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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Network Architect - **Company:** Ascend Technologies - **Location:** Little Rock, AR, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $155,000 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Link Aggregation (Ethernet), Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Apple IOS, Microsoft Azure, Border Gateway Protocol, Catalyst (Software), Complex Networks, Data Centers, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Python (Programming Language), Network Architecture, Routing, Cisco Nexus Switches, Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), Ansible, Virtual Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, Integrated Service Routers, Identity Services Engine, Nx-os, ARUBA, Sonicwall, Firewalls (Computer Science), Information Technology, Network Support, Fortinet, Open Network Automation Platform, Cisco - **Published:** November 13, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerbuilder.com/job-details/principal-network-architect-little-rock-ar--6f3f3e0b-a855-42b1-b005-28ee80351843 ## About the Role Network Architecture/Engineering, Accounts Receivable, Keyboards, Professional Services, Technical Leadership, Network Architecture/Engineering, Technical/Engineering Design, Technical Delivery, Network Support, Change Requests/Orders, * 12+ years of network engineering experience, including 5+ years in an architect or tech lead role at an MSP, consulting, or professional services firm. * Expert-level Cisco knowledge across switching, routing, firewalls, and wireless (IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS, Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR, ASA/FTD, Catalyst 9800). * Expert-level Fortinet knowledge: FortiGate (HA, VDOMs, SD-WAN, VPN), FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer. * Hands-on experience with Aruba switching and wireless and Meraki MX, MS, and MR. * Led network migrations for clients with infrastructure in data center or colocation facilities, including firewall, switching, and WAN cutovers. * Hands-on Azure networking design and build: hub-spoke VNets, VPN Gateway/ExpressRoute, NSGs, UDRs, and FortiGate NVAs. * Strong routing and switching fundamentals: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, LACP, VRFs, vPC, and QoS. * Proven track record leading other engineers through design reviews, mentoring, and setting technical standards. * Pre-sales experience scoping network projects and reviewing SOWs for risk, assumptions, and effort. * Executive-level client presence, with the ability to explain complex technical trade-offs to both executives and engineers. PREFERRED SKILLS OR EXPERIENCE * Cisco CCNP Enterprise or Security; CCIE or CCDE a strong plus * Fortinet FCSS - Enterprise Firewall or SD-WAN; FCX a strong plus * Microsoft Azure AZ-700 (Network Engineer) * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, MIS, or a related STEM field * Wireless surveys and heat mapping (Hamina or similar) * NAC (Cisco ISE, FortiNAC, ClearPass) and SASE/SSE (Zscaler, FortiSASE, Cisco Umbrella) * Additional firewall platforms: Palo Alto, SonicWall, or Check Point * Network automation: Python, Ansible, or FortiManager/Meraki APIs ## Description The Principal Network Architect is responsible for the technical design, delivery, and quality of complex network projects to support Ascend's Professional Services team and its clients. This is a hands-on-keyboard role: the architect still works projects directly while also serving as technical lead for network engagements - shaping solutions before the deal is signed, guiding engineers through delivery, and setting the standards that make our network work consistent and reliable., * Stay hands-on-keyboard. Carry your own project workload, personally designing, configuring, and cutting over network solutions. * Own the technical outcome of assigned network projects - define the approach, risks, and definition of done before build starts, stay engaged through delivery, and raise risks and scope gaps early through the RAID log and Change Orders. * Architect and lead complex network engagements, including client data center and colocation migrations, firewall migrations, and Azure network builds across Fortinet, Cisco, Aruba, and Meraki platforms. * Develop the engineers on assigned projects through shadowing, design reviews, and direct feedback, teaching rather than taking over. * Establish and maintain network delivery standards - templates, checklists, and reference architectures - and review work against them before closeout. * Partner with Solutions Architects to review incoming network deals for scope, risk, assumptions, and effort, and feed lessons learned back into future SOWs. * Serve as the last level of technical escalation for complex network issues, including major incident response and root cause analysis. * Other responsibilities as assigned by management, We are seeking highly motivated individuals who have the willingness and ability to demonstrate Ascend core values: * Committed to Client Success: Our actions and our words always align with the best interest of the client. * One Team: We work collaboratively to overcome challenges with humility and respect and do what it takes to find innovative solutions. * Integrity: We are unquestionably committed to doing the right thing even when it is hard. * Accountability: We hold ourselves and each other accountable for keeping our commitments to our clients, our communities, and one another. * Transparency: We create open lines of communication with each other and our clients, fostering relationships founded on candor and trust.