Position: Network Architect
Location: Bethesda, MD, 20814
Duration: 6 Months
Job Type: Contract
Work Type: Remote
Pay Rate: $72/hr TO 72/hr on W2
Job Description:
- This role encompasses networks in data centers, corporate offices, and third-party co-location PoP sites, all of which host applications and interconnect hotel properties, users, systems, partners, vendors, and public/private cloud networks, with a focus on disaster recovery.
- A significant aspect of this role involves managing firewalls, including segmentation, DMZs, remote access, and overall policy/rules management.
Candidate Profile
Required:
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent experience and/or certification.
- 7+ years of IT networking experience, focusing on data center networks in hybrid environments.
- 5+ years in an IT infrastructure lead role, with expertise as SME in routing protocols, switch fabric technology (preferably Arista Networks), firewall security, and load-balancing architecture.
- In-depth expertise in implementing and architecting network security and firewall solutions, particularly with AWS Network Firewall, Checkpoint, and Palo Alto Networks.
- Strong experience with AWS networking services (VPC, Direct Connect, Route 53, AWS Network Firewall, Transit Gateway, etc.) and Azure networking services (Virtual Networks, ExpressRoute, DNS, etc.).
- Proficiency in designing and implementing highly available and fault-tolerant network architectures on AWS and Azure platforms.
- Solid understanding of cloud-based networking concepts, including virtualization, software-defined networking, and network automation.
- Deep technical knowledge of network routing protocols (BGP), subnetting, network ARPs, VRF, and traceroute.
- Experience in technical writing and delivering documentation pertaining to network solutions and diagrams.
Preferred:
Advanced Education and Certifications:
- Master's degree in computer science or related field.
- Certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, CCSA, CCSE, PCNSE, F5 Certified Technical Specialist, or other relevant certifications.
- Additional certifications, such as AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty or Azure Network Engineer Associate, are a plus.
- Expertise in Palo Alto, AWS Network, and Check Point firewall engineering, architecture, and troubleshooting.
- Proficiency in F5 LTM and GTM load balancing.
- Strong influencing skills and the ability to drive change through collaboration.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
Core Work Activities :
Technology Management:
- Lead the design, architecture, configuration, and deployment of cloud networks and load balancing solutions, specializing in Palo Alto, Checkpoint firewalls, and multi-cloud networks.
- Define strategy and roadmap, provide guidance, create standards and guidelines, and review architectural designs to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee the implementation of new systems in collaboration with cloud and data center network teams, ensuring optimal performance for hosting the client applications.
- Approve and supervise projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project deadlines.
- Manage vendor relationships to ensure compliance with engineering design, network implementation, and technical support service obligations.
- Drive continuous improvement by presenting best practices, technical concepts, and innovative solutions for the client Data Center & Cloud Networks.
Technical Leadership:
- Manage project schedules, risks, and costs effectively.
- Conduct training and mentorship programs for team members and peers.
- Foster cross-team relationships to collaboratively define services and meet service level requirements.
- Act as an escalation point for service delivery, technical design, and architectural issues.
- Identify opportunities to optimize and enhance service delivery processes proactively.
- IT Governance:
- Follow all defined standards and processes (e.g., IT Governance, SM&G, and Architecture).
- Provide input for process improvements as needed.
- Maintain a balance between business and operational risk.
- Adhere to defined project management standards and processes.
TekWissen® Group is an equal opportunity Employer supporting workforce diversity.