Sr. Network Architect

L R S•Springfield, MO

About The Position

LRS Consulting Services is seeking a hands-on Senior Network Architect for a contract opportunity with a client in Central Illinois. The architect will provide technical leadership for the design, strategy, and evolution of a large-scale enterprise network environment. The role focuses on Cisco enterprise networking, data center technologies, wireless networking, and network security, delivering highly available, secure, and scalable solutions for critical business operations. The position involves creating and implementing enterprise network solutions, maintaining and improving network infrastructure, resolving high-severity incidents, and guiding technical teams and stakeholders. The architect will also establish standards and procedures, document network architecture, assess emerging technologies, and help ensure reliable enterprise-wide connectivity and continuous network availability. The base rate is $45–$75 per hour, depending on experience, work location, and other job-related factors. Permanent authorization to work in the USA for any employer is required.

Requirements

Minimum 10 years of experience designing, implementing, and supporting enterprise network architectures in complex enterprise environments.
Advanced networking certification equivalent to CCIE-level certification.
Expert-level experience with enterprise routing and switching technologies.
Deep expertise in Cisco network infrastructure, including enterprise LAN, WAN, and data center environments.
Advanced knowledge of data center switching, network architecture, and high-availability solutions.
Extensive experience with wireless network architecture and operations.
Strong background in firewall technologies, network security, and secure network design.
Comprehensive understanding of enterprise networking, including integration across infrastructure, security, cloud, and application environments.
Experience assessing, designing, implementing, and documenting enterprise network solutions.
Experience developing enterprise and data center network architectures, including project planning, implementation, technical documentation, training, technical support, and troubleshooting.
Experience mentoring technical teams and leading infrastructure initiatives across multiple projects.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal.
Permanent authorization to work in the USA for any employer.
Strong project planning, organizational, and change management skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to resolve highly complex technical issues.
Strong customer service, relationship management, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to influence technical direction and build consensus across stakeholder groups.
Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Leadership, mentorship, and collaboration experience within enterprise technology organizations.
Sound decision-making skills and commitment to reliable, secure, and scalable technology solutions.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related field is preferred; equivalent education and experience may be considered.
Proven ability to evaluate emerging technologies and recommend strategic solutions that optimize performance, scalability, security, and total cost of ownership.

Responsibilities

Monitor the performance, availability, and maintainability of Cisco network infrastructure, hardware, and related software systems.
Design, develop, and implement enterprise-level network solutions that support business and technical objectives.
Perform advanced troubleshooting and resolve Severity 1 and Severity 2 network incidents.
Lead integration of network infrastructure components and technologies to support enterprise-wide connectivity and data flow.
Collaborate with application teams, infrastructure teams, vendors, and project stakeholders to deliver projects successfully.
Establish and maintain network architecture standards, best practices, and operational procedures.
Evaluate existing network infrastructure and recommend solutions to improve performance, resiliency, security, and operational efficiency.
Analyze network performance, availability, and maintainability, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Develop and maintain network architecture diagrams, documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
Review emerging technologies, upgrades, and infrastructure enhancements to support strategic planning.
Work with business and technical teams to identify opportunities to improve functionality and user experience.
Develop strategies to minimize downtime and ensure continuous enterprise network availability.
Maintain and optimize network infrastructure in alignment with business and operational requirements.
Mentor technical teams and lead infrastructure initiatives across multiple projects.