Network Architect – CCIE

Location: San Francisco, CA
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Contract 
Experience Level: Senior Architect
Certification: CCIE required

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect with CCIE certification to design, implement, and optimize complex enterprise network infrastructure in a hybrid work environment. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in network architecture, routing and switching, security, cloud connectivity, and large-scale enterprise networking.

This role will work closely with infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud, and application teams to develop scalable, secure, and highly available network solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop enterprise-scale network architectures and solutions.
• Lead architecture and technical design for LAN, WAN, data center, and cloud networking environments.
• Develop high-level and low-level network design documentation.
• Configure and troubleshoot advanced routing and switching technologies.
• Provide technical leadership for network modernization and transformation initiatives.
• Design highly available and resilient network infrastructure.
• Work with security teams to implement network segmentation, firewalls, VPNs, and access controls.
• Support cloud networking initiatives across platforms such as AWS and Azure.
• Evaluate emerging networking technologies and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Perform network capacity planning, performance analysis, and optimization.
• Lead complex network troubleshooting and root-cause analysis.
• Collaborate with infrastructure, DevOps, cybersecurity, and application engineering teams.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to network engineers.
• Develop architecture standards, best practices, diagrams, and operational documentation.

Required Qualifications

• CCIE certification is required.
• 15+ years of experience in enterprise networking and network architecture.
• Strong expertise in Cisco routing and switching technologies.
• Extensive experience with BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VXLAN, and QoS.
• Strong understanding of LAN/WAN, data center, and campus network architecture.
• Experience with network security technologies, including firewalls, VPNs, ACLs, and network segmentation.
• Experience designing highly available and fault-tolerant network environments.
• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Experience creating network architecture diagrams and technical design documentation.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Cisco Nexus, Catalyst, and Cisco ACI.
• Experience with SD-WAN and SDN technologies.
• Knowledge of cloud networking in AWS and/or Azure.
• Experience with network automation using Python, Ansible, or Terraform.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and observability platforms.
• Experience working in large enterprise or financial/technology environments.
• Additional Cisco certifications are a plus.

Work Arrangement

This is a hybrid position based in San Francisco, CA, with a combination of onsite collaboration and remote work. Candidates should be comfortable working with distributed technical teams and participating in onsite meetings as required.

What You’ll Do

You will serve as a senior technical authority responsible for shaping the organization's network architecture, solving complex infrastructure challenges, and helping establish a secure, scalable, and reliable networking environment.