Sr. Network Architect

Job Description

Looking for more than just another assignment? We're looking for you! This isn't just another contract opportunity, but a chance to lead the design, strategy, and evolution of a large-scale enterprise network environment. We're seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Architect who thrives on solving complex infrastructure challenges and driving enterprise-level technology initiatives.

LRS Consulting Services is seeking a Senior Network Architect for a contract opportunity with our client in Central Illinois.

LRS Consulting Services has been delivering high-quality consultants to our clients since 1979. We've built a solid reputation for working with our clients and consultants with honesty, integrity, and respect. We work hard every day to maintain that reputation, and we're interested in candidates who can help us continue that tradition.

If you're that candidate, this opportunity is made for you!

The ideal candidate is a hands-on Senior Network Architect with deep expertise in Cisco enterprise networking, data center technologies, wireless networking, and network security. This individual will serve as a technical leader, driving network architecture strategy, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering highly available, secure, and scalable enterprise network solutions that support critical business operations.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the performance, availability, and maintainability of Cisco network infrastructure, hardware, and related software systems.
• Design, develop, and implement enterprise-level network solutions that support business and technical objectives.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting and resolution of Severity 1 and Severity 2 network incidents.
• Lead the integration of network infrastructure components and technologies to ensure seamless enterprise-wide connectivity and data flow.
• Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure teams, vendors, and project stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.
• Establish and maintain network architecture standards, best practices, and operational procedures.
• Evaluate existing network infrastructure and recommend innovative solutions to improve performance, resiliency, security, and operational efficiency.
• Conduct ongoing analysis of network performance, availability, and maintainability, implementing corrective actions as necessary.
• Develop and maintain accurate network architecture diagrams, documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Perform technical reviews of emerging technologies, upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements to support strategic planning efforts.
• Work proactively with business and technical teams to identify opportunities for increased functionality and improved user experience.
• Develop strategies that minimize downtime and ensure continuous network availability across the enterprise.
• Ensure all network infrastructure is properly maintained, optimized, and aligned with business and operational requirements.
• Desired Skills and Competencies
• Strong project planning, organizational, and change management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve highly complex technical issues.
• Strong customer service, relationship management, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction and build consensus across stakeholder groups.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proven track record of leadership, mentorship, and collaboration within enterprise technology organizations.
• Sound decision-making skills and a commitment to delivering reliable, secure, and scalable technology solutions.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced networking certification equivalent to CCIE-level certification required.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network architectures in complex enterprise environments.
• Experience developing enterprise and data center network architectures, including project planning, implementation, technical documentation, training, technical support, and troubleshooting.
• Experience mentoring technical teams and leading infrastructure initiatives across multiple projects.
• Required Technical Experience
• Expert-level experience with Enterprise Routing and Switching technologies.
• Deep expertise in Cisco network infrastructure, including enterprise LAN, WAN, and data center environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Data Center Switching, network architecture, and high-availability solutions.
• Extensive experience with Wireless Network Architecture and Operations.
• Strong background in Firewall Technologies, Network Security, and Secure Network Design.
• Comprehensive understanding of all facets of enterprise networking, including integration across infrastructure, security, cloud, and application environments.
• Experience assessing, designing, implementing, and documenting enterprise network solutions.
• Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic solutions that optimize performance, scalability, security, and total cost of ownership.

Additional Requirements

Candidate must be able to effectively communicate in English (written and verbal).
Candidate must have permanent authorization to work in the USA for any employer.

To apply, please submit your resume to View email address on click.appcast.io. Visit us online at

The base range for this contract position is $45 - $75 per hour, depending on experience. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hires of this position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

LRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, gender identity, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship status, or protected veteran status.

In some cases, LRS Consulting uses generative artificial intelligence ("AI") in support of our hiring processes. LRS takes steps to ensure the use of AI does not result in discrimination based on protected class(es). AI may be used in the hiring process solely in support of the assessment of candidate qualifications. All decisions in the hiring process are made by LRS employees. If AI will be used in the hiring process for the position for which you are applying, you will be notified and will have the opportunity to opt out. Please contact View email address on click.appcast.io with any questions.