Network Architect

Mississippi State University; Starkville (MS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Network Architect to install, maintain, and support the data network behind its enterprise 40- and 100-Gigabit Ethernet network. The architect will guide hardware and software evaluations, and provide technical direction to IT staff and the broader university community.

The role requires availability for weekend, night, and on-call duties to address network and system emergencies, with potential supervision of team members as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field with 5+ years of experience, or 7+ years of direct industry experience without a degree.
• Extensive experience with Cisco switching/routing and wireless controller management software (CCNA/CCNP preferred).
• Experience with Fortinet firewall hardware and management software.
• Willingness to provide after-hours support and on-call duty.
• Strong project management and cross-team coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Configure, deploy, and monitor campus network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers.
• Evaluate, test, and recommend new network hardware and software.
• Manage and coordinate large-scale networking projects across the university.
• Provide technical support and guidance to IT divisions and the MSU community.
• May supervise other employees on the network services team.
• Availability for weekend, night, and on-call duty for network and system emergencies.

Skills

Cisco switching

Cisco routing

Wireless controller management

Fortinet firewall hardware

Networking certifications (CCNA/CCNP)

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS or related field

Tools

Cisco IOS

Fortinet FortiGate

Job description

Mississippi State University is hiring a Network Architect to install, maintain, and support the data network electronics and software behind its enterprise 40-Gigabit and 100-Gigabit Ethernet network. The architect manages large-scale networking projects, evaluates new hardware and software, and provides technical guidance to IT staff and the broader university community, with occasional on-call and after-hours availability.

Highlights

• Configures, deploys, and monitors campus network infrastructure including routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers.
• Evaluates, tests, and recommends new network hardware and software.
• Manages and coordinates large-scale networking projects across the university.
• Provides technical support and guidance to other IT divisions and the MSU community.
• May supervise other employees on the network services team.
• Requires availability for weekend, night, and on-call duty for network and system emergencies.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field plus a minimum of five years of experience, or seven years of direct industry experience without a degree.
• Values extensive experience with Cisco switching, routing, and wireless controller management software.
• Looks for experience with Fortinet firewall hardware and management software.
• Prefers candidates holding Cisco networking certifications such as CCNA or CCNP.