication between others, and mentor others in effective communication.Adaptability: Can lead others through change, help teams adapt to new directions, and create a culture open to change.Leadership: Can take ownership of complex team initiatives, collaborate with others in decision-making processes, and drive team performance.Teamwork: Can build and lead multiple teams, fostering a cooperative environment and ensuring effective communication between team members.Self-Motivation: Can take ownership of complex personal or professional initiatives, collaborate with others when necessary, and drive results through self-motivation.Skill Level RequirementsTechnical ExpertiseStrong expertise across multiple domains, including:Secure Access & Network Security (ZTNA, SASE, VDI, browser isolation, remote access, NGFW, segmentation, SD-WAN, etc.)Network Design and Routing (WAN/LAN, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS)Cloud and Virtualization (VPCs, VPNs, hybrid data centers)Automation and Scripting (Python, Terraform, Ansible)Ability to design, build, and troubleshoot complex integrated environments (hands-on)Experience with multi-technology integrations and interoperability testingOther Requirements8+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or consulting rolesExperience in a VAR, consulting firm, or systems integrator strongly preferredProven success operating in a hybrid pre-sales/post-sales capacityDemonstrated ability to lead large-scale, multi-vendor network engagementsDemonstrated ImpactHistory of driving measurable outcomes, including:Significant service revenue generationInfluence on large-scale network purchasing decisionsExperience mentoring teams and shaping national or enterprise-level practicesTechnology ExposureExperience working with leading networking and infrastructure vendors such as:Arista, Aruba/HPE, BlueCat, Cisco/Meraki, Cradlepoint, Dell, Extreme, Fortinet, Juniper/HPE, LogicMonitor, Netgear, Ruckus, SolarWindsIdeal Candidate ProfileExperience operating as a Principal Consultant or Senior Architect in a VAR or consulting environmentEqually comfortable in executive whiteboard sessions and hands-on lab environmentsThrives in complex, ambiguous environments and brings structure through engineering rigorThe estimated annual pay range for this position is $175,000 - $240,000 which includes a base salary and bonus. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.Equal Employment Opportunity - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status

• Problem-Solving: Can proactively identify and take ownership of complex problem-solving initiatives, initiate preventative measures, collaborate with others to find solutions, and drive successful outcomes.
• Communication: Can effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences, facilitate effective communication between others, and mentor others in effective communication.
• Adaptability: Can lead others through change, help teams adapt to new directions, and create a culture open to change.
• Leadership: Can take ownership of complex team initiatives, collaborate with others in decision-making processes, and drive team performance.
• Teamwork: Can build and lead multiple teams, fostering a cooperative environment and ensuring effective communication between team members.
• Self-Motivation: Can take ownership of complex personal or professional initiatives, collaborate with others when necessary, and drive results through self-motivation.

Skill Level Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Strong expertise across multiple domains, including:
• Secure Access & Network Security (ZTNA, SASE, VDI, browser isolation, remote access, NGFW, segmentation, SD-WAN, etc.)
• Network Design and Routing (WAN/LAN, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS)
• Cloud and Virtualization (VPCs, VPNs, hybrid data centers)
• Automation and Scripting (Python, Terraform, Ansible)
• Ability to design, build, and troubleshoot complex integrated environments (hands-on)
• Experience with multi-technology integrations and interoperability testing

Other Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or consulting roles
• Experience in a VAR, consulting firm, or systems integrator strongly preferred
• Proven success operating in a hybrid pre-sales/post-sales capacity
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, multi-vendor network engagements

Demonstrated Impact

• History of driving measurable outcomes, including:
• Significant service revenue generation
• Influence on large-scale network purchasing decisions
• Experience mentoring teams and shaping national or enterprise-level practices

Technology Exposure

• Experience working with leading networking and infrastructure vendors such as:

Arista, Aruba/HPE, BlueCat, Cisco/Meraki, Cradlepoint, Dell, Extreme, Fortinet, Juniper/HPE, LogicMonitor, Netgear, Ruckus, SolarWinds

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience operating as a Principal Consultant or Senior Architect in a VAR or consulting environment
• Equally comfortable in executive whiteboard sessions and hands-on lab environments
• Thrives in complex, ambiguous environments and brings structure through engineering rigor

The estimated annual pay range for this position is $175,000 - $240,000 which includes a base salary and bonus. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.

Since 1989, SHI International Corp. has helped organizations change the world through technology. We’ve grown every year since, and today we’re proud to be a $16 billion global provider of IT solutions and services.

Over 17,000 organizations worldwide rely on SHI’s concierge approach to help them solve what’s next. But the heartbeat of SHI is our employees - all 7,000 of them. If you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

• Our commitment to diversity, as the largest minority- and woman-owned enterprise in the U.S.
• Continuous professional growth and leadership opportunities.
• Health, wellness, and financial benefits to offer peace of mind to you and your family.
• World-class facilities and the technology you need to thrive - in our offices or yours.