Principal Network Architect

· We are seeking an experienced IT Network Principal to join a growing enterprise infrastructure team supporting large-scale data center operations, modernization initiatives, and strategic network architecture projects. This individual will serve as a senior technical leader responsible for the design, implementation, support, and optimization of the organization’s network infrastructure.

· The team is currently supporting multiple major initiatives, including the buildout of two new data centers and several infrastructure migration efforts. The ideal candidate will bring deep enterprise networking expertise, strong architectural vision, and the ability to partner with stakeholders across Infrastructure, Security, Server, Cloud, and Operational Technology teams.

· This role offers a unique opportunity to work alongside existing senior technical leadership and become a key contributor to long-term network strategy and succession planning efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and support enterprise and data center network infrastructure.
• Serve as a technical leader for network architecture, engineering, and modernization efforts.
• Support large-scale routing, switching, security, and network optimization initiatives.
• Design and maintain Cisco ACI data center fabrics and associated technologies.
• Configure, support, and troubleshoot complex firewall environments.
• Develop and implement network security policies and standards.
• Support integration between network, server, security, cloud, and OT/SCADA teams.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and provide architectural recommendations.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts for complex network and infrastructure issues.
• Mentor junior and mid-level engineers while serving as a technical escalation point for the team.

• CCNP-level routing and switching knowledge (certification not required).
• Strong routing experience, though not necessarily a dedicated routing specialist.
• Advanced firewall administration experience, preferably with Palo Alto.
• Must understand routing through firewalls.
• Experience creating and managing firewall policies.
• Ability to operate at a Principal-level in regard to firewall architecture, policies, and routing.
• Strong data center networking background.
• Cisco Nexus experience.
• Cisco ACI Fabric experience (required).
• VXLAN experience is preferred but can be learned if ACI expertise is already present., Enterprise Networking
• 10+ years of progressive network engineering experience.
• CCNP-level routing and switching expertise (certification not required).
• Strong understanding of:
• BGP
• OSPF
• EIGRP
• VRFs
• VLANs
• High Availability technologies
• Experience supporting large enterprise network environments.

Data Center Networking

• Extensive data center networking experience.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Cisco Nexus Platforms
• Cisco ACI Fabric (Required)
• Spine/Leaf Architectures
• Experience designing and supporting modern data center network infrastructures.
• VXLAN experience preferred but not required if candidate possesses strong ACI expertise.

Network Security

• Advanced firewall administration experience.
• Strong preference for Palo Alto Networks firewalls.
• Experience:
• Writing and managing firewall policies
• Firewall-based routing
• Security segmentation
• Access control architecture
• Security rule optimization
• Ability to operate at a principal-level within network security environments.

Infrastructure & Architecture

• Experience leading network design and architecture initiatives.
• Ability to balance hands-on engineering work with strategic planning responsibilities.
• Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure dependencies across security, server, storage, and cloud platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• F5 BIG-IP or Citrix ADC (NetScaler) load balancing experience.
• AWS networking and cloud connectivity experience.
• Experience supporting industrial, manufacturing, energy, utility, or operational technology environments.
• SCADA networking experience or exposure.
• Experience supporting data center migrations and infrastructure transformation projects.
• Prior experience serving as a Lead, Principal, or Architect-level network engineer.