Job description 

The IT Network Architect will provide technical leadership in the delivery of solutions that meet customer requirements in an RFP (Request for Proposals) process. The Network Architect will be a thought leader in the planning, design and implementation of customer systems as well as the development of new product platforms.

The IT Network Architect is responsible for analyzing business and technical requirements and for delivery of infrastructure solutions by leveraging technology guidelines. Candidate will be a networking expert addressing the challenges of systems integration, while leading technical triage of our most complex networking issues. The candidate will have a full understanding of industry best-practices and may serve in a variety of roles that include customer and third-party vendor interaction to resolve a wide range of issues in imaginative as well as practical ways. An expert in network engineering with overall understanding of our product solutions is required. Candidate should have a mastery of a wide range of network architectures to support 24/7 transactional systems. Must be able to provide technical write-ups and drawings to promote the proposed solutions to include providing quotes from third party suppliers to support the proposed hardware, software, and cloud solutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of leadership and influence as this individual will work across the organization with multiple and varied technical teams to define, design, and drive the development and delivery of complex technical strategy and solutions. This position typically works under general supervision and direction. Incumbents of this position will regularly exercise discretionary and substantial decision-making authority.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• An expert level understanding of network infrastructure design and best practice principles including routing and switching concepts and technologies, advanced IP addressing, dynamic routing protocols. MPLS, Secure and resilient routing solutions, Unified communications, Load balancing and traffic management, Quality of Service (QOS), Wireless and Mobile communications.
• Highly advanced troubleshooting and problem diagnosis skills developed from proven experience
• Subject Matter Expert responsible for mentoring our global staff including skills evaluation, change implementation reviews and partnership with our global network manager
• An in-depth understanding of end-to-end secure network concepts, technologies and
• protocols including Access control, Next generation, Web application and Stateful firewalls technologies, Intrusion prevention, Encryption (IPSEC, SSL, PKI), Security event information management systems, Proxy services.
• Responsible for designing solutions, aligned with customer requirements for projects initiated by supported lines of business in coordination with other technical departments
• Works with a wide range of engineering resources as needed, ensuring that end-to-end network design is completed
• Prepares design specifications, analyses and recommendations based on customer requirements. Including networking, cloud, on-premise solutions. 
• Researches system designs and enhancement solutions.
• Partners with project team to complete technical design documents
• Partners with PM to document implementation tasks for the project
• Responsible for ensuring that the designed solution addresses all business and systems (functional/non-functional) requirements
• Maintains liaison with customer, subcontractor and vendor representatives.
• Evaluates vendor capabilities to provide required products or services.
• Conducts in-house design reviews and technical meetings.
• Makes presentations before management and customers.
• Assumes additional technical and non-technical responsibilities as needed include proof-of-concepts and implementing solution designs.
• Hybrid position on-site at San Diego headquarters or Tullahoma, TN as needed.
• Travel domestic and international up to 25% as needed.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Electronic Engineering or other related technical discipline, and/or the combined equivalent of education and experience.
• Ten years' experience, including network design/development/implementation, providing technical direction and leadership to team members.
• Competent use of Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Project, Visio, PowerPoint..
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills Able to positively interact with customers, subcontractors and vendors. 
• Must be able to solve complex and difficult system problems.
• Some travel may be required.
• Able to work flexible hours as required.
• Ability to manage simultaneous projects in multiple locations across the United States and internationally.
• Self-driven and resourceful to achieve goals independently as well as work well in groups.
• Experience developing Networking Solutions as a lead engineer, architect or manager.  
• Cloud-based networking experience in public and private cloud environments (preferred Azure).
• Experience network engineering and administration to include L2, L3, and L7 switches, preferably Cisco. 7+ years’ managing vendor relationships and working with professional engagements.