Senior Principal, Network Engineering Architect

Clarity Innovations•Herndon, VA

1d•$133,000 - $390,000

About The Position

Clarity Innovations is hiring a J9HT Network Architect to serve as the program’s technical authority for network architecture. The role designs the program’s enterprise networking infrastructure, including cloud connectivity, software-defined networking (SDN), LAN/WAN, data centers, and network security systems. The architect develops and communicates plans for implementing and managing network infrastructure and helps ensure it remains maintained, scalable, secure, and highly available while supporting long-term business goals. The position works closely with Program Management to ensure technical deliverables meet customer goals and contractual obligations, and collaborates with the Program / Portfolio PMA to align the solution and vision with the broader portfolio. The program is focused on designing, implementing, and maintaining a managed, high-assurance SD-WAN architecture that provides a unified, high-performance network foundation for cyber development platforms. The architect contributes to architectural approaches for complex systems, platforms, and mission solutions; supports integration of technologies and components into cohesive solutions; guides components or subsystems; and helps develop architectural standards, patterns, and practices. The role also collaborates with engineering teams and stakeholders, communicates architectural alignment with technical requirements and program objectives, and may participate in customer-facing technical discussions. A TS/SCI clearance must be obtainable and maintainable.

Requirements

Typically a university degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and at least 7 years of prior relevant experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
At least 7 years of experience in network engineering and infrastructure design.
At least 3 years in a senior or lead network architect capacity within an enterprise environment.
At least 3 years of network engineering experience supporting a federal agency.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.
Deep hands-on experience with SDN controllers and fabric architectures, such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, Open Virtual Network (OVN), or cloud-native SDN.
Strong understanding of overlay networks, including VXLAN, NVGRE, and Geneve, and controller-driven orchestration.
Solid understanding of hybrid cloud architectures, transit gateways, VPC/VNet, and direct connectivity solutions such as AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute.
Demonstrated knowledge of DoD/Federal security standards, including RMF, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and DISA STIG implementation.
Experience with network virtualization and virtual switching in VMware (NSX, vSwitch/vDS) and Microsoft Hyper-V environments.
Advanced proficiency with routing and switching protocols, including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and MPLS.
Hands-on experience with enterprise networking equipment from vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, and Fortinet.
Deep familiarity with DNS, DHCP, IPAM, load balancing (F5, Citrix), and VPN technologies.
Strong analytical problem-solving and project management skills.
Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Advanced knowledge of relevant technologies and system design principles, typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Responsibilities

Design the program’s enterprise networking infrastructure, including cloud connectivity, SDN, LAN/WAN, data centers, and network security systems.
Create and communicate network infrastructure implementation and management plans with the team.
Serve as the technical authority on network design, ensuring infrastructure is scalable, secure, highly available, and aligned with long-term business goals.
Work with Program Management to ensure technical deliverables meet customer goals and contractual obligations.
Collaborate with the Program / Portfolio PMA to align the solution and vision with the broader portfolio vision.
Design, implement, and maintain secure network infrastructures and a managed, high-assurance SD-WAN architecture.
Contribute to architectural approaches for complex systems, platforms, or mission solutions within a program or technical domain.
Support integration of technologies, capabilities, and components into cohesive solutions.
Collaborate with engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure architectural alignment with technical requirements and program objectives.
Provide architectural guidance on components or subsystems and support development of architectural standards, patterns, or practices.
Communicate with internal stakeholders and participate in customer-facing technical discussions related to system design and integration.