Network Fiber Architect
About The Position
These positions are only open to Internal King County employees. Only current King County employees will be considered. We are seeking a skilled Network Fiber Architect specializing in network related fiber infrastructure to join our dynamic Network Services Department team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and governing enterprise network and fiber optic infrastructure and strategies—including inside plant (ISP), outside plant (OSP), dark fiber assets, partner provided fiber resources, and critical facility connectivity. You will collaborate closely with stakeholders to integrate diverse IT systems, support long range fiber planning, manage infrastructure construction projects, and ensure seamless communication across all platforms while representing King County’s infrastructure interests. About King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT) King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners. Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region’s most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County’s mission. Learn more about KCIT at: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx. This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
- Proven experience (10 years) as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, Fiber Infrastructure Architect, or similar role with a strong focus on network and fiber design, ISP/OSP systems, and dark fiber planning.
- In depth knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, transport systems, fiber optic design principles, and physical layer technologies.
- Hands on experience with network and fiber diagnostic tools (e.g., OTDR, light meters, GIS fiber management platforms, Wireshark, SolarWinds).
- Strong understanding of critical facilities design, cloud computing/virtualization, and how they interconnect with physical fiber transport.
- Experience with utilities, permitting, right of way processes, and construction project coordination.
- Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members, stakeholders, and external providers.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License
Nice To Haves
- CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, ITIL or similar certifications (Preferred)
- Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCDP, BICSI, Fiber Optic Technician Certifications, CISSP) are a plus.
- Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field or experience.
- Experience with SD WAN, SDN, network automation tools, and fiber route modeling platforms.
- Familiarity with DevOps practices and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
- Experience designing and implementing fiber and network solutions in large-scale enterprise or municipal environments.
- Project management experience leading infrastructure construction or fiber deployment projects from conception to completion.
Responsibilities
- Design and deploy scalable, secure, and resilient network architectures that support business objectives across King County’s enterprise environment.
- Architect and govern the county’s fiber optic systems (ISP/OSP), including route planning, entry points, handoff standards, and critical facility connectivity.
- Evaluate existing network and fiber systems and propose improvements in design, efficiency, capacity, resiliency, and security.
- Define long-term fiber infrastructure roadmaps, including strategic use of dark fiber, conduit assets, and future-proofing models.
- Integrate diverse systems and network infrastructure components into cohesive architectures that align with enterprise strategy.
- Collaborate with IT strategic partners, agency technology owners, network engineers, civil engineering partners, facility management and infrastructure teams to ensure compatibility, operational alignment, and optimal system performance.
- Oversee technology convergence within critical facilities, ensuring fiber, transport, and systems integration support operational continuity.
- Implement and maintain security measures across network and physical fiber infrastructures, including fault tolerance, business continuity, monitoring, and secure transport standards.
- Conduct regular security audits, ensure physical fiber route security, and promptly address vulnerabilities or fiber asset risks.
- Ensure partner-provided dark fiber or conduit systems meet county technical and security requirements.
- Monitor network infrastructure capacity, performance, fiber plant health, route availability, and system diagnostics.
- Conduct OTDR analysis, validate partner-provided fiber quality, and troubleshoot infrastructure issues.
- Optimize network and fiber configurations to improve transport speed, reliability, capacity, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain GIS integrity, as-built documentation, fiber resource inventory accuracy and lifecycle program management.
- Document network architecture, fiber routes, right of way plans, construction design packages, and configuration standards.
- Prepare reports and provide insights to leadership regarding fiber infrastructure performance, strategic expansion opportunities, and partner compliance.
- Establish architectural reference materials, policies, guidelines, and procedures governing fiber and network infrastructure.
- Communicate effectively with stakeholders—including utilities, municipalities, external fiber providers, and internal business units—to understand requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
- Manage relationships with dark fiber partners, utilities, and service providers, ensuring contract compliance, service quality, and joint project alignment.
- Provide technical leadership and guidance to internal teams, construction partners, and cross functional groups.
Benefits
- Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
