Principal Network Solutions Architect

ZipStaff • Washington, DC

8h • Onsite

About The Position

ZipStaff is seeking a Principal Network Solutions Architect to lead the strategic vision and tactical execution of complex enterprise network infrastructure for a major transportation organization. The position bridges business strategy and technical execution by defining future-state network architecture, building consensus across business units, and guiding projects from initial kickoff through full deployment. The architect will collaborate with Network Infrastructure Services to design, validate, and deliver sustainable, high-performing network environments. The role is an on-site W2 contract in Washington, DC; C2C and 1099 arrangements are not accepted.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent work experience or specialized training.
• At least 10 years of IT experience, including 10 or more years of hands-on network operations, architecture, and engineering experience.
• High-level, hands-on expertise in enterprise routing and switching architectures, including BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF.
• Demonstrated experience delivering network solutions involving switches, wireless access points, and cellular technologies for multi-million-dollar, large-scale heterogeneous IT programs.
• Functional knowledge of Enterprise Architecture frameworks, Service-Oriented Architecture, and architectural modeling principles.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, including experience presenting technical vision to internal engineering teams and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience in the transportation sector or supporting mission-critical enterprise environments.
• Experience leading large-scale network architecture initiatives from strategy through full deployment.
• Experience producing multi-stage design documentation, including heatmaps, Statements of Work, and Bills of Materials, for CapEx and construction projects.
• Ability to balance long-term enterprise architecture standards with tactical delivery needs.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development and adoption of future-state enterprise network architecture and align technology capabilities with business strategies.
• Drive network solutioning through strategy development, requirements gathering, engineering design, implementation, and execution.
• Serve as a technical advisor across business areas and present design proposals to Network Infrastructure Services teams to gain cross-functional buy-in and approval.
• Produce technical documentation, including 15%, 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design review feedback for construction projects, network topologies, site Wi-Fi/cellular heatmaps, Statements of Work, and Bills of Materials for CapEx projects.
• Architect high-performing, reusable, secure network infrastructure using routing, switching, wireless, and cellular technologies.
• Balance long-term architectural standards with short-term tactical solutions to maintain system reliability and business agility.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Referral program

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Principal