Principal Network Solutions Architect

Job Title: Principal Network Solutions Architect

Location: Washington, DC (On-site)

Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff — No C2C or 1099)

About the Opportunity

ZipStaff is seeking a Principal Network Solutions Architect to lead the strategic vision and tactical execution of complex enterprise network infrastructure for a major transportation organization.

In this role, you will bridge the gap between business strategy and technical execution, serving as a change agent who defines future-state network architecture, builds consensus across business units, and guides projects through the entire lifecycle—from initial kickoff to full deployment. You will collaborate closely with Network Infrastructure Services to design, validate, and deliver sustainable, high-performing network environments.

What You’ll Do

• Facilitate the development and adoption of future-state enterprise network architecture while actively aligning technology capabilities with overarching business strategies.
• Drive network solutioning across all phases—conceiving strategies, gathering requirements, leading engineering design, and supporting implementation and execution.
• Act as a technical advisor and visionary across business areas; present design proposals to Network Infrastructure Services teams to gain cross-functional buy-in and approval.
• Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including 15%, 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design review feedback for construction projects, Network Topologies, site Wi-Fi/cellular heatmaps, Statements of Work (SOWs), and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for CapEx projects.
• Architect high-performing, reusable, and secure network infrastructure leveraging advanced routing, switching, wireless, and cellular technologies.
• Balance long-term architectural standards with pragmatic, short-term tactical solutions to maintain system reliability and business agility.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent work experience/specialized training) with a minimum of 10 years in IT, including 10+ years of hands-on technology network operations, architecture, and engineering experience.
• High-level, hands-on expertise in enterprise routing and switching architectures, with deep command of protocols including BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF.
• Demonstrated track record of network solutioning (switches, WAPs, cellular) for multi-million dollar, large-scale heterogeneous IT programs.
• Functional knowledge of Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), and architectural modeling principles.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with proven experience presenting technical vision to internal engineering teams and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the transportation sector or supporting mission-critical enterprise environments.
• Background leading large-scale network architecture initiatives from strategy through full deployment.
• Experience producing multi-stage design documentation (including heatmaps, SOWs, and BOMs) for CapEx and construction projects.
• Strong ability to balance long-term enterprise architecture standards with tactical delivery needs.

Benefits

• Health Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) + 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off.
• Referral Program.

About ZipStaff

ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients.