Network Architect

Vets Hired; McLean (VA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Vets Hired in McLean, VA seeks a Network Architect to lead the design and modernization of enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical NIPR and SIPR environments. You will provide technical leadership for architecture, routing, switching, security, wireless, fiber, cabling, and future technology integration.

The role requires eight plus years of experience, active CCNP and CompTIA Security+ CE, ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance, travel about 25%, and preference for

Qualifications

• 8+ years of network architecture and enterprise network design experience.
• Active CCNP certification.
• Active CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%.
• CCIE or equivalent expert-level certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of modernized enterprise and Base Area Network architectures.
• Establish network architecture standards, design principles, and technical direction.
• Design wired, wireless, fiber optic, structured cabling, and network security infrastructure.
• Develop scalable and resilient network topologies.
• Establish standards for routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, and traffic engineering.
• Design architectures supporting Zero Trust, advanced authentication, and emerging technologies.
• Perform network capacity planning and performance modeling.
• Lead technical design reviews and resolve complex network challenges.
• Develop high-level and detailed network topology diagrams using DoDAF.
• Ensure network designs support monitoring and performance-management tools.
• Coordinate with government technical authorities and support design approvals.
• Maintain non-proprietary, transferable network architecture documentation.

Skills

Network architecture

Enterprise network design

Documentation

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering or related field

Tools

CCNP

CompTIA Security+ CE

CCIE (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

The Network Architect leads the design and modernization of enterprise network infrastructure supporting mission-critical NIPR and SIPR environments. The role provides technical leadership for network architecture, routing, switching, security, wireless, fiber, structured cabling, performance, and future technology integration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of modernized enterprise and Base Area Network architectures.
• Establish network architecture standards, design principles, and technical direction.
• Design wired, wireless, fiber optic, structured cabling, and network security infrastructure.
• Develop scalable and resilient network topologies.
• Establish standards for routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, and traffic engineering.
• Design architectures supporting Zero Trust, advanced authentication, and emerging technologies.
• Perform network capacity planning and performance modeling.
• Lead technical design reviews and resolve complex network challenges.
• Develop high-level and detailed network topology diagrams using DoDAF.
• Ensure network designs support monitoring and performance-management tools.
• Coordinate with government technical authorities and support design approvals.
• Maintain non-proprietary, transferable network architecture documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of network architecture and enterprise network design experience.
• Active CCNP certification.
• Active CompTIA Security+ CE certification.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise network architecture, routing, switching, VLANs, QoS, and network security.
• Experience with wired/wireless networks, fiber optic infrastructure, and structured cabling.
• Strong technical design, problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• DoD Secret clearance or ability to obtain Interim Secret clearance.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25%.
• CCIE or equivalent expert-level certification preferred.