Principal Network Architect

Principal Network Architect

We are seeking a Principal Network Architect to serve as a senior technical authority responsible for defining enterprise network architecture, technology strategy, and large-scale transformation initiatives.

This role combines enterprise architecture, advanced network engineering, technology strategy, and technical leadership . The ideal candidate will have extensive experience designing complex enterprise networks and deep hands-on expertise across the Cisco ecosystem, data center, LAN/WAN, wireless, network security, SDN, and cloud connectivity .

Key Responsibilities

• Define and evolve enterprise network architecture principles, standards, reference architectures, and design patterns.
• Assess current-state network environments, identify technical debt and risks, and develop modernization roadmaps.
• Lead architecture for complex enterprise implementations, migrations, and network transformation programs.
• Serve as the senior technical authority for complex network architecture and engineering decisions.
• Lead architecture reviews, design discussions, and technical evaluations.
• Provide architecture-level guidance for complex network incidents and escalations, focusing on permanent root-cause resolution.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and recommend solutions aligned with enterprise strategy.
• Lead or significantly influence RFPs, vendor evaluations, technology selections, and supplier negotiations .
• Build consensus across senior engineers, architects, business leaders, and strategic vendors.
• Mentor senior engineers, architects, and technical teams.

Required Technical Skills

Must-Have:

• 15+ years of overall enterprise networking experience
• 8+ years of network architecture and design experience
• Strong enterprise architecture and network design background
• Cisco IOS
• Cisco ACI
• Cisco Catalyst Center / DNAC
• Cisco SDA / Software-Defined Access
• Enterprise Wireless
• Enterprise LAN / WAN
• Data Center Networking
• Network Security
• Cloud Connectivity
• Network Architecture & Design
• RFP / Vendor Evaluation
• Advanced English — written and spoken

Required Experience

• Hands-on architecture and implementation experience with Cisco networking technologies.
• Ability to design integrated end-to-end solutions across LAN, WAN, Data Center, Wireless, Security, and Cloud .
• Experience leading complex network migrations and transformation initiatives.
• Experience presenting architecture and technology recommendations to senior leadership.
• Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to operate at both strategic architecture and hands-on technical levels .
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.