Network Architect

Desert Financial Credit Union • Phoenix, AZ

32d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Network Architect provides consulting, design, and support services for SwitchThink Solutions clients. The role works with clients and colleagues to design network solutions based on user and client needs, cost, and integration with existing infrastructure. It is responsible for network design and support across multiple data centers, developing architectural standards and operational run books to transition day-to-day responsibilities to the network operations team, and planning changes that improve functionality and efficiency, support refresh cycles, or reduce operational costs. The position also tracks industry trends and emerging network technologies.

The Network Architect leads design discussions for the enterprise local and wide area network, defines requirements, and creates feasible designs that integrate with existing or potential systems and configurations. The role provides architectural recommendations covering design, standards, implementation, operations, and maintenance, documenting costs, advantages, disadvantages, and proof-of-concept results. It researches new technologies, develops an enterprise network roadmap, plans installations and implementations, identifies resources, creates support documentation, and trains and mentors team members. The position also serves as an escalation point for network infrastructure troubleshooting and performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required.
• At least 10 years of experience with routing protocols such as BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF; network protocols such as TCP/IP, MPLS, iSCSI, and Fiber Channel; QoS; network management; routers; switches; security/firewalls; load balancers; and NX-OS.
• Demonstrated expertise in industry-standard design principles and best practices.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise using Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and Visio.

Nice To Haves

• At least 3 years of experience in an architect-related role, storage, server/platform, or backups.
• At least 1 year of experience in the financial services industry.
• Cisco Certified Network Professional certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical discussions and design work for enterprise local and wide area network infrastructure.
• Define requirements and create network designs that are feasible, functional, and integrated with existing and potential systems and configurations.
• Recommend architectural direction for design, standards, implementation, operations, and maintenance, documenting costs, advantages, disadvantages, and proof-of-concept results.
• Research and track new technologies and develop an enterprise network infrastructure roadmap.
• Plan enhancements, end-of-life infrastructure replacements, operational efficiency improvements, and cost reductions.
• Plan network infrastructure installations and implementations, including implementation plans, resource requirements, and support documentation.
• Train and mentor team members on implementation and operational support skills.
• Serve as an escalation point for network infrastructure troubleshooting.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Training, certifications, continuous learning, and clearly defined career pathways.
• Professional growth and long-term career development opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior