Sr. Network Architect

Sr. Network ArchitectClient: Japanese IT companyWorking Location: Plano, TexasWorking style: Hybrid (2 days per week in office; additional onsite time may be required based on business needs)Employment Type: W-2, Contract No C2C: We do not accept Corp-to-Corp (C2C) arrangements for this position.Salary: Up to 100KBenefit: No Insurance but 401K MatchVisa Support: N/AWorking Hours: Standard business hours with flexibility to support maintenance windows and critical production issues; occasional after-hours or weekend work may be requiredLanguage: EnglishKey Responsibilities:Define and maintain network architecture principles, design patterns, configuration standards, and implementation guidance across the enterprise.Evaluate current-state network technologies, identify gaps and risks, and drive modernization and technology roadmap decisions.Lead RFP development, evaluate supplier proposals, and present clear technology recommendations to senior leadership.Partner with engineering, operations, business teams, suppliers, and vendors to develop and execute network solutions.Provide architectural-level support for complex escalated operational issues, including root cause analysis and durable remediation strategies.Champion automation, AI-enabled tooling, and network analytics to improve operational efficiency and implementation quality.Establish and enforce architectural guardrails, design standards, and governance frameworks across a distributed, multi-technology environment.The right candidate will possess:Deep enterprise network architecture expertise across LAN, WAN, wireless, security, and cloud-adjacent services.Strong architectural judgment and the ability to translate business requirements into scalable network designs.Experience with Cisco ACI, Cisco SDA, enterprise routing and switching, and MPLS.Experience with large-scale enterprise and manufacturing wireless deployments.Knowledge of Palo Alto Networks and secure access technologies such as Zscaler (SASE/ZIA/ZPA).Experience with private cellular, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), and two-way radio is preferred.Strong vendor management, RFP, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and technical levels.Required Qualifications & Skills:Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.10+ years of progressive enterprise network engineering and/or architecture experience.Demonstrated experience across multiple networking domains, including LAN, WAN, wireless, security, and cloud-adjacent services.Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to RFP processes and presenting technology recommendations to senior or executive leadership.Experience collaborating with and managing relationships with external vendors and suppliers.Experience architecting networks in large-scale, distributed enterprise manufacturing environments is preferred.Familiarity with AI, automation frameworks, and network analytics platforms such as Ansible, Terraform, and Cisco ThousandEyes is preferred.Experience with enterprise network transformation programs or large-scale migration initiatives is preferred.CCIE, CCNP, PCNSE, or equivalent advanced certifications are preferred.