Network Architect

Job Summary The Network Architect - Consultant will provide advanced enterprise network engineering expertise to support critical infrastructure projects, modernize aging systems, and ensure operational continuity within the university's technology environment. This role involves designing, implementing, and optimizing scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions while providing technical leadership and knowledge transfer to strengthen ongoing support capabilities. The position is primarily onsite at the downtown Columbia campus with occasional remote work. Responsibilities Lead architecture and engineering efforts for enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, hybrid networking, and network security technologies. Manage complex network infrastructure projects focused on modernization, reliability, scalability, and security. Develop and maintain enterprise network architecture standards, technical roadmaps, and documentation. Design highly available network infrastructure across campus, data center, cloud, and external environments. Promote network automation, orchestration, and Infrastructure as Code to improve efficiency and reliability. Enhance enterprise monitoring, observability, alerting, and capacity planning for proactive infrastructure management. Serve as a senior technical resource for complex network incidents and advanced engineering challenges. Coordinate with Network Operations, Information Security, Cloud Services, Facilities Planning, vendors, and stakeholders. Evaluate emerging technologies and support procurement and vendor evaluations. Provide technical mentoring and knowledge transfer to technical personnel. Participate in maintenance windows and after-hours support as required. Required Skills & Certifications Bachelor's Degree in a related field. Extensive experience in enterprise network architecture and engineering. Strong knowledge of LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, VPN, firewall, and Network Access Control technologies. Experience with network automation, orchestration, and Infrastructure as Code. Proven ability to lead complex network modernization and infrastructure projects. Ability to perform advanced troubleshooting and serve as Tier III escalation point. US Citizenship or Legal Resident status. Residency in South Carolina or willingness to relocate at own expense. Preferred Skills & Certifications Experience with network monitoring, observability, alerting, and capacity planning tools. Knowledge of enterprise network security best practices. Familiarity with cloud and hybrid networking environments. Certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent network architecture credentials. Special Considerations Candidate must be a South Carolina resident or willing to relocate prior to start date at own expense. US Citizenship or Legal Resident status required. Role is primarily onsite at the university campus with occasional remote work allowed. Participation in maintenance windows and after-hours support may be required. Scheduling Full-time position, 38 hours per week. Standard work schedule with potential for after-hours and maintenance window involvement. Contract duration of 6 months with possibility of extension. #J-18808-Ljbffr