Director, Network Architecture & Cloud Solutions

Aureon•West Des Moines, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides executive vision and a long-term roadmap for network architecture, cloud integration, and managed services strategy. The Director will lead the design and evolution of modern IP/MPLS and optical transport networks, hybrid/multi-cloud architectures, and software-defined infrastructure. Key responsibilities include championing cloud-native transformation, driving modernization through automation and AI-assisted operations, and developing standardized reference architectures. The role also involves directing cloud engineering and operations, architecting customer-specific solutions, and optimizing network and cloud infrastructure performance, reliability, and cost-efficiency. Additionally, the Director will lead and mentor engineering teams, manage budgets, and cultivate strategic vendor relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related field (Master’s or MBA strongly preferred).
10+ years of progressive experience in network architecture, cloud infrastructure, and managed services, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
Strong hands-on expertise in modern cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), network architecture (IP/MPLS, BGP, SD-WAN, SASE), and automation/DevOps practices.
Proven success as a Cloud Architect or Solutions Architect designing and delivering complex enterprise solutions.
Demonstrated financial acumen and experience managing large technology budgets.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to influence senior leaders and customers.
Strong strategic thinker who can translate business needs into technical architectures.
Proven ability to lead through ambiguity, drive change, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
High emotional intelligence, integrity, and ability to build trust across teams.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and attention to detail.
Demonstrated knowledge of personal computer applications Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office, including Microsoft Outlook.
Experience and proficiency with CAD programs, Visio, PowerPoint, and mapping software.

Nice To Haves

Cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect Professional, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Google Cloud Professional Architect, etc.).
Advanced networking/security credentials (CCIE, CISSP, MEF, etc.).
Experience with infrastructure-as-code (Terraform, Ansible), observability (Prometheus, ELK, Grafana), and modern monitoring/AIOps tools.
Background in telecommunications or managed service provider environments.

Responsibilities

Provide executive vision and long-term roadmap for network architecture, cloud integration, and managed services strategy.
Lead the design and evolution of modern IP/MPLS and optical transport networks, hybrid/multi-cloud architectures, and software-defined infrastructure.
Champion cloud-native transformation, including infrastructure-as-code, containerization, orchestration (Kubernetes), and cloud connectivity solutions.
Drive modernization through automation, software-defined infrastructure, AI-assisted operations, and zero-trust security principles.
Develop standardized reference architectures and service design frameworks to improve scalability, operational consistency, and customer experience.
Direct cloud engineering and operations across major platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), focusing on provisioning, cost optimization, observability, disaster recovery, and FinOps practices.
Provide architectural leadership and design for our service delivery team.
Architect and deliver customer-specific solutions that combine network, cloud, and security components to meet enterprise requirements.
Partner with sales, product, and delivery teams to develop differentiated managed services, respond to RFPs, and ensure exceptional client outcomes.
Optimize performance, scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency of core network and cloud infrastructure.
Lead proactive monitoring, incident response, and continuous improvement using modern observability platforms.
Ensure robust security posture and compliance with industry and regulatory requirements.
Oversee design, deployment, and automation of network and cloud infrastructure using DevOps and GitOps methodologies.
Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing engineering teams focused on architecture, cloud, automation, and operations.
Manage CAPEX and OPEX budgets with strong financial discipline and ROI focus.
Cultivate strategic vendor and partner relationships (cloud hyperscalers, networking vendors, security providers).
Collaborate across the organization to align technology strategy with business growth objectives.