Network Architect (Cisco Enterprise Networks & Security) | Four Ways Consulting | San Diego, CA

Four Ways Consulting; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 165,000 - 234,000; Full time

Job summary

Four Ways Consulting in San Diego, CA is seeking a senior Network Architect specializing in Cisco Enterprise Networks and security to design, modernize, and optimize large-scale infrastructures across LAN, WAN, wireless, cloud, and SD-WAN. You will act as the technical authority guiding multi-customer environments and leading architecture initiatives.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years of enterprise networking experience, CCNP Enterprise, and a proven MSP background.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of enterprise networking experience.
• Proven experience designing large-scale Cisco network architectures.
• CCNP Enterprise certification is mandatory; CCIE preferred.
• Strong MSP/Managed Services background.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect enterprise LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, and cloud networking.
• Lead modernization and upgrade initiatives with security integrations (ISE/Firepower).
• Develop scalable network architectures using Cisco Catalyst and Nexus.
• Collaborate with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and roadmaps.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams.

Skills

Cisco Enterprise Networking

SD-WAN

Network Architecture

Network Security

Cloud Networking

Wireless Networking

MSP / Multi-customer Environments

Stakeholder Management

Leadership & Technical Guidance

Communication & Presentation

Education

CCNP Enterprise

CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure (Highly Preferred)

Tools

Cisco Catalyst

Cisco Nexus

Cisco DNA Center

Cisco ISE

Cisco Firepower

Cisco Catalyst Center

Job description

Job Title: Network Architect (Cisco Enterprise Networks & Security) | Four Ways Consulting | San Diego, CA

Recruiting Company: Four Ways Consulting

Job Location: San Diego, California, USA (Remote with Frequent Office Visits)

Job Type: Long-Term Contract

Additional Information

• Long-Term Engagement
• Minimum 10+ Years of Experience Required
• Remote Role with Regular Onsite Collaboration
• CCNP Enterprise Certification Required
• CCIE Certification Highly Preferred
• Strong MSP / Managed Services Background Preferred

Position Summary

Four Ways Consulting is seeking an experienced Network Architect to design, modernize, and optimize enterprise network infrastructures for complex customer environments. This role is ideal for a senior Cisco-focused networking professional with deep expertise in enterprise architecture, network security, cloud networking, wireless solutions, and managed services environments.

Detailed Job Description

As a Network Architect, you will be responsible for designing and leading the implementation of large-scale enterprise networking and security solutions across LAN, WAN, wireless, cloud, and SD-WAN environments. You will serve as the technical authority for network architecture, guiding customers through technology modernization initiatives while ensuring scalability, performance, and security. The successful candidate will work closely with engineering, operations, vendors, and business stakeholders to deliver robust infrastructure solutions leveraging Cisco’s enterprise portfolio. In addition to architecture and design responsibilities, you will support solution development, licensing strategy, hardware selection, and project governance. This is a highly visible role requiring strong technical leadership, customer engagement, and strategic planning capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and architect enterprise LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, SD-WAN, and cloud networking solutions.
• Develop scalable network architectures using Cisco Catalyst, Nexus, and associated enterprise technologies.
• Lead network modernization, transformation, and infrastructure upgrade initiatives.
• Design and implement secure network architectures incorporating Cisco ISE and Firepower solutions.
• Develop routing, switching, segmentation, and security standards for enterprise environments.
• Architect wireless networking solutions for campus, branch, and distributed environments.
• Utilize Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst Center for automation, management, and network visibility.
• Design and support hybrid cloud networking and secure connectivity solutions.
• Collaborate with customers and internal stakeholders to define technical requirements and solution roadmaps.
• Prepare technical designs, implementation plans, architecture documentation and best practices.
• Support Cisco BOM creation, hardware selection, solution pricing, licensing, and quoting activities.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering and operations teams.
• Evaluate emerging networking and cybersecurity technologies to support business growth.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 10 years of enterprise networking experience.
• Proven experience designing large-scale Cisco network architectures.
• Deep expertise with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms.
• Strong hands-on knowledge of enterprise routing and switching technologies.
• Experience designing and deploying SD-WAN solutions.
• Expertise in enterprise wireless network architecture and optimization.
• Strong experience with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE).
• Experience with Cisco Firepower and network security architectures.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst Center platforms.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise LAN, WAN, and Wi-Fi technologies.
• Experience designing cloud networking and hybrid infrastructure solutions.
• Experience working within MSP, Managed Services, or multi-customer enterprise environments.
• Expertise in Cisco licensing models, BOM creation, and solution quotation processes.
• Strong communication, presentation, architecture, and stakeholder management skills.
• CCNP Enterprise certification is mandatory.

Required Certifications

• CCNP Enterprise (Required)
• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or relevant CCIE certification (Highly Preferred)

Nice-to-Have Skills

• Experience with multi-cloud networking across AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
• Knowledge of network automation, scripting, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience with SASE and Zero Trust networking architectures.
• Familiarity with Cisco Meraki and cloud-managed networking solutions.
• Experience leading enterprise network transformation and migration programs.

Recruitment Pro Tip

For Network Architect roles, hiring managers want to see evidence of architecture ownership rather than operational support. Highlight large-scale Cisco network designs, SD-WAN deployments, security transformations, cloud networking projects, and examples where your architectural decisions improved scalability, security, performance, or operational efficiency.