IT Network Architect 5

IT Network Architect 5At United Launch Alliance (ULA), the Network Architect 5 serves as the enterprise authority for network architecture, long-range technology direction, and cross-platform integration strategy. This role defines multi-year architectural roadmaps, governs enterprise standards, and ensures that all network, security, and connectivity systems align with mission needs, engineering requirements, and corporate digital modernization objectives. Operating at the highest technical tier, the Network Architect V provides architectural leadership across data center, cloud, campus, launch-site, and national-defense connectivity environments, shaping ULA's end-to-end communication ecosystem and influencing technology investment decisions.Required Education: Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or university.Basic Qualifications:Bachelor's degree in a STEM field from an accredited college or university.Four years of directly related exempt work experience may be used to satisfy the bachelor's degree requirement.10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering and architecture.Expert knowledge of routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and segment routing.Experience governing architecture review boards, technical design councils, and enterprise decision-making related to network infrastructure.Expertise in modeling network resilience, redundancy, dependency mapping, risk analysis, and mission-assurance engineering for critical operations.Master-level expertise designing global, multi-region network architectures integrating on-prem, cloud, edge, and launch-site networks under unified governance.Advanced experience with modern firewalls, IDS/IPS platforms, and network security architecture.Proven ability to design and implement large-scale WAN, LAN, and data center network solutions.Hands-on experience with SD-WAN technologies and policy-based routing.Strong understanding of cloud networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP.Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.Ability to produce high-quality architectural diagrams, design documents, and technical standards.Ability to design and evaluate full stack architectures including routing, switching, segmentation, identity systems, telemetry, observability, automation, and zero-trust end-to-end.Ability to evaluate emerging technologies (AI-driven networking, micro-segmentation, quantum-safe cryptography, private 5G, advanced telemetry) and develop adoption strategies.High proficiency in network automation principles and scripting fundamentals.Demonstrated history guiding enterprise-wide architectural transformation, multi-year modernization programs, or major strategic technology initiatives.Proven ability to translate mission objectives, risk posture, and business strategy into executable network architecture roadmaps.Extensive experience collaborating with senior leadership, system architects, cybersecurity leaders, and mission stakeholders to align technical direction and enterprise investment.Deep experience establishing enterprise architectural standards, reference architectures, validated patterns, and multi-cloud network frameworks.Proficiency designing service-based, API-driven, and intent-based networking solutions capable of supporting automation, orchestration, and cross-domain synchronization.Advanced capability integrating cloud-native networking (Azure/AWS) with enterprise identity, security, automation, and multi-region routing topologies.Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $158,462.00 - $264,104.00Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.What makes ULA different? Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels. We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including: 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution, discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees, generous paid time off, flexible work environments. Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off. Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement. United Launch Alliance