Network Architect

DescriptionKforce has a client that is seeking a Network Architect in Lowell, MA.Summary:We are seeking an experienced and visionary Network Architect to lead the design, evolution, and governance of our global hybrid network infrastructure. This role is responsible for defining and driving the enterprise networking strategy across on-premises, cloud, and security domains while ensuring scalability, resiliency, performance, and operational excellence.The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in enterprise network architecture, multi-cloud networking (Azure and GCP), network security, automation, and observability. This individual will serve as a technical authority, influencing architecture decisions, establishing standards, and guiding engineering teams through the implementation of complex network initiatives.Core Responsibilities:Network Strategy & Architecture:* Define and maintain the enterprise network architecture roadmap supporting business growth, cloud adoption, and digital transformation initiatives* Lead the architecture and design of global network solutions spanning data centers, campuses, branch locations, cloud environments, and internet edge connectivity* Develop reference architectures, design standards, and engineering best practices for hybrid and multi-cloud networking environments* Evaluate emerging networking technologies and provide strategic recommendations aligned with business and technology objectives* Establish architectural governance processes to ensure consistency, scalability, security, and operational efficiency across all network platformsHybrid Cloud & Connectivity Architecture:* Design and optimize connectivity architectures across Azure, GCP, and on-premises environments* Architect resilient WAN, SD-WAN, MPLS, Internet, and cloud interconnect solutions* Define routing, segmentation, and traffic engineering strategies utilizing technologies such as BGP, OSPF, VRF, IPSec, and software-defined networkingRequirementsBasic Qualifications Experience:* 13+ years of experience in enterprise networking, network architecture, and infrastructure engineering* 10+ years of experience designing and architecting complex global network environments* Proven experience leading architecture initiatives across hybrid and multi-cloud environmentsEnterprise Network Architecture:* Deep expertise in: Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF); Switching architectures (Juniper); WAN technologies (MPLS, SD-WAN, IPSec); DNS architectures (Infoblox, Cloudflare, Cloud DNS); Internet edge and cloud connectivity architecturesCloud Networking:* 10+ years of experience architecting networking solutions within Azure and Google Cloud Platform* Expertise designing cloud-native networking services and hybrid connectivity architectures* Strong understanding of cloud security, traffic engineering, and multi-cloud integration patternsNetwork Security:* Extensive experience with Palo Alto and Juniper firewall architectures* Strong understanding of Zero Trust, segmentation, secure access, and network security design principlesWireless & Application Delivery:* Experience architecting Aruba Wireless solutions* Strong understanding of enterprise load balancing architectures including F5, Azure Load Balancer, and Google Cloud Load BalancingAutomation & Modern Infrastructure:* Advanced knowledge of Infrastructure-as-Code and network automation using Terraform and Ansible* Experience integrating automation into large-scale network lifecycle management processesObservability & Troubleshooting:* Expert-level knowledge of network monitoring and observability platforms including Splunk and ThousandEyes* Strong packet analysis and protocol troubleshooting skills using tools such as Wireshark* Proven ability to translate operational insights into long-term architectural improvementsJob TypeContractCompensation70 - $85