Network Architect IV

Job Description

Job Description

Network Architect IV

Location: Tulsa, Ok or Houston, Tx

Description:
The Network Architect IV is a senior technical role responsible for leading network architecture efforts for major projects and serving as a technical authority within the network domain. This position translates business and technical requirements into scalable, secure, and reliable network solutions across the organization.

The Network Architect IV will work closely with Network Engineering, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Telecom, and business stakeholders to design and implement solutions for new facilities, data centers, processing environments, WAN connectivity, and other critical infrastructure initiatives.

This role requires a broad understanding of enterprise infrastructure and network architecture, strong customer-facing skills, and the ability to lead technical conversations from initial requirements through design and implementation.

Responsibilities/Expectations:

• Serve as the technical authority for network architecture on major projects and initiatives.
• Lead network architecture discussions across technical and business teams, providing direction and recommendations on complex solutions.
• Translate business and project requirements into scalable, secure, and repeatable network designs.
• Architect solutions connecting facilities, data centers, cloud environments, remote locations, and enterprise infrastructure.
• Design and review WAN, LAN, data center, wireless, and network security solutions.
• Develop architecture diagrams, design documentation, standards, specifications, and implementation roadmaps for assigned projects.
• Lead design reviews and evaluate proposed solutions for performance, scalability, reliability, security, and maintainability.
• Apply broad knowledge of network protocols and technologies, including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, DMVPN, SD-WAN, B2B VPNs, DNS, and 802.1x.
• Provide architecture and technical leadership for Cisco ACI within data center environments.
• Collaborate closely with Cybersecurity teams on network security architecture, firewalls, segmentation, access controls, and security requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend network technologies, platforms, standards, and methodologies for project implementations.
• Support the integration of network architecture with broader infrastructure, including servers, databases, cloud, security, and data center technologies.
• Troubleshoot complex architectural and design issues and provide guidance to engineering and operations teams.
• Partner with Telecom teams to understand field environments and ensure network designs align with operational requirements.
• Mentor Network Analysts, Network Engineers, and junior technical staff by sharing technical knowledge, career-development guidance, certifications, and best practices.
• Communicate complex technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain awareness of emerging networking, security, cloud, and automation technologies and assess their applicability to the organization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education/Years of Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of network engineering, architecture, or IT infrastructure experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing large-scale enterprise network solutions.
• Proven ability to lead architecture efforts for complex projects and act as a technical authority within the network domain.
• Strong understanding of network architecture principles, design methodologies, and infrastructure dependencies.

Preferred:

• 12+ years of relevant experience.
• Prior oil and gas, energy, industrial, or similarly complex enterprise environment experience.
• CCNP or CCIE certification preferred.
• Experience leading network architecture for new processing facilities, data centers, or major infrastructure deployments.

Technical Requirements:

Network Architecture & Protocols:

• Extensive knowledge of enterprise networking, network protocols, and infrastructure architecture.
• Strong experience with:
• • BGP
  • OSPF
  • MPLS
  • DMVPN
  • SD-WAN
  • B2B VPNs
  • 802.1x
  • DNS
  • IP addressing and IPAM
• Experience designing and standardizing networks across large, geographically distributed environments.

Cisco:

• Strong experience with Cisco networking platforms and technologies.
• Cisco ACI experience is highly important.
• Experience with Cisco ISE and Cisco Wireless preferred.
• Strong understanding of data center networking and architecture.

Security:

• Strong understanding of network security principles and architecture.
• Experience working with firewalls, network segmentation, access controls, and secure connectivity.
• Ability to partner effectively with Cybersecurity teams on network architecture and implementation.
• Familiarity with SASE, SSE, and ZTNA concepts preferred.

Cloud & Automation:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure Networking.
• Experience with scripting and automation.
• Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools.
• Ability to understand, develop, and leverage scripts to improve network operations and architecture processes.

Leadership & Collaboration:

This position is expected to be a leader and influencer, not necessarily a people manager.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead network architecture conversations across the organization.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor for major projects.
• Understand how infrastructure components connect from Point A to Point B and how network decisions impact the broader IT environment.
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of infrastructure, including networking, security, data centers, servers, databases, and cloud.
• Build strong relationships with internal customers and technical teams.
• Communicate effectively with engineers, architects, cybersecurity professionals, telecom teams, vendors, and business stakeholders.
• Mentor junior employees and help develop the technical capabilities of the broader network team.

What Success Looks like:
The Network Architect IV will be successful by providing strong technical leadership on major network initiatives, developing practical and scalable architecture solutions, and ensuring network designs integrate effectively with the organization's broader infrastructure and security environment.

This individual will be a key technical resource for the organization—someone who can lead architecture discussions, make sound technical decisions, guide engineering teams, and translate complex business requirements into implementable network solutions.