Network Architect

Title: Network Architect
Duration: Full time
Location: Richmond, VA - Hybrid
Client: ASGN
Salary: USD 120K-125K

Key Responsibilities:
Architecture & Design
•    Lead design and implementation of enterprise and cloud networking architectures (Azure, AWS, hybrid)
•    Develop and execute network consolidation strategies across multiple environments and business units
•    Architect secure, scalable connectivity patterns including:
•    Site-to-site and client VPNs
•    SD-WAN deployments
•    Cloud transit hubs and hub/spoke models
•    Define standards for routing, segmentation, and high availability
Cloud Networking
•    Design and manage networking in Azure and familiarity AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.
•    Implement and maintain:
•    Virtual networks (VNets/VPCs)
•    Peering and private connectivity (ExpressRoute, Direct Connect)
•    Network security controls (NSGs, firewalls, routing tables)
•    Integrate on-prem and cloud environments.
Routing & Core Networking
•    Design and troubleshoot complex routing environments using:
•    BGP, OSPF/EIGRP
•    Optimize routing policies for performance, failover, and traffic engineering
•    Lead troubleshooting of latency, packet loss, and asymmetric routing issues
Security & Firewalls
•    Manage next-gen firewall solutions, primarily:
•    Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PAN-OS, Panorama)
•    Define and enforce security policies, NAT, and segmentation strategies
•    Partner with security teams on threat mitigation and compliance requirements
SD-WAN & Branch Networking
•    Design and support SD-WAN solutions using:
•    Cisco Viptela / Cisco SD-WAN
•    Manage and optimize branch networking using:
•    Cisco Meraki (full stack: MX, MS, MR)
•    Ensure consistent policy, performance, and visibility across all sites
Carrier & Vendor Management
•    Act as primary technical liaison with telecom carriers and ISPs
•    Lead troubleshooting of circuit issues (latency, outages, routing anomalies)
•    Validate and design circuit turn-ups (DIA, MPLS, broadband, LTE/5G)
•    Coordinate with vendors during deployments, escalations, and outages
Operations & Leadership
•    Serve as Tier 3 escalation point for network-related incidents
•    Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance
•    Develop and maintain documentation, standards, and runbooks
•    Participate in on-call rotation as needed
Required Qualifications:
•    Experience in enterprise networking
•    Deep expertise in BGP routing and network design
•    Strong hands-on experience with:
•    Palo Alto Networks firewalls
•    Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela)
•    Cisco Meraki full stack
•    Proven experience designing and implementing cloud networking architectures
•    Strong troubleshooting skills across routing, firewall, and connectivity domains
•    Experience working directly with telecom carriers and ISPs
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with:
•    Multi-tenant or multi-environment network consolidation
•    Certifications (preferred but not required):
•    CCNP/CCIE
•    PCNSE (Palo Alto)
•    Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700)
•    AWS Advanced Networking Specialty