Network Architect

Entergy•The Woodlands, TX

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructures across the organization. This role is critical in ensuring the performance, security, and scalability of the enterprise data network environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.
Sr IT Consultant: 8+ years relevant networking experience. 5+ years’ solution design experience.
Demonstrated knowledge / experience in Network Technologies including but not limited to networking protocols, TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS, network management tools, use of packet capture and other troubleshooting tools.
Understanding of routing and switching technologies, as well as network security technologies (firewalls, IDS, IPS devices).
Proficient in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, IS-IS) and other networking features -NAT, Access-Lists, route re-distribution, IP Multicast, VLANs, spanning tree, spine-leaf architecture.
Priority given to previous networking experience maintaining NERC CIP.
Strong understand of IP addressing design.
Strong verbal and written communications skills.
Ability to document business requirements and develop technical solutions to meet the requirements.
Experience in financial management of project deliverables.
Experience as the technical lead for major implementation and/or network projects.
Knowledge and experience with cloud networking and automation/scripting tools are a plus.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree is a plus.
Additional Technical certifications and/or professional licenses are a plus.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience of Distribution Automation Assets, including but not limited to DNP protocols, PI Vision, SCADA and Engineering Design and Specifications.
Advanced technologies, MPLS, VRF, BGP, Software Defined Networking, Cloud Networking
Strong Analytical and Data Analysis Skills.
Preferred: Senior IT Consultant – Network Professional/Expert level– i.e. CCNP/CCIE, JNCIP/JNCIE, etc.
Cloud certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

Own the end-to-end lifecycle of network infrastructure, including design, deployment, performance turning, proactive maintenance, firmware upgrades, and lifecycle management to ensure reliable and secure connectivity across the organization.
Provide expert analysis of proposed infrastructure changes regarding need, immediate impact, future capability, required supportive skills, and the respective cost for each, including opportunity cost.
Develop strategic and tactical plans for network expansion including cloud and software define, advanced routing, switching, load balancer, Mesh Networking and wireless technologies in Data Center environments, corporate environments, Operational Technology environments and Wide Area Networking solutions.
Serve as a Technical Mentor and SME for junior engineers and assist with skill development and project coordination.
Support leadership in identifying opportunities for emerging technologies, through collaboration, to enable business strategies.
Provide an advisory role with the client on the impact of new technologies on their existing technical and network environment.
Capture business capability requirements, functional requirements, and expected service levels from business unit to create an actionable IT-Networking roadmap (a long-range plan for the business that identifies specific IT investments in infrastructure to support business objectives).
Maintain strong understanding of networking technology needs and solutions for the business unit.
Regularly visit business units to assess satisfaction and identify follow-up opportunities.
Consider alternate delivery models for meeting business needs.
Participate in the installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, and optimization of all network hardware, software, and communication links.
Perform analysis at physical, data plane, control plane, and higher order protocol layers in troubleshooting support.
Create and maintain implementation plans, and documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records.
Oversee and implement new and existing technologies, equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.
Conduct research on network products, services, protocols, and standards to remain abreast of developments in the networking industry.
Lead resolution of complex technical problems through coordination of efforts with Entergy IT personnel, customers, and vendors
Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network administration, usage, and disaster recovery.
Interact and coordinate with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
Respond as the Data Network representative in an ‘on-call’ 24x7 rotation to resolve emergent issues in both Corporate, OT and Automated Metering / Distribution Automation network environments.
Work with Business and Project Management teams to review strategies and requirements.
Ensure business and functional requirements are maintained throughout the development/configuration process.
Review and analyze results to validate the functions of the delivered solution.