Senior Enterprise Network Architect

We are seeking a highly experienced Network Architect Contractor to design, implement, and manage scalable, secure network infrastructures across data center, Azure, and multi-cloud environments (AWS, GCP). This role emphasizes expertise in hub/spoke architectures, high availability, SDN/NFV, and cloud-native networking components. Candidates must demonstrate strong leadership, client engagement, and deep technical proficiency across Cisco, F5, Palo Alto, and SD-WAN technologies. This is a hybrid role with 75% remote work and occasional travel to DFW or California. Required certifications include CCNP, CCIE, F5 Certified, and Palo Alto Certified Network Security Engineer.

• Location Preference: Dallas/Fort Worth highly preferred.
• Hybrid Work: 75% remote / 25% travel (to DFW or California, expenses covered).
• Occasional Nights & Weekend work required.

Experience & Qualifications:

15+ years of experience in network engineering and architecture, including data center, Azure cloud, and hybrid/multi-cloud environments (Azure, AWS, GCP)

Expert-level knowledge of multi-cloud, CoLo, and on-premises networking solutions

Proven success designing and managing hub/spoke architectures

Experience developing high availability, disaster recovery, and multi-region failover network solutions

Proficiency in advanced network design with a focus on scalability, high availability, and security

Expertise in collaborating with application and data teams to align network designs with performance and data flow requirements

Experience conducting network environment reviews and providing tailored upgrade/improvement recommendations

Skilled in translating on-prem firewall policies (SNAT/DNAT) into secure cloud architectures

Strong understanding of network segmentation and CIDR/VLAN scaling to support future growth

Background in shaping network investment strategies, including budgeting, risk assessment, and long-term planning

Demonstrated ability to lead and guide cross-functional teams, influence strategic network direction, and maintain compliance documentation and audit readiness

Comfortable troubleshooting complex network issues under pressure using logical and data-driven approaches

Technical Proficiency:

Cisco networking (routers, switches)

F5 load balancers / ADCs

Azure-native solutions: Load Balancer, VPN Gateways, ExpressRoute, App Gateway

Palo Alto firewalls, with SNAT/DNAT policy design and future-state analysis

Strong experience with SDN (Software Defined Networking) and NFV (Network Functions Virtualization)

Familiarity with integration of microservices into networking designs

Experience with SD-WAN technologies across hybrid/cloud networks

Advanced understanding of routing and network protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IPv6, MPLS, and VPN technologies

Familiarity with CoLo environments and secure integration between on-prem and cloud infrastructure

Exposure to Arista and Juniper networking equipment (preferred)

Soft Skills

Strong leadership and cross-functional team oversight capabilities

Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills for both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Comfortable aligning network architecture with broader business strategy

Proactive in maintaining network documentation and audit-readiness