Senior Network Architect

Job-ID32819761Reference26-12820Ampcus Inc. is a certified global provider of a broad range of Technology and Business consulting services. We are in search of a highly motivated candidate to join our talented Team.Job Title: Senior Network ArchitectLocation(s): Chicago, IL (Remote) Job Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Architect / Lead Network Engineer with extensive expertise in enterprise networking, data center networking, cloud, SDN, network security, and network automation.The ideal candidate will have proven experience designing, implementing, supporting, and optimizing large-scale Cisco-based network infrastructures, including Cisco ACI, Nexus Data Centers, SD-WAN, DDI (DNS/DHCP/IPAM), load balancing, wireless networking, and network security solutions.This role will be responsible for network architecture, operational excellence, technology modernization, automation initiatives, and providing L3/SME support for mission-critical network environments.Key ResponsibilitiesEnterprise & Data Center NetworkingDesign, deploy, and support large-scale enterprise and data center networks.Architect and manage Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst, Arista, and Cisco ACI environments.Design and implement Spine-Leaf architectures, VXLAN, EVPN, VRFs, VLANs, VPCs, and Data Center Interconnect solutions.Lead network transformation and migration initiatives from legacy environments to SDN-based architectures.Develop High-Level Designs (HLD), Low-Level Designs (LLD), implementation plans, migration strategies, and technical documentation.Perform capacity planning, lifecycle management, and infrastructure optimization.Routing & SwitchingDesign, configure, and troubleshoot:BGPOSPFEIGRPStatic RoutingRoute MapsPrefix ListsACLsImplement and support Layer 2/Layer 3 technologies, including:STP/RSTPVTPPort ChannelsVPCHSRPVRRPVRFTroubleshoot complex routing and switching issues in enterprise and data center environments.Cisco ACI & SDNDesign, deploy, and support Cisco ACI environments.Configure and manage:APIC ControllersTenantsEPGsBridge DomainsVRFsContractsFiltersL3OutsManage Cisco Nexus Dashboard solutions, including:NDONDFCNDIPerform ACI upgrades, migrations, capacity planning, optimization, and compliance activities.Support VXLAN/EVPN-based data center architectures and SDN transformation initiatives.WAN & SD-WANDesign and support enterprise WAN architectures, including:Cisco SD-WANMPLSDMVPNIPSec VPNGRE TunnelsConfigure and support Cisco ISR, ASR, and Catalyst 8000 platforms.Manage WAN resiliency, optimization, and modernization initiatives.Troubleshoot complex WAN connectivity and performance issues.Network SecurityManage and support:Palo Alto FirewallsCisco FirepowerCisco Secure ClientTACACS+RADIUSImplement and support:Network SegmentationZero Trust ArchitectureMicro-SegmentationVPN TechnologiesNetwork Access Control (NAC)AAA ServicesParticipate in vulnerability remediation and network security lifecycle initiatives.Load Balancing & Application DeliveryConfigure and administer:F5 BIG-IP LTM/GTMF5 AFMCitrix NetScalerAzure Load BalancerImplement and support:SSL OffloadingContent SwitchingLoad Balancing PoliciesHealth MonitoringGlobal Traffic ManagementDDI – DNS, DHCP & IPAMManage enterprise Infoblox DDI solutions.Administer:DNSDHCPIPAMGrid MastersDNS ZonesDNS RecordsDHCP ReservationsSupport enterprise-wide DNS architecture, availability, security, and service delivery.Wireless InfrastructureDesign, implement, and support enterprise Cisco wireless environments.Manage:Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers (WLCs)Cisco Access PointsCisco PrimeAruba Wireless SolutionsImplement secure 802.1X authentication and enterprise wireless security solutions.Network AutomationDevelop and maintain network automation solutions using:AnsibleTerraformPythonREST APIsPostmanAutomate:Network provisioningConfiguration managementCompliance validationMonitoringReportingOperational workflowsIntegrate automation frameworks with Cisco ACI, Nexus Dashboard, and SD-WAN environments.Develop reusable automation workflows and support infrastructure-as-code initiatives.Monitoring & Network OperationsSupport network operations using:SolarWindsThousandEyesGrafanaCisco DNA CenterNetBrainServiceNowLead root cause analysis (RCA) and major incident resolution activities.Provide L3/SME support for complex network issues.Drive vulnerability remediation, infrastructure lifecycle management, and operational improvement initiatives.Develop and maintain network standards, runbooks, and operational documentation.Required Technical SkillsNetworking & Data CenterCisco Nexus 5K/7K/9KCisco Catalyst 9K SeriesArista SwitchingCisco ISR/ASR RoutersEnterprise LAN/WAN ArchitectureData Center NetworkingRouting & SwitchingBGPOSPFEIGRPMPLSSD-WANVRFData Center & SDNCisco ACIVXLANEVPNCisco Nexus DashboardNDONDFCNDISpine-Leaf ArchitectureVPCData Center InterconnectNetwork SecurityPalo AltoCisco FirepowerCisco Secure ClientIPSec VPNNACTACACS+RADIUSAAANetwork SegmentationZero TrustMicro-SegmentationLoad BalancingF5 LTM/GTMF5 AFMCitrix NetScalerAzure Load BalancerDDIInfobloxDNSDHCPIPAMAutomationAnsibleTerraformREST APIsPostmanPython preferredMonitoring & OperationsSolarWindsThousandEyesGrafanaNetBrainCisco DNA CenterServiceNowPreferred CertificationsCCNP EnterpriseCCNP Data CenterCisco Certified Specialist – ACI ImplementationCisco Certified Specialist – Data Center CoreCisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise CoreCisco SD-WAN CertificationPalo Alto Certifications preferredF5 Certifications preferredExperience Requirements10+ years of enterprise and data center network engineering experience.5+ years of hands-on Cisco ACI and data center architecture experience.Proven experience supporting large-scale, global enterprise environments with mission-critical infrastructure.Experience leading network migration, modernization, transformation, and SDN adoption initiatives.Strong L3/SME troubleshooting and incident management experience.Demonstrated ability to develop network architecture, HLD/LLD documentation, implementation plans, and technical standards.Strong experience collaborating with infrastructure, security, cloud, application, and operations teams.Ampcus is 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, protected veterans or individuals with disabilities.