IT Network Architect 5

Requisition ID: 1910

Standard Weekly Hours: 40.00

Location: ULA - Denver

Relocation: No

Travel Requirements: 10%

At ULA, success comes through the efforts of a strong, united team.

Thanks for your interest in United Launch Alliance, the world's most experienced and reliable space launch company! Successfully launching more than 155 consecutive missions with 100% mission success doesn't happen by accident. It's a testament to the commitment and dedication of our team of rocket scientists and support employees combined with the systems and processes we use to pull them together. As a ULA employee, you'll have the opportunity to grow in your career while working in a team-oriented culture that combines technology, innovation, ingenuity and a commitment to the extraordinary. Whether you are in college just launching your career, or, have experience and want to come work with the best rocket team in the world, our unshakable unity yields stronger solutions and better results as we carry out our mission to save lives, explore the universe, and connect the world. Our team is excited to meet you!

Job Overview & Responsibilities

At United Launch Alliance (ULA), the Network Architect 5 serves as the enterprise authority for network architecture, long‑range technology direction, and cross‑platform integration strategy. This role defines multi‑year architectural roadmaps, governs enterprise standards, and ensures that all network, security, and connectivity systems align with mission needs, engineering requirements, and corporate digital modernization objectives. Operating at the highest technical tier, the Network Architect V provides architectural leadership across data center, cloud, campus, launch‑site, and national‑defense connectivity environments, shaping ULA’s end‑to‑end communication ecosystem and influencing technology investment decisions.

Required Education

Bachelor

Required Years of Experience

Minimum of 8 years of related work experience

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) field from an accredited college or universit
  • Four years of directly related exempt work experience may be used to satisfy the bachelor’s degree requirement
• 10+ years of progressive experience in enterprise network engineering and architecture
• Expert knowledge of routing and switching technologies, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, and segment routing
• Experience governing architecture review boards, technical design councils, and enterprise decision‑making related to network infrastructure

• Expertise in modeling network resilience, redundancy, dependency mapping, risk analysis, and mission‑assurance engineering for critical operations.

• Master‑level expertise designing global, multi‑region network architectures integrating on‑prem, cloud, edge, and launch‑site networks under unified governance

• Advanced experience with modern firewalls, IDS/IPS platforms, and network security architecture
• Proven ability to design and implement large‑scale WAN, LAN, and data center network solutions
• Hands‑on experience with SD‑WAN technologies and policy‑based routing
• Strong understanding of cloud networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills
• Ability to produce high‑quality architectural diagrams, design documents, and technical standards

• Ability to design and evaluate full stack architectures including routing, switching, segmentation, identity systems, telemetry, observability, automation, and zero‑trust end‑to‑end

• Ability to evaluate emerging technologies (AI‑driven networking, micro‑segmentation, quantum‑safe cryptography, private 5G, advanced telemetry) and develop adoption strategies

• High proficiency in network automation principles and scripting fundamentals

• Demonstrated history guiding enterprise‑wide architectural transformation, multi‑year modernization programs, or major strategic technology initiatives

• Proven ability to translate mission objectives, risk posture, and business strategy into executable network architecture roadmaps

• Extensive experience collaborating with senior leadership, system architects, cybersecurity leaders, and mission stakeholders to align technical direction and enterprise investment

• Deep experience establishing enterprise architectural standards, reference architectures, validated patterns, and multi‑cloud network frameworks
• Proficiency designing service‑based, API‑driven, and intent‑based networking solutions capable of supporting automation, orchestration, and cross‑domain synchronization

• Advanced capability integrating cloud‑native networking (Azure/AWS) with enterprise identity, security, automation, and multi‑region routing topologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading multi‑year network transformation or modernization programs
• Deep familiarity with Zero Trust networking principles and secure access architectures
• Advanced knowledge of network automation platforms such as Terraform, Ansible, or Python‑based frameworks
• Background designing hybrid and multi‑cloud network architectures
• Experience with container networking technologies such as Kubernetes or service mesh
• Professional certifications such as CCIE, JNCIE, AWS Advanced Networking, or equivalent
• Experience with observability platforms and large‑scale network monitoring strategies
• Strong understanding of regulatory and compliance frameworks affecting enterprise networks

Summary Salary Range (for ULA - Denver only): $158,462.00 - $264,104.00

Please note that the salary information shown above is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon a candidate's experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. Employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus in addition to base pay.

What makes ULA different?

Because we understand launch success comes through the collective efforts of a team, we seek the best to join us. We value ethics, ingenuity, engagement and professional development for employees at all levels.

We offer our employees competitive pay and benefits including:

• 401(k) match plus an additional employer contribution
• Discretionary annual incentive bonus for eligible employees
• Generous paid time off
• Flexible work environments

Additionally, most salaried ULA team members work a "9/80 schedule," meaning they enjoy every other Friday off.

Benefits and work schedules may vary for union-represented hourly positions and are described in the applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Security Clearance / International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). Therefore, all applicants must be U.S. Persons as defined in ITAR 22 CFR 120.62 (e.g., U.S. Citizen, Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) or protected individual. See 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20) and 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) for additional information).

ULA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

ULA is a participant in the federal E-Verify Program. Posters in PDF format pertaining to this program can be accessed by clicking on the links identified below. E-Verify Participation poster (English / Spanish) and Right to Work Poster (English / Spanish).

Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act requires covered employees to follow a post selection notification process. A hired candidate may opt out of this process by notifying the hiring manager in writing at the time the offer is accepted