Network Architect - Consultant

Senior Network EngineerThis position will provide advanced engineering expertise necessary to complete critical enterprise networking projects, improve infrastructure resiliency, modernize aging systems, and establish technical standards that support the University's long-term strategic objectives. The engagement will also provide technical leadership and knowledge transfer to strengthen ongoing operational support capabilities.This is an on-site position at the downtown Columbia USC campus. Occasional remote work is permissible, but the majority of work will take place on site.The Senior Network Engineer will serve as the Division's senior technical resource for enterprise network architecture, engineering, modernization, and operational excellence. Working collaboratively with Enterprise Architecture, Network Operations, Information Security, Cloud Services, Facilities Planning, project teams, vendors, and campus stakeholders, the incumbent will design, implement, and optimize the University's enterprise networking environment.The project scope includes:Define and advance the long-term technical vision and architecture for the University's Enterprise Data Network (EDN), translating institutional requirements into scalable, secure, resilient network solutions.Provide architecture and engineering leadership for enterprise LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, hybrid networking, and network security technologies.Lead complex network infrastructure projects and modernization initiatives that improve reliability, resiliency, scalability, security, and operational efficiency.Develop enterprise network architecture standards, engineering standards, reference architectures, technical roadmaps, lifecycle recommendations, and supporting documentation.Design highly available network infrastructure and connectivity across campus, data center, cloud, and external service environments.Advance network automation, orchestration, Infrastructure as Code, and deployment practices that improve consistency, efficiency, and reliability.Develop and improve enterprise monitoring, observability, alerting, analytics, capacity planning, and operational metrics supporting proactive infrastructure management.Provide senior technical leadership for complex infrastructure issues, priority incidents, architecture decisions, and advanced engineering challenges.Coordinate network architecture and engineering initiatives with Network Operations, Information Security, Cloud Services, Physical Network Infrastructure, Facilities Planning, project teams, vendors, contractors, and campus stakeholders.Evaluate emerging technologies, support technical procurement and vendor evaluations, and provide knowledge transfer and documentation supporting long-term operational sustainability.EEO Employer LanceSoft is a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. LanceSoft makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. LanceSoft