Senior Network Architect

Senior Network Architect

Faegre Drinker has an opportunity for a Senior Network Architect to work within our Technology & Innovation department in our Minneapolis or Philadelphia office. You will be part of a dynamic team responsible for the strategic design, architecture, implementation, and evolution of the firm's multi-site enterprise network. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.

What you would do:

1. Leads network-related infrastructure initiatives, including office buildouts, relocations, network refreshes, data center moves, mergers/integrations, and technology modernization efforts
2. Designs, implements, and maintains enterprise-class Cisco network infrastructure across headquarters, branch offices, and remote locations
3. Leads network engineering efforts for LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, Internet edge, VPN, and data center connectivity
4. Supports the implementation and management of:

• Network segmentation
• Firewall policies
• NAC / access control (if applicable)
• IDS/IPS integrations
• Secure VPN connectivity
• Logging, monitoring, and alerting

• Acts as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents and chronic performance issues
• Special projects and other duties as assigned

What is expected:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and diplomacy skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference)
• Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment
• Demonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriate
• Willingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environment
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation in a collaborative environment
• Ability to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential information
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, organize, and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situations

What we offer:

• Flexible working environment for work-life success
• Opportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer events
• Wellness programming with personalized content and activities
• Professional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fields
• Variety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plans
• Generous paid time off

The anticipated initial annual salary range for someone who is hired into this position is $183,066.66 – $211,433.33.

Actual initial salary may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law. This is an exempt role and the initial salary range listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.

What is required:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 10+ years of progressively responsible, hands-on network engineering and architecture experience in complex enterprise environments
• 5+ years of advanced Cisco networking experience supporting complex, multi-site enterprise environments
• Expert-level, hands-on experience in architectural design and implementation across the following core technology areas:
• Routing and Switching: BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP/RSTP/MST, EtherChannel, HSRP/VRRP, ACLs, and QoS.
• Data Center: Cisco Nexus, Cisco ACI, and internal firewall design
• Firewalls and Identity: Cisco firewall technologies, including ASA/Firepower, Cisco ISE, and RADIUS
• Wireless: Meraki wireless networking
• WAN and Edge: SD-WAN, MPLS, DIA, SIP, Azure ExpressRoute, and remote access
• Application Delivery and Security: F5
• Demonstrated experience leading network infrastructure initiatives, including office buildouts, relocations, network refreshes, data center moves, integrations, or technology modernization efforts
• Experience coordinating with vendors, carriers, managed service providers, and internal teams to deliver network infrastructure projects
• Advanced troubleshooting experience, including packet analysis, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex routing, switching, wireless, Internet, VPN, and cloud connectivity issues
• Experience creating and maintaining network standards, design documentation, diagrams, configuration templates, and operational runbooks
• Experience using network monitoring and management platforms to proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve performance or availability issues
• Working knowledge of network security principles, including segmentation, firewall policy management, secure VPN connectivity, logging, monitoring, vulnerability remediation, and incident response support
• Ability to clearly communicate complex network designs, operational issues, and information security risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including management
• Ability to support after-hours maintenance windows and participate in incident response and on-call rotations as required