Network Architect

Network Architect OpportunityA leading Children's Hospital currently undergoing a significant merger is seeking a seasoned Network Architect to join our Information Technology team on a permanent, full-time basis. This is a high-impact role at a pivotal moment in our organization's growth — you will be instrumental in unifying and modernizing our network infrastructure across multiple locations to support the seamless delivery of pediatric care.You will serve as the primary architect responsible for designing, planning, and executing a comprehensive network transformation — including migrating from our current ACI environment to an EVPN-based architecture and leading the transition from Layer 2 to Layer 3 access across all sites.Key ResponsibilitiesNetwork Architecture & DesignArchitect and design the migration from Cisco ACI to EVPN technology with a focus on the access layer across all hospital locations.Lead the transition from Layer 2 access to Layer 3 access networking to enable appropriate automation and standardization.Establish consistency across core and data layers — defining and standardizing VLAN structures and building frameworks where none currently exist.Design and implement core-level routing strategies across all locations.Plan and develop the overall infrastructure architecture to support current operations and future growth resulting from the hospital merger.IP Address Management & PlanningScope and design new IP address plans and IP scopes, migrating to updated IP ranges to support the merged organization.Manage and maintain DDI (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) systems to ensure accurate and reliable IP address allocation.Security & Access ControlArchitect and manage network access control using Cisco ISE.Collaborate with security teams on Palo Alto security platform integration and policy enforcement across the network.Wireless InfrastructureOversee and contribute to wireless controller design and management to ensure reliable connectivity across all hospital campuses.Collaboration & Stakeholder EngagementPartner with clinical, operational, and IT stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into network architecture solutions.Document architecture decisions, standards, and configurations clearly for technical and non-technical audiences.Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior network engineers as needed.Required QualificationsActive CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification — any track considered; routing & switching or data center preferred.Proven hands-on experience with both on-premises and hardware-based network environments.Deep expertise in Cisco ACI and practical knowledge of EVPN technology and migration.Strong background in core-level routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP) and Layer 2/Layer 3 architecture.Demonstrated experience with Cisco ISE for network access control and policy management.Proficiency with DDI systems (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) and IP address planning.Experience with wireless controller platforms and enterprise wireless design.Experience with Palo Alto Networks security platforms and integration into network architectures.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to design solutions in complex, multi-site environments.Excellent communication and documentation skills.Preferred QualificationsExperience in healthcare IT environments or other mission-critical regulated industries.Familiarity with network automation tools and frameworks (Ansible, Python, Terraform, etc.).Experience supporting merger or acquisition-related network integration projects.Working knowledge of SD-WAN platforms and cloud networking concepts.