Network Architect

Network Architect - ConsultantThe Division of Information Technology has an immediate need for highly specialized enterprise network engineering expertise to support critical infrastructure initiatives and ensure operational continuity across the University's enterprise technology environment.Duration of the Contract: 6 months Possibility for Extension: YesWork Location: Role is fully onsite Candidate location: Candidate MUST be a SC resident or willing to relocate to SC prior to starting the role at their own expense.SCOPE OF THE PROJECT: This 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.DAILY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:Provide technical and project leadership for enterprise network architecture, advanced engineering, modernization, and infrastructure implementation initiatives, including hands-on engineering when required.Design and engineer scalable, resilient, and secure LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, cloud, VPN, firewall, and Network Access Control solutions.Develop and maintain enterprise network architectures, engineering standards, technical roadmaps, network diagrams, and other technical documentation; review and validate network designs and engineering solutions developed by other technical staff.Analyze institutional, business, and technical requirements and translate them into enterprise network designs and implementation strategies.Lead network modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, and remediation of aging or at-risk infrastructure.Develop and implement monitoring, observability, automation, orchestration, and operational metrics to proactively assess and improve enterprise network health, capacity, performance, and operational efficiency.Serve as a senior technical resource and Tier III escalation point for complex network incidents and engineering issues, performing advanced troubleshooting and providing architecture-level guidance and resolution when required.Coordinate architecture and engineering activities with Network Operations, Information Security, Physical Network Infrastructure, Facilities Planning, project teams, contractors, consultants, vendors, and other stakeholders.Evaluate emerging technologies and solutions and provide technical recommendations supporting procurement, investment, and long-term infrastructure planning.Provide technical mentoring, knowledge transfer, and engineering guidance to Network Operations and other technical personnel; participate in maintenance windows and after-hours support when required.