Senior Network Architect

Position Overview Our client is seeking a Senior SD-WAN Network Architect to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of enterprise WAN environments. The position requires driving the deployment of resilient, scalable, and secure SD-WAN solutions while leading migrations from traditional WAN architectures to modern platforms. This is a full‑time, direct‑hire (permanent) position operating on a hybrid schedule, requiring three days on‑site each week in either New York, NY or Jersey City, NJ. Core Responsibilities Provide architecture, design, and implementation expertise across Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN platforms. Lead comprehensive SD-WAN transformation initiatives from initial design phases through deployment and operational handoff. Design and implement complex enterprise routing and switching solutions using BGP, OSPF, IPSec, and Quality of Service (QoS). Develop comprehensive network segmentation strategies, policy frameworks, and multi-VRF architectures. Create and maintain detailed High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), and architectural decision documentation. Develop thorough network test plans and validation procedures to perform solution verification activities. Produce precise operational documentation, deployment records, and Day-2 support runbooks. Lead migrations from traditional legacy WAN architectures, including MPLS and DMVPN, to modern SD-WAN platforms. Integrate deployed SD-WAN solutions with next-generation firewall technologies and security architectures such as SASE and SSE. Design and implement high-availability cloud on-ramp connectivity for major cloud infrastructure platforms. Serve as the senior technical resource for complex troubleshooting escalations and deployment support. Partner and collaborate closely with Network Operations teams to support active production environments. Required Qualifications & Skills Extensive experience designing and implementing complex enterprise network architectures. Strong hands-on engineering experience with SD-WAN design and deployment. Technical proficiency working with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN. Advanced expertise in BGP routing and policy design, OSPF, IPSec, traffic engineering, and enterprise routing and switching. Proven success leading large-scale WAN modernization and migration projects. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills. Native or bilingual English language proficiency. Preferred Qualifications & Skills Experience with Git-based configuration management and version control workflows. Proficiency using Ansible for network automation and configuration management. Experience with Python scripting and API integration. Familiarity with diverse network automation and orchestration tools. Working knowledge of next-generation firewall technologies. Understanding of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions. Experience with cloud networking frameworks and connectivity architectures. #J-18808-Ljbffr