Technology Lead, Network Architect

SmithGroup is an integrated design firm with a reputation for cultivating a top-ranked culture while pioneering award-winning innovative design solutions. We blend research, data and technology with ingenuity and a creative spirit to deliver resilient, inclusive spaces that solve our clients' greatest challenges. Our teams create exceptional design solutions for healthcare, science and technology, workplace, mixed use, higher education, cultural, waterfront, parks and open spaces, and urban environments. We are looking for passionate problem solvers who want to elevate design, push boundaries and create a more resilient future.


The Detroit office of SmithGroup is looking for a Technology Lead, Network Architect to join our team. This position can be based out of our Ann Arbor or Detroit office.


The Technology Lead, Network Architect is responsible for designing and maintaining secure and reliable network and infrastructure solutions while providing technical leadership and guidance to the IT Infrastructure team.


Working with us, you will:

• Design, implement, and maintain SmithGroup network and infrastructure aligned with organizational needs and industry best practices.
• Evaluate emerging network technologies, tools, and solutions to enhance performance, security, and scalability.
• Manage relationships with primary network and infrastructure vendors, managing vendor performance and ensuring timely resolution of vendor-related issues.
• Lead Network, Security, or Infrastructure projects and initiatives, including hardware upgrades or new service implementations.
• Define and manage network upgrade and patching strategy, including firmware, OS, and security updates
• Manage and maintain corporate voice services
• Act as the technical lead for the Infrastructure team, providing guidance, mentorship, and support to the team
• Ensure infrastructure standards and documentation are developed and maintained
• As a member of the Tenant Improvement team, design and implement network infrastructure for new or redesigned SmithGroup offices, ensuring adherence to SmithGroup standards
• As a member of the Security team, design and implement security best practices and processes, including incident response and vulnerability management.
• Requires after hours on-call support as assigned.

An ideal candidate has:

• 7 to 10 years of experience in network and infrastructure engineering with at least 2 years in technical leadership or architect capacity.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience. Computer Science, Information Technology, or Computer Engineering preferred.
• CCNA certification strongly preferred.
• Deep expertise in enterprise network architecture, including LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, VPN, wireless, and data center networking
• Strong experience with network security architecture, including firewalls, segmentation, Zero Trust (ZTNA), and secure access solutions
• Hands-on experience with designing and managing Cisco networking infrastructure
• Experience with Microsoft security ecosystem (Defender, Sentinel, Identity Protection, Threat Hunting)
• Experience with Microsoft Teams voice and video con
• Proficiency in cloud networking concepts (Azure preferred)
• Experience with network monitoring, logging, and observability tools
• Strong understanding of high availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery design
• Ability to lead technical projects and cross-functional initiatives
• Experience with vendor management, procurement, and solution evaluation
• Strong documentation skills including network diagrams, standards, and runbooks
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to operate both strategically and hands-on
• Strong collaboration skills across Infrastructure, Security, and Support teams
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

At SmithGroup, we are committed to helping our staff thrive with great projects and time to unwind. We offer flexible scheduling, a hybrid work environment, 3 weeks of PTO within your first year of employment with the option of purchasing additional time off, 8 paid federal holidays, plus 15 extra Fridays off! Our benefits plan includes medical, dental, and vision coverage, wellbeing resources, paid parental leave, a flex spending account and voluntary insurance options. We invest in your future through our 401(k) program with employer matching, tuition reimbursement program, one-on-one career coaching and professional development opportunities. While we may ultimately pay more or less than a posted salary range, at the time of posting the anticipated salary range for this position is $123,000 to $153,000 annually and you are eligible for a performance-based bonus each year. To be considered for this role, please create a profile and apply!


Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws. If you require reasonable accommodation to complete this application, interview, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to View email address on click.appcast.io.