Senior Network Architect

Company Description:

McDonald’s growth strategy, Accelerating the Arches, encompasses all aspects of our business as the leading global omni-channel restaurant brand. As the consumer landscape shifts we are using our competitive advantages to further strengthen our brand. One of our core growth strategies is to Double Down on the 3Ds (Delivery, Digital and Drive Thru). McDonald’s will accelerate technology innovation so 65M+ customers a day will experience a fast, easy experience, whether at one of our 25,000 and growing Drive thrus, through McDelivery, dine-in or takeaway.

McDonald’s Global Technology is here to power tomorrow’s feel-good moments.

That’s why you’ll find us at the forefront of transformative technology, exploring new and innovative ways to serve our millions of customers and spread happiness one delicious Hot Fudge Sundae-dipped fry at a time. Using AI, robotics and emerging tech, we’re digitizing the Golden Arches. Combine that with our unparalleled global scale, and we’re reshaping all areas of the business, industry and every community that is home to a McDonald’s restaurant. We face complex tech challenges every day. But that’s where our diverse and talented teams come in. They’re made up of the best and brightest from all over the globe, and they thrive in the space where feel-good meets fast-paced.

Check out the McDonald’s Global Technology Technical Blog to learn how technology and our global team are directly enabling the Accelerating the Arches strategy.

Department Overview

McDonald’s evolving Accelerating the Arches growth strategy puts our customers and people first and brings to bear our competitive advantages to strengthen our brand! We are recognized on lists like Fortune’s Most Admired Companies and Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies.

Doubling Down on the 4Ds (Delivery, Digital, Drive Thru, and Development). Our growth pillars emphasize the meaningful role technology plays as the top tier, global omni-channel restaurant brand! Technology enables the organization through digital technology, and improving the customer, crew and employee experience each and every day.

Global Technology is leading the digitization of our business. The Technology organization consists of intrapreneurs who build industry-defining technology. They use the latest innovations and platforms, such as AI and edge computing. This work unlocks the next set of modern opportunities for the business. At McDonald’s you get to solve technology innovation challenges at an incredible scale, and work across global teams who are always hungry for a challenge. This provides access to exciting career paths for technologists. It’s bonus points when you get to see your family and friends use the tech you build at their favorite McD's restaurant.

Duties

The Senior Network Architect will participate in the design and evolution of next-generation network infrastructure across cloud and on-premises environments. This role will focus on integrating GCP and AWS cloud platforms, Carrier Neutral Facilities (CNFs – Equinix Datacenters) connectivity into a unified, secure, and automated global network. The architect will collaborate with multi-functional teams to define architecture standards, build evaluations, drive innovation, and ensure operational excellence.

Technical

• Extensive expertise in computer networking and routing, along with cloud networks and connectivity. Proficient in Microsoft and Linux/Unix operating systems. Experienced in systems networking and subsystems. Knowledgeable in Active Directory and DNS or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of cloud networking and its methodologies across Azure, AWS, GCP, and OCI.
• Skilled in deploying BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP protocols.
• Experience with application hosting in on-premises datacenters, cloud environments, and network security measures for hosting platforms, including WAF and application security.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing large-scale enterprise networks, as well as SDWAN solutions.

Experience

• Experienced in troubleshooting networking issues using tools including Wireshark, monitoring solutions, firewall logs, cloud event logs, Cisco platforms, Palo Alto, cloud-native software, and standard network monitoring utilities.
• Proficient in developing and evaluating solutions with available resources and documenting test outcomes.
• Capable of independently learning, initiating solutions, and offering consulting to various business collaborators.
• Familiar with a range of technology platforms and vendors such as Cisco, Meraki, and Palo Alto and Platform providers like Equinix and their solutions.

Roles and responsibilities

• Architect, Design and develop network solutions that address enterprise business requirements.
• Develop methods to assess solutions, define selection criteria, and perform cost-benefit analyses.
• Coordinate with managed service providers to assemble solutions that align with organizational needs.
• Assist collaborators and partners in comprehending the current network, develop comprehensive documentation, and present networking matters to the architecture review board.
• Technical change scrutiny, reviews and approvals, change plan validation, guidance, approvals.
• Accountable for technology quality and business change results.
• Prepare or review RACIs, SOWs, service offerings, and provide technical approval for outcomes.

Collaboration & Leadership

• Partner with GTIO towers, Global Cyber Security, and market teams to align network capabilities with business needs
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge-sharing across the organization.
• Represent the network domain in enterprise architecture forums and organizational planning sessions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in Enterprise network services, architecture, design and deployment, including hybrid cloud and datacenter environments.
• Deep knowledge and expertise in GCP and AWS networking, including VPC design, Direct Connect, Interconnect, and Transit Gateways.
• Hands-on experience with datacenters, SD-WAN, and Equinix Fabric or similar interconnect platforms
• Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OMP, OSPF), DNS, IPAM, and network security.
• Good communication, documentation, and collaborator management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certifications: CCNP/CCIE, AWS/GCP Network Specialty, Terraform Associate.
• Familiarity with restaurant or retail network architectures is a plus

Compensation

Bonus Eligible: Yes

Long - Term Incentive: Yes

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Salary Range

The expected salary range for this role is $152,678.00 - $190,847.00 per year

The above represents the expected salary range for this job requisition. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we may also consider your experience, and other job-related factors.

( The position offers health and welfare benefits, including but not limited to comprehensive health insurance, which includes medical, prescription drug, mental health, dental and vision coverage, as well as life insurance.)

Additional Information:

Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.

Bonus eligible: This position is eligible for a bonus, calculated based on individual and company performance.

Long term Incentive eligible: This position is eligible for stock or other equity grants pursuant to McDonald’s long-term incentive plan.

McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel-good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job. If you need assistance accessing or reading this job posting or otherwise feel you need an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io. Reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

McDonald’s provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to sex, sex stereotyping, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, age, disability status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, protected military or veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Nothing in this job posting or description should be construed as an offer or guarantee of employment.