IT Network Architect 5

At United Launch Alliance (ULA), the Network Architect 5 serves as the enterprise authority for network architecture, long-range technology direction, and cross-platform integration strategy. This role defines multi-year architectural roadmaps, governs enterprise standards, and ensures that all network, security, and connectivity systems align with mission needs, engineering requirements, and corporate digital modernization objectives. Operating at the highest technical tier, the Network Architect V provides architectural leadership across data center, cloud, campus, launch-site, and national-defense connectivity environments, shaping ULA’s end-to-end communication ecosystem and influencing technology investment decisions.

Minimum of 8 years of related work experience, * Bachelor’s degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or universit

• Four years of directly related exempt work experience may be used to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement
• 10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering and architecture
• Expert knowledge of routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and segment routing
• Experience governing architecture review boards, technical design councils, and enterprise decision-making related to network infrastructure

Expertise in modeling network resilience, redundancy, dependency mapping, risk analysis, and mission-assurance engineering for critical operations.

• Advanced experience with modern firewalls, IDS/IPS platforms, and network security architecture
• Proven ability to design and implement large-scale WAN, LAN, and data center network solutions
• Hands-on experience with SD-WAN technologies and policy-based routing
• Strong understanding of cloud networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills
• Ability to produce high-quality architectural diagrams, design documents, and technical standards

Ability to design and evaluate full stack architectures including routing, switching, segmentation, identity systems, telemetry, observability, automation, and zero-trust end-to-end

Ability to evaluate emerging technologies (AI-driven networking, micro-segmentation, quantum-safe cryptography, private 5G, advanced telemetry) and develop adoption strategies

• High proficiency in network automation principles and scripting fundamentals

Demonstrated history guiding enterprise-wide architectural transformation, multi-year modernization programs, or major strategic technology initiatives

Proven ability to translate mission objectives, risk posture, and business strategy into executable network architecture roadmaps

Extensive experience collaborating with senior leadership, system architects, cybersecurity leaders, and mission stakeholders to align technical direction and enterprise investment

• Deep experience establishing enterprise architectural standards, reference architectures, validated patterns, and multi-cloud network frameworks
• Proficiency designing service-based, API-driven, and intent-based networking solutions capable of supporting automation, orchestration, and cross-domain synchronization

Advanced capability integrating cloud-native networking (Azure/AWS) with enterprise identity, security, automation, and multi-region routing topologies., * Experience leading multi-year network transformation or modernization programs

• Deep familiarity with Zero Trust networking principles and secure access architectures
• Advanced knowledge of network automation platforms such as Terraform, Ansible, or Python-based frameworks
• Background designing hybrid and multi-cloud network architectures
• Experience with container networking technologies such as Kubernetes or service mesh
• Professional certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, AWS Advanced Networking, or equivalent
• Experience with observability platforms and large-scale network monitoring strategies
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks affecting enterprise networks, Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish ) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish ).

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a “9/80 schedule,” meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.