Network Architect

Salary: $160,892.78 - $203,941.09 Annually
Location : King County Records - Graybar Building, 410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, 98104, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026-27965
Department: KCIT - Information Technology
Division: Engineering Division
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C19 : PROTEC17-Information Tech
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time


Summary
This position is open only to Internal King County employees. Only current King County employees will be considered.
We're seeking a skilled Information Technology Network Architect to join the King County's Department of Information Technology (KCIT) Network Architect team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network solutions that meet the organization's requirements. You will collaborate closely with various stakeholders to integrate different IT systems and ensure seamless communication across all platforms. Network Architects provides enterprise-level architectural leadership with a primary focus on network and communications infrastructure. The role is responsible for designing, evaluating, and governing network architectures that support both traditional IT environments and large-scale public works, transportation systems, and critical facilities. The position ensures that network designs, standards, and integration practices enable secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity across cloud, data center, field, and transportation environments.

About King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT)

King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners.

Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region's most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County's mission. Learn more about KCIT at:

Job Duties

• Provides architectural oversight for networking components within capital projects, public works programs, and transportation system upgrades.
• Coordinates with civil engineering firms, construction teams, program managers, and external agencies to ensure technology requirements are incorporated into infrastructure designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Assesses and integrates network requirements for systems such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), SCADA/ICS, communications-based systems, fare and revenue systems, wireless coverage, and field device networks.
• Reviews design submittals, fiber plans, site connectivity designs, and critical facility infrastructure to ensure technical compliance and future scalability.
• Design, develop, and deploy scalable, secure, and reliable network architectures that align with enterprise strategy, goals, and established architectural principles.
• Evaluate existing network environments and recommend improvements to enhance design, efficiency, performance, and security.
• Integrate diverse IT systems, applications, and infrastructure components into cohesive, optimized network solutions.
• Collaborate closely with project teams, software developers, and infrastructure engineers to understand business requirements and ensure architectural compatibility and performance.
• Implement and maintain robust network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems, and other protective technologies.
• Conduct regular security audits, identify vulnerabilities, and drive timely remediation efforts.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and optimize configurations to improve speed, reliability, and overall efficiency.
• Document network architectures, standards, configurations, and procedures; prepare clear reports and provide insights to management regarding performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide direction, guidance, and definition for network architecture policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to support enterprise-wide technology strategies.
• Offer technical leadership and serve as a key contributor in developing technology plans, reducing technical debt, and driving architectural initiatives that support organizational objectives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for highly complex projects requiring deep expertise in network architecture and solutions integration; act as the final technical escalation point for network-related domains.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather requirements, translate them into technical solutions, and provide ongoing technical support and guidance to internal teams.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, or in a similar role with a strong emphasis on network design and systems integration.
• In-depth knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and network security principles.
• Hands-on experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds).
• Strong understanding of cloud computing and virtualization technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.

Desirable Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCDP, CISSP) are a plus.
• Experience with SD-WAN, SDN, and network automation tools.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in designing and implementing network solutions in large-scale enterprise environments.
• Project management skills and experience leading IT projects from conception to completion.

Supplemental Information
Hybrid Work: KCIT works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Graybar Building, 410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104.


Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative schedules may be considered by your manager.


FLSA Status: This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay

Classification: Solutions Architect (Job code: 743801)

Union: This position is represented by Protec17: Information Technology

Who May Apply: This recruitment is open only to internal King County employees. Applications from external candidates will not be considered. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply. This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application to include:

1. Employment history going back at least seven years if possible (or more to include all relevant experience).
2. A resume including all relevant experience.
3. A cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience in network architecture. Please include examples of relevant projects and achievements.

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County's vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Shannon Hoeper at View email address on click.appcast.io

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here .

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our


This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.


NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.


For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
01


This position is only open to Internal King County employees. Are you a current King County employee?

• Yes
• No

02


How many years of demonstrated experience do you have as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, or in a similar role with a strong emphasis on network design and systems integration?

• None, but willing to learn
• One year but less than two years
• Two years but less than three years
• Three years but less than four years
• Four years but less than five years
• Five years but less than six years
• Six years but less than seven years
• Seven years but less than eight years
• Eight years but less than nine years
• Nine years but less than 10 years
• Ten or more years

03


Please describe in detail your demonstrated experience as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, or in a similar role with a strong emphasis on network design and systems integration, and explain how you meet the minimum qualification of at least 10 years in this field.
04


The person hired for this position must successfully pass a background investigation which may include Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) clearance. Are you willing to undergo a background investigation prior to an offer of employment? This will include reference checks with previous employers, and a criminal background check which may include fingerprinting.

• Yes
• No

05


Are you applying to this position as an eligible Priority Placement Program Participant who is a current or previous King County Employee impacted by layoff? ANDIs this position the same or lower percentage of full-time when compared to the position held at the point of the notification of layoff? ANDDo you possess the skills and abilities to qualify for this position?

• Yes, I was given a layoff notice from my Career Service role at King County and I am within two years of the effective date of my layoff. Additionally, the position I was laid off from was the same or a higher percentage of FT status when compared to this one.
• No.

06


If you answered yes to the question above and you are applying for this position as a Priority Placement Participant, to be considered, you must provide the following three pieces of information in the space provided:1. The title you held when you received your layoff notice2. The department you worked in3. The effective date of your layoff
Required Question