Senior Network Architect

AVFUEL CORPORATION•Ann Arbor, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Avfuel is seeking a Senior Network Architect to own and modernize our enterprise network environment while providing technical leadership across infrastructure initiatives. This role is responsible for defining network architecture, driving infrastructure strategy, and leading execution across our headquarters and approximately 30 remote locations nationwide. This is a highly impactful, hands-on leadership role. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong initiative and ownership. This person will assess our current environment, establish standards, and lead the design and delivery of a modern, scalable, and secure network infrastructure. This role may have formal direct reports, and serves as the technical leader for network engineering, setting direction, guiding resources (including contractors), and ensuring successful execution of key initiatives. This position has clear growth potential into broader Infrastructure & Operations leadership.

Requirements

8+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture roles
Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise network infrastructure
Strong hands-on expertise with Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiManager, etc.)
Experience with Cisco switching technologies
Deep understanding of: Routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, etc.)
Deep understanding of: Firewall architecture and network security principles
Deep understanding of: WAN technologies, VPNs, and multi-site connectivity
Experience with network monitoring and management tools
Understanding of enterprise architecture and systems integration
Strong experience with ISP management, vendor management, and change management
Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives with minimal oversight

Nice To Haves

Experience in aviation, fuel distribution, logistics, or similar industries
Experience operating in regulated or compliance-driven environments
Experience leading cross-functional, matrixed transformation initiatives
Financial management experience overseeing significant capital programs
Experience with: Windows Server administration
Experience with: Linux systems administration
Experience with: Active Directory and identity infrastructure
Experience with: Storage and backup technologies
Experience in multi-site or distributed enterprise environments
Exposure to cloud networking (Azure, AWS, or hybrid environments)
Familiarity with modern ERP/CRM platforms (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)
MBA or advanced technical/business degree

Responsibilities

Assess current network infrastructure, identify gaps, and define a forward-looking architecture and roadmap
Lead standardization efforts, with a focus on Fortinet technologies across all locations
Own product selection, lifecycle management, and technology standards for network infrastructure
Design scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions to support business growth
Lead the execution of network refresh and modernization initiatives across HQ and remote sites
Define project scope, technical designs, and implementation plans
Serve as the technical lead on all network-related projects
Provide direction, mentorship, and technical oversight to engineers and contractors
Ensure projects are delivered on time, with high quality and strong operational outcomes
May directly manage network architects and engineers, including performance, development, and coaching
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
Identify and develop team capabilities, including mentoring junior engineers
Own day-to-day network performance, availability, and reliability
Establish and enforce best practices for monitoring, alerting, and incident response
Lead change management processes related to network infrastructure
Ensure proper documentation, configuration management, and operational standards
Manage relationships with ISPs, hardware vendors, and service providers
Oversee circuit provisioning, performance, and cost optimization
Evaluate and negotiate solutions that align with business and technical objectives
Partner with security leadership to ensure network security best practices are implemented
Support firewall strategy, segmentation, and secure connectivity across all sites
Align network architecture with compliance and risk management requirements