Senior Network Architect

Senior Network ArchitectFaegre Drinker has an opportunity for a Senior Network Architect to work within our Technology & Innovation department in our Minneapolis or Philadelphia office. You will be part of a dynamic team responsible for the strategic design, architecture, implementation, and evolution of the firm's multi-site enterprise network. This position will work with other talented individuals who share a passion for doing great work in the best interest of our clients.What you would do:Leads network-related infrastructure initiatives, including office buildouts, relocations, network refreshes, data center moves, mergers/integrations, and technology modernization effortsDesigns, implements, and maintains enterprise-class Cisco network infrastructure across headquarters, branch offices, and remote locationsLeads network engineering efforts for LAN, WAN, WLAN, SD-WAN, Internet edge, VPN, and data center connectivitySupports the implementation and management of:Network segmentationFirewall policiesNAC / access control (if applicable)IDS/IPS integrationsSecure VPN connectivityLogging, monitoring, and alertingActs as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents and chronic performance issuesSpecial projects and other duties as assignedWhat is expected:Strong analytical, problem-solving and diplomacy skills.Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively in a virtual environment (e.g., via phone, web/videoconference)Ability to concentrate on tasks, make decisions and work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure, deadline-oriented environmentDemonstrated ability to use good judgment in taking initiative while asking for direction or clarification and consulting others, as appropriateWillingness to be flexible with time and adjust to a changing work environmentAbility to build and maintain positive relationships, both internally and externally, while maintaining a client service orientation in a collaborative environmentAbility to use sound judgment and discretion in dealing with highly confidential informationDemonstrated ability to work independently, organize, and accurately prioritize work, be detail-oriented, understand when urgency is required and use good judgment in varied situationsWhat we offer:Flexible working environment for work-life successOpportunity to participate in firm-sponsored volunteer eventsWellness programming with personalized content and activitiesProfessional environment and the opportunity to work with experts at the top of their fieldsVariety of health plan options, as well as dental, vision and 401(k) plansGenerous paid time offThe anticipated initial annual salary range for someone who is hired into this position is $183,066.66 – $211,433.33.Actual initial salary may be above or below the above-identified range and will be based on the relevant skills, training, experience, and other job-related factors, including the location where the position is filled, in all cases consistent with applicable law. This is an exempt role and the initial salary range listed above is just one component of Faegre Drinker's total compensation and benefits package for professional staff, which includes, but is not limited to, a discretionary bonus; life, health, accident, and disability insurance; and a 401(k) plan.What is required:Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience10+ years of progressively responsible, hands-on network engineering and architecture experience in complex enterprise environments5+ years of advanced Cisco networking experience supporting complex, multi-site enterprise environmentsExpert-level, hands-on experience in architectural design and implementation across the following core technology areas:Routing and Switching: BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP/RSTP/MST, EtherChannel, HSRP/VRRP, ACLs, and QoS.Data Center: Cisco Nexus, Cisco ACI, and internal firewall designFirewalls and Identity: Cisco firewall technologies, including ASA/Firepower, Cisco ISE, and RADIUSWireless: Meraki wireless networkingWAN and Edge: SD-WAN, MPLS, DIA, SIP, Azure ExpressRoute, and remote accessApplication Delivery and Security: F5Demonstrated experience leading network infrastructure initiatives, including office buildouts, relocations, network refreshes, data center moves, integrations, or technology modernization effortsExperience coordinating with vendors, carriers, managed service providers, and internal teams to deliver network infrastructure projectsAdvanced troubleshooting experience, including packet analysis, root cause analysis, and resolution of complex routing, switching, wireless, Internet, VPN, and cloud connectivity issuesExperience creating and maintaining network standards, design documentation, diagrams, configuration templates, and operational runbooksExperience using network monitoring and management platforms to proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve performance or availability issuesWorking knowledge of network security principles, including segmentation, firewall policy management, secure VPN connectivity, logging, monitoring, vulnerability remediation, and incident response supportAbility to clearly communicate complex network designs, operational issues, and information security risks to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including managementAbility to support after-hours maintenance windows and participate in incident response and on-call rotations as required