IT Network Architect

CU Ninjas; Apple Valley (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CU Ninjas is seeking an IT Network Architect to lead design and strategy for network technologies, ensuring uptime, security, and scalable infrastructure aligned with growth. You will drive governance, mentor staff, and partner with vendors to optimize cost and performance.

The role requires a strong background in enterprise networking, security compliance, and strategic planning across IT domains, with a focus on delivering resilient, future-ready networks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field preferred.
• 10+ years in complex networking environments.
• 5+ years in managing projects and initiatives.
• 3+ years leading change.
• 2+ years integrating emerging technology.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for IT network infrastructure and processes.
• Design solutions aligned to architectural standards and security.
• Develop 3–5 year roadmaps for architectural needs.
• Lead cross‑functional technology efforts across the enterprise.
• Mentor staff and serve as a technical resource on network infra.
• Perform cost analyses and engage vendors for savings.

Skills

Strategic planning

Cisco networking

VMware networking

Technical leadership

Security & compliance

Vendor cost analysis

Executive communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related

Tools

Cisco

VMware

Microsoft Project

Visio

Microsoft 365 tools

Job description

The IT Network Architect assists the Manager of Network Engineering and the IT Infrastructure department in leading the design, architecture and strategic direction of network technologies along with maintaining a strategic plan, roadmap, and goals that result in quality systems and services that meet the needs of the member base now and well into the future. The IT Network Architect supports the development of secure, scalable, and resilient network environments aligned with corporate growth initiatives. This includes ensuring maximum uptime, effective monitoring, automated resiliency, strong security, and optimal performance. The role also drives innovation through research and development of emerging technologies and ensures appropriate governance processes are in place for solution handoff to business units.

Essential Functions

• Strategic direction of IT Network infrastructure and process:
  • Design network solutions to meet business needs aligned to architectural standards.
  • Leverage best of breed Cisco and VMWare network technology practices.
  • 3-5 year planning/roadmap for architectural needs based on corporate strategic plan.
  • Focus on reducing complexity and streamlining support.
  • Ensure security and operational integrity is sustainable.
  • Define architectural network standards in line with security standards.
  • Serves as a key technical resource and expert of the network infrastructure.
• Lead technology efforts across all business areas and client groups, including key data and infrastructure components across the enterprise.
• Communicate risks, issues, challenges and status/progress of various projects.
• Serve as integration architecture subject matter expert to business areas,project teams and vendors.
• Serve as a highest tier escalation point for major incidents and responses.
• Actively participate as member of an on-call team to support all Wings network infrastructure.
• Provideinfrastructure architecture consulting expertise, direction, and assistance to technical staff.
• Cost Analysis/Vendor Management:
  • Evaluate solutions that will drive down cost of IT Operations.
  • Engage vendors for cost saving solutions. Track and report on cost and impact for key projects.
• IT Leadership collaboration across the organization, focusing on streamlining dependencies and processes across all IT functions and drive improvement opportunities within dependent areas.
• Bank Secrecy Act: Remains cognizant of and adheres to Wings policies and procedures, and regulations pertaining to the Bank Secrecy Act.

• Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
• 10+ years' overall experience in working in complex networking environments.
• 5+ years' demonstrated experience in managing, projects and initiatives.
• 3+ years' demonstrated experience in leading change.
• 2+ years' demonstrated experience successfully integrating emerging technology.

Technical or Specialized Knowledge/Skills

• Strong understanding of IT systems/data security as it relates to financial institutions or other industries that must comply with federal regulations.
• Ability to apply seasoned expertise in multiple technologies to address interoperability issues.
• Must demonstrate a good understanding of new technologies and their applicability relative to assigned domain(s).
• Must demonstrate a strong understanding of the current and future technology architecture, including the inter-operability of technologies.
• Strong technical understanding and breadth of knowledge in networks, storage, systems, and security.
• Strong aptitude for work processing and results tracking.
• Ability to communicate with executives in a clear and understanding way.
• Ability to create a plan and execute a vision with minimal oversight.
• Ability to provide mentoring, guidance, and training to other IT colleagues in their areas of expertise.
• Understands business trends, strategies and the direction; technology must take to support the business.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, and Visio.

Certifications Required

• Technical certifications, project/process certifications preferred