Network Architect

Job Description

Job Description

We are seeking a Network Architect located in the DC Metro area to lead development of comprehensive modernized base infrastructure for contracted BIM networks, ensuring compliance with all technical requirements, Service Level Agreements and Air Force standards. This position is a hybrid position with most work being remote, with attendance at our headquarter office in McLean, VA and customer locations as needed for meetings, work sessions, etc.

Since 1976, SMS has specialized in modernizing legacy IT and sustaining complex enterprise environments for federal agencies. With the goal of building long-term partnerships with our customers, we invest in our employees by providing the training, tools, and support they need to keep critical missions operational, improve performance, and reduce risk. SMS is headquartered in McLean, Virginia, with offices and on-site operations at customer locations throughout the United States. For additional information on SMS, visit

Job Responsibilities

• Lead development of comprehensive modernized Base Area Network architectures for NIPR and SIPR networks ensuring compliance with all technical requirements, Service Level Agreements, and Air Force standards.
• Lead development of comprehensive modernized Base Area Network architectures for NIPR and SIPR networks ensuring compliance with all technical requirements, Service Level Agreements, and Air Force standards.
• Provide authoritative technical leadership for network design team establishing overall architecture vision, standards, and design principles.
• Develop enterprise-level network architectures addressing wired infrastructure, wireless systems, Outside Plant fiber optic infrastructure, Inside Plant structured cabling, and network security implementations.
• Design network topologies optimizing performance, redundancy, and scalability while minimizing operational complexity.
• Establishes network design standards for routing protocols, switching architectures, VLAN implementations, Quality of Service, and traffic engineering.
• Design modular architectures enabling future interoperability and technology insertions including Post-Quantum Cryptography, Zero Trust implementations, and advanced network authentication controls.
• Perform network capacity planning and performance modeling validating designs meet Service Level Agreement thresholds.
• Lead technical design reviews and provides authoritative guidance resolving complex technical challenges.
• Develop high-level and detailed network topology diagrams in DoDAF format.
• Ensure designs accommodate Government metric collection tools including SolarWinds, Cisco Prime, Juniper JSpace, and NetScout.
• Coordinate with Government technical authorities and obtains design approvals.
• Ensure all design documentation is non-proprietary and transferable to Government.

Qualifications

• Possesses Bachelor's degree in network engineering, computer science, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of network architecture experience with demonstrated expertise in enterprise network design.
• Must have an active CISCO Certified Network Professional (CCNP) certification
• Must have an active CompTIA Security+CE certification.
• Must have strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be willing to travel as needed, approximately 25%
• Requires a DoD Secret security clearance or the ability to successfully pass a background check and obtain an Interim Secret clearance.
• Cisco CCIE or equivalent expert-level certification highly desired.

Salary Range - $130,000 - $144,000

SMS 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, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Req # 2026-5401