Network Architect

San Francisco 49ers; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

The San Francisco 49ers are seeking a Network Architect to lead the strategic design and long-term evolution of our corporate, stadium, and data center networks. You will translate business and event requirements into scalable, secure designs and guide the engineering team through implementation.

You will define standards, architect next-gen security, support high-density wireless, ensure uptime, and mentor staff while collaborating with vendors and event IT teams.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of relevant work experience, including 3+ years in a network design/architecture role.
• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing converged networks (LAN/WAN, wireless, security).
• Expert knowledge of L2 protocols: STP, DHCP, 802.1X, LACP, MLAG, VLANs.
• Cisco networking expertise including high-density Wi‑Fi design; BGP, OSPF, IPSec.

Responsibilities

• Designs and maintains the enterprise network architecture for campus, stadium, and data center environments.
• Defines network standards, reference architectures, and design patterns for consistency and security.
• Architects next-gen firewall, segmentation, and zero-trust strategies.
• Designs high-density wired and wireless solutions to support large-scale events and fan connectivity.
• Develops high availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery designs.
• Documents designs and presents changes to management and executives for approval.
• Leads technology evaluation, PoC testing, and selection of new network products and vendors.
• Provides technical leadership and escalation support during outages and incidents.
• Supports audit remediation and ensures designs meet security/compliance requirements.
• Collaborates with vendors to define SLAs and roadmaps; budgets and lifecycle planning.
• Mentors network engineers and promotes automation and best practices.

Skills

Network architecture

Zero-trust security

Stakeholder communication

Strategic planning

Mentorship

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Cisco CCNP/CCIE

Tools

Cisco IOS

Wi‑Fi design

Firewalls

Nexus/ASA appliances

Job description

At the San Francisco 49ers, our mission is simple but powerful: to create meaningful moments that inspire and connect. Whether it's on the field, in the community, or behind the scenes, we're united by the belief that the work we do has the power to bring people together and leave a lasting impact.

Success here takes more than passion; it's about bringing your best to every challenge. We thrive by balancing priorities with precision, making thoughtful decisions in fast-paced environments, and always looking ahead to what's next. Our team is built on core competencies that shape how we work: adaptability, integrity, collaboration, strong communication, and a relentless focus on continuous improvement. Together, these qualities fuel our ability to deliver world-class experiences for our fans, partners, and community.

If you're excited about being part of a supportive team where you can develop your skills, share your ideas, and help make a difference, we'd love to have you join us.

Position Summary:

The Network Architect is responsible for the strategic design, standards, and long-term evolution of the corporate and stadium network infrastructure, including wired, wireless, data center, and perimeter security environments. The Network Architect translates business and event requirements into scalable, secure, and resilient network designs, guides the engineering team through implementation, and evaluates emerging technologies to continually improve performance, stability, and security.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Designs and maintains the enterprise network architecture for the corporate campus, stadium, and data center environments, including LAN, WAN, wireless, and perimeter security.
• Defines network standards, reference architectures, and design patterns to ensure consistency, scalability, and security across all sites.
• Architects next-gen firewall, segmentation, and zero-trust strategies to protect the perimeter and internal network.
• Designs high-density wired and wireless solutions to support large-scale stadium events and fan-facing connectivity.
• Develops high availability, redundancy, and disaster recovery designs to minimize downtime and impact on staff and events.
• Creates and maintains physical and logical network design documentation, and presents proposed designs and changes to management and executive stakeholders for approval.
• Leads technical evaluation, proof-of-concept testing, and selection of new network technologies, products, and vendors.
• Provides technical leadership and escalation support to network engineers during complex outages and major incidents, and leads root cause analysis.
• Supports audit remediation efforts and ensures network designs align with security, compliance, and regulatory requirements.
• Works closely with vendors and partners to define SLAs, manage roadmaps, and deliver on design commitments.
• Develops capacity planning, lifecycle management, and budget recommendations for network infrastructure.
• Partners with event IT teams, security, and application owners to ensure network designs meet event and business requirements.
• Mentors network engineers and promotes automation and operational best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Abilities and Skills:

• Highly motivated and dedicated, capable of working with little instruction to resolve demanding tasks, as well as working with internal cross-functional teams.
• Strong customer service skills with emphasis on providing solutions in a clear, professional manner.
• Ability to create a relationship of trust and loyalty by delivering accessible, efficient, and reliable services and products for internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to translate business requirements into sound technical designs.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback, mentorship, and guidance helping others develop their skills and abilities.
• Ability to achieve planned objectives through completing relevant tasks and focus.
• Organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively, while balancing and prioritizing multiple or competing tasks.
• Communicates orally and in writing in a clear, concise and impartial manner, including presenting complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.

Education and Experience:

• At least 8-10 years' relevant work experience, including 3+ years in a network design or architecture role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience designing, implementing, and managing a fully converged network including wireless, firewalls, routers, and switches using best practices.
• Expert knowledge of L2 protocols including STP, DHCP, 802.1X, LACP, MLAG, and VLANs.
• Expert working knowledge of Cisco networks including Wi-Fi spectrums, channels and high-density wireless design. Expert level experience with BGP, OSPF, and IPSec.
• In-depth experience with other network protocols and methods, including Traffic Engineering, NAT, TCP/IP, Multicast, and IPv6.
• Strong experience with network security architecture, including segmentation and zero-trust principles.
• Proficient in packet analysis with documented experience.
• Experience designing enterprise data center environments and large networks (5000+ nodes).
• Experience troubleshooting hardware and software issues across a wide variety of devices.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

The employee will be sitting in a typical office environment the majority of the time and may be exposed to outdoor weather conditions.

The employee is frequently required to sit, use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

This position requires the ability to work extended hours and/or weekends.

Travel:

10% of travel time expected for the position.