Senior Network Architect

Senior Network ArchitectEmployment Type: Full Time, Onsite in a corporate office environmentDepartment: Information Systems & Technology – TransformationReports To: Sr. Director, Infrastructure & OperationsBenefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacation, Sick & Holidays; Company paid Life and Disability Insurance; 401k savings plan with employer matchingVoluntary Benefits: Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Coverage, & Pet InsurancePosition SummaryAvfuel is seeking a Senior Network Architect to own and modernize our enterprise network environment while providing technical leadership across infrastructure initiatives. This role is responsible for defining network architecture, driving infrastructure strategy, and leading execution across our headquarters and approximately 30 remote locations nationwide.This is a highly impactful, hands-on leadership role. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong initiative and ownership. This person will assess our current environment, establish standards, and lead the design and delivery of a modern, scalable, and secure network infrastructure.This role may have formal direct reports, and serves as the technical leader for network engineering, setting direction, guiding resources (including contractors), and ensuring successful execution of key initiatives. This position has clear growth potential into broader Infrastructure & Operations leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Architecture & StrategyAssess current network infrastructure, identify gaps, and define a forward-looking architecture and roadmapLead standardization efforts, with a focus on Fortinet technologies across all locationsOwn product selection, lifecycle management, and technology standards for network infrastructureDesign scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions to support business growthEngineering & Project LeadershipLead the execution of network refresh and modernization initiatives across HQ and remote sitesDefine project scope, technical designs, and implementation plansServe as the technical lead on all network-related projectsProvide direction, mentorship, and technical oversight to engineers and contractorsEnsure projects are delivered on time, with high quality and strong operational outcomesPeople Leadership (Current & Future)May directly manage network architects and engineers, including performance, development, and coachingFoster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvementIdentify and develop team capabilities, including mentoring junior engineersPosition has potential to expand into leadership of the broader Infrastructure & Operations team (network, systems, and related functionsOperations & ReliabilityOwn day-to-day network performance, availability, and reliabilityEstablish and enforce best practices for monitoring, alerting, and incident responseLead change management processes related to network infrastructureEnsure proper documentation, configuration management, and operational standardsVendor & ISP ManagementManage relationships with ISPs, hardware vendors, and service providersOversee circuit provisioning, performance, and cost optimizationEvaluate and negotiate solutions that align with business and technical objectivesSecurity & CompliancePartner with security leadership to ensure network security best practices are implementedSupport firewall strategy, segmentation, and secure connectivity across all sitesAlign network architecture with compliance and risk management requirementsOrganizational ScopeThe Senior Network Architect / Technical Lead directly or indirectly manages 1 – 3 network architects and engineers and is a member of the Avfuel IT leadership team.Required Qualifications8+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture rolesProven experience designing and implementing enterprise network infrastructureStrong hands-on expertise with Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiManager, etc.)Experience with Cisco switching technologiesDeep understanding of:Routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, etc.)Firewall architecture and network security principlesWAN technologies, VPNs, and multi-site connectivityExperience with network monitoring and management toolsUnderstanding of enterprise architecture and systems integrationStrong experience with ISP management, vendor management, and change managementDemonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives with minimal oversightPreferred QualificationsExperience in aviation, fuel distribution, logistics, or similar industriesExperience operating in regulated or compliance-driven environmentExperience leading cross-functional, matrixed transformation initiativeFinancial management experience overseeing significant capital programsExperience with:Windows Server administrationLinux systems administrationActive Directory and identity infrastructureStorage and backup technologiesExperience in multi-site or distributed enterprise environmentsExposure to cloud networking (Azure, AWS, or hybrid environments)Familiarity with modern ERP/CRM platforms (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)MBA or advanced technical/business degreeSuccess Metrics (First 90 days, 1 year)90 DaysDevelop network services assessment, prioritized risks and gaps, and plans to addressStabilize and instill operational control, including monitoringBuild relationships within IT, across Avfuel and with external partners1 YearDrive network modernization program for Avfuel and AvflightAchieve measurable improvements, utilizing a standard operating modelLead in improving change management for network and broader IT within AvfuelOptimize partner relationships and network financesDevelop team members through technical coaching and trainingEEO/ADAApply at Avfuel Careers #J-18808-Ljbffr