Network Architect

We are looking for a seasoned Senior Network Architect with over 10 years of experience to join our dynamic System Solution team and provide strategic architectural leadership across a large, complex enterprise network environment. This role sits at the intersection of technology strategy and engineering execution, driving assessments, defining standards, shaping modernization roadmaps, and guiding critical network decisions across a broad and diverse technology landscape. The ideal candidate brings deep architectural judgment, cross-domain networking expertise, and the ability to operate effectively at both the strategic and technical levels, engaging executive stakeholders, leading vendor evaluations, and guiding engineering teams through transformation initiatives. Essential Functions: Architecture Leadership - Define and maintain network architecture principles, design patterns, configuration standards, and implementation guidance across the enterprise. Technology Assessment & Roadmap - Evaluate current-state network technologies, identify gaps and risks, and drive forward-looking modernization and technology roadmap decisions. RFP & Vendor Engagement - Lead RFP development, critically evaluate supplier proposals, and deliver clear, well-supported recommendations to senior leadership. Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with internal engineering, operations, and business teams as well as external suppliers and vendors to develop and execute network solutions. Complex Problem Resolution - Provide architectural-level support for escalated operational issues, driving structured root cause analysis and durable remediation strategies. Innovation & Automation - Champion the adoption of automation, AI-enabled tooling, and network analytics to improve operational efficiency and implementation quality. Standards & Governance - Establish and enforce architectural guardrails, design standards, and governance frameworks across a distributed, multi-technology environment. Required Education & Experience: 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 breadth across multiple networking domains - LAN, WAN, wireless, security, and cloud-adjacent services. Strong architectural judgment with the ability to translate business requirements into sound, scalable network designs. Proven experience leading or significantly contributing to RFP processes and presenting technology recommendations to senior or executive leadership. Effective communicator with the ability to engage both technical teams and non-technical stakeholders with clarity and credibility. Experience collaborating with and managing relationships with external vendors and suppliers. Technology Scope: Experience with the following technologies is preferred; equivalent expertise with comparable enterprise platforms is acceptable. Domain Technology / Platform LAN Cisco ACI, Cisco SDA, traditional enterprise routing & switching WAN MPLS with redundancy, diversity, and resiliency design Wireless (Wi-Fi) Large-scale enterprise & manufacturing wireless deployments Firewalls Palo Alto Networks Network Security & Secure Access Zscaler (SASE/ZIA/ZPA) Private Cellular Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Two-Way Radio Preferred Qualifications: Experience architecting networks in large-scale, distributed enterprise manufacturing environments. Familiarity with AI, automation frameworks, and network analytics platforms (e.g., Ansible, Terraform, Cisco ThousandEyes, or equivalent). Hands-on involvement in enterprise network transformation programs or large-scale migration initiatives. Active industry certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, PCNSE, or equivalent advanced credentials. Position Type / Expected Hours of Work. Hybrid contract: Standard business hours with flexibility required to support maintenance windows and critical production issues. (3 days a week, but subject to more time in office based on business needs). Occasional after-hours or weekend work may be required based on business needs. Benefits: 401(k). Dental Insurance. Health insurance. Vision insurance. We are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity, equality, inclusion, and respect for people. The salary will be determined based on several factors, including, but not limited to, location, relevant education, qualifications, experience, technical skills, and business needs. Additional Responsibilities: Participate in OP monthly team meetings and participate in team-building efforts. Contribute to OP technical discussions, peer reviews, etc. Contribute content and collaborate via the OP-Wiki/Knowledge Base. Provide status reports to OP Account Management as requested. About us: At OP, we help you harness the power of technology for maximum impact. A technology consulting and solutions company, we offer advisory and managed services, innovative platforms, and staffing solutions across a wide range of fields including AI, cyber security, enterprise architecture, and beyond. For nearly two decades, we've been challenging the status quo of the consulting industry, serving up fresh, ingenious thinking through a radically lean structure. Together, this strategy delivers unprecedented performance at an unparalleled pace for faster results that propel your business forward. OrangePeople