Network Architect

Akaasa Technologies; Maryland; Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Akaasa Technologies seeks an experienced Network Architect for a backfill role in Glen Burnie. The position emphasizes WAN design, optical networking, and service provider routing.

You will translate complex business needs into scalable, secure network solutions and guide modernization across client environments. You will oversee implementations, mentor teams, and develop robust standards while traveling to client sites for assessments and troubleshooting as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience designing LAN/WAN/WLAN networks for complex environments.
• Knowledge of optical networking DWDM/OTN and service provider routing.
• Strong understanding of MPLS, Segment Routing, and multi-peered BGP.
• Familiarity with OT environments, cyber, cloud migration, and network modernization.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and architecture of LAN/WAN/WLAN environments, focusing on WAN technologies.
• Oversee deployments and provide implementation oversight across multiple sites.
• Mentor junior engineers and lead cross-functional teams during large projects.
• Create and maintain network diagrams and technical documentation.
• Provide IV&V of installations to ensure quality and standards compliance.
• Travel to client sites for assessments and troubleshooting.

Skills

Network design

WAN/LAN/WLAN

DWDM

OTN

MPLS

Segment Routing

BGP

IS-IS

OSPF

MP-BGP

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

Aruba

Ciena

Job description

Network Architect (Backfill Position)
Glen Burnie, MD - 100% Remote

Seeking an experienced Network Architect to lead the design, evaluation, modernization, implementation oversight, and optimization of complex network environments. The role focuses primarily on WAN technologies, service provider routing, advanced network architectures, and next-generation networking solutions.

The ideal candidate will be capable of translating business and technical requirements into scalable, secure, high-performance network solutions while advising clients, overseeing implementations, resolving complex network issues, establishing operational standards, and mentoring technical teams.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network Design and Architecture

• Lead the design and architecture of complex LAN, WAN, and WLAN environments.
• Focus on WAN technologies and related network architecture solutions.
• Design and evaluate optical networking solutions involving DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and OTN (Optical Transport Network).
• Work with MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) and Segment Routing technologies.
• Possess knowledge of advanced networking technologies and protocols, including:
  • L3VPN
  • NG-MVPN
  • EVPN
  • PWE3
  • IS-IS
  • OSPF
  • MP-BGP
• Design and evaluate ISP routing architectures involving multi-peered BGP, including both transit and targeted service network integrations.
• Work with Metro Ethernet technologies and architectures.
• Apply network architecture expertise within OT (Operational Technology) environments.
• Create scalable, secure, and high-performance network solutions tailored to client needs.
• Evaluate potential network solutions and determine the best options from operational and provisioning perspectives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and integrate appropriate solutions into client environments.
• Understand emerging technologies and leverage or adapt industry trends to meet client requirements.

2. Client Engagement and Consulting

• Act as a trusted advisor to clients, translating business needs into appropriate technical solutions.
• Lead client meetings, presentations, and technical workshops.
• Provide strategic guidance on network modernization, cloud migration, and cybersecurity.
• Assist clients in defining migration paths from existing or legacy infrastructure to proposed next-generation solutions.
• Evaluate existing infrastructure and develop strategies to optimize current network environments.

3. Implementation and Technical Oversight

• Oversee network deployments and upgrades, often across multiple sites.
• Develop implementation plans and execution documentation.
• Provide independent verification and validation (IV&V) of installation efforts to ensure quality and adherence to established standards.
• Oversee the proper configuration and deployment of routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless systems, potentially involving Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, and Ciena technologies.
• Develop configuration standards and tooling that enable technical staff to execute implementations efficiently and consistently.
• Develop processes for conducting site surveys and planning future network installations.

4. Troubleshooting and Network Optimization

• Serve as the escalation point for complex network issues.
• Perform root cause analysis and recommend long-term corrective solutions.
• Monitor network performance and proactively tune systems to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Develop troubleshooting guidelines and knowledge base articles to support operational staff.

5. Documentation, Standards, and Operational Processes

• Create and maintain detailed network diagrams and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards and internal policies.
• Participate in change control processes and technical risk assessments.
• Develop processes and procedures for provisioning staff to install, provision, modify, and decommission network services.

6. Travel and Field Work

• Travel to client sites for infrastructure assessments, implementations, and troubleshooting activities.
• Work with public sector clients on requirements gathering and technical workshops.

7. Leadership and Mentorship

• Mentor junior engineers and network architects.
• Lead cross-functional teams during large-scale network deployments and implementation initiatives.

Technical Environment

The role may involve the following technologies and areas of expertise:

• Network Architectures: LAN, WAN, WLAN
• Optical Networking: DWDM, OTN
• Service Provider Networking: MPLS, Segment Routing, Metro Ethernet
• Routing and VPN Technologies: L3VPN, NG-MVPN, EVPN, PWE3, IS-IS, OSPF, MP-BGP, BGP peering, transit and targeted service network integrations
• Networking Vendors: Cisco, Juniper, Aruba, Ciena
• Additional Areas: OT environments, network modernization, cloud migration, cybersecurity, network provisioning, implementation oversight, troubleshooting, and performance optimization