Network Architect

About Cogent Infotech
At Cogent Infotech, we believe in creating opportunities that empower individuals and transform organizations. With over 23 years of excellence in consulting and talent solutions, we pride ourselves on building inclusive workplaces and driving innovation in everything we do. Our diverse teams bring unique perspectives to help deliver cutting-edge solutions to global clients across both public and private sectors.

Job Title: Network Architect
Contract Duration: 9 Months
Location: Tallahassee, FL

Onsite Role
Job Summary
The Contractor shall provide a qualified Network Architect to function as an integrated member of the Department’s technology team. The Department anticipates that the selected candidate will work approximately 40 hours per week during the term of the Purchase Order.
The Contractor shall perform the following responsibilities and associated tasks:
1. Services Provided by the Department
To assist in the successful delivery of services the Department will provide the following:
a. Workspace, network access, and a computer workstation.
b. Direction and approval for completion of tasks and deliverables, including timeframes shall be provided and overseen by the Chief of Infrastructure and Operations.
c. The Chief of Infrastructure and Operations will be responsible for the approval of all tasks, activities, timesheets, and deliverables.
2. Services provided by the Vendor
a. The Network Architect shall provide technical expertise, architectural guidance, engineering support, technical analysis, and technical execution of the Department’s enterprise network infrastructure and related services. Responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Network Architecture and Design
• Network Engineering and Implementation
• Network Performance and Troubleshooting
• Network Security and Resiliency
• Technology Evaluation and Recommendations
• Project and Implementation Support
• Documentation and Standards
The Network Architect will report to the Chief of Infrastructure and Operations.
c. Contracted staff are required to act in a professional manner and be courteous and respectful to department staff at all times.
d. Contracted staff are required to attend all meetings, forums, seminars, webinars as requested by division management to provide expertise, analysis and/or evaluation. If undue circumstances (such as a family emergency) prevent contracted staff from attending, contracted staff will inform the department in a timely manner before the meeting. If contracted staff is unable to attend a required meeting, the department may require follow-up either orally or in writing as needed to obtain the contracted staff’s input. Refusal to attend meetings as required may result in determination of breach of contract.
• More than five (5) years working experience with Enterprise level IT support.
• More than five (5) years working experience in the following disciplines:
o LAN/WLAN/WAN design, implementation and support
o Network Switches (Juniper, Cisco)
o Load Balancers (Kemp, F5)
o Design and Maintenance of Storage Area Networks (SANs)
o Network Security to include ACLs, Firewall Policy, Proxy Policy and Mail Gateway management (Palo Alto NGFW, Cisco Ironports)
o POTS, PRI and SIP Trunks
o Cloud Networking and hybrid connectivity
• Working experience implementing and supporting:
o Cisco Collaboration stack (UCM, UCCX, Unity Connection)
o Designing network resiliency (Disaster Recovery, High Availability)
o Familiarity with application design and scripting
• Soft Skills
o Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills under pressure
Effective collaboration with cross functional teams
o Willingness to mentor through knowledge sharing and skill development
Minimum Qualifications and Certifications
The following requirements are mandatory. Vendors must clearly demonstrate that the proposed Network Architect meets all minimum qualifications.
Minimum Qualifications
Respondents must provide a Network Architect who meets the following minimum requirements:
• Minimum of five (5) years working experience with Enterprise level IT support.
• More than five (5) years working experience in the following disciplines:
o LAN/WLAN/WAN design, implementation and support
o Network Switches (Juniper, Cisco)
o Load Balancers (Kemp, F5)
o Design and Maintenance of Storage Area Networks (SANs)
o Network Security to include ACLs, Firewall Policy, Proxy Policy and Mail Gateway management (Palo Alto NGFW, Cisco Ironports)
o PRI and SIP Trunks
o Cloud Networking and hybrid connectivity
• Working experience implementing and supporting:
o Cisco Collaboration stack (UCM, UCCX, Unity Connection)
o Designing network resiliency (Disaster Recovery, High Availability)
• Experience with enterprise level network support procedures to include network monitoring, troubleshooting, configuration, maintenance, performance optimization, incident response, and network security.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate with executive leadership, technical teams, vendors, and business stakeholders.
Status Reporting
The Contractor shall participate in weekly status meetings with Department Technology management to provide updates on work performed, progress against assigned tasks, and any risks or issues requiring attention.
Status updates shall include, at a minimum:
• Summary of work performed during the reporting period;
• Planned activities for the upcoming period;
• Identification of risks, issues, or dependencies; and
• Requests for Department input or decisions, if applicable.

Cogent Infotech is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities, abilities, and experiences. If you’re excited about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply
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