Network Architect - LAN

Gdh Consulting, Inc.; Indianapolis (IN); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Job summary

GDH is seeking a senior network engineer to design, implement, and manage enterprise LAN architectures across access, distribution, core, and fabric layers on Cisco and Juniper platforms. You will lead complex projects including EVPN-VXLAN, campus fabric, and Cisco ISE, working with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, scalable solutions.

The role emphasizes designing standards, leading design reviews, and advancing automation with Python and Ansible.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of enterprise network engineering or architecture experience.
• Expert knowledge of Cisco Catalyst/Nexus and Juniper EX/QFX switches.
• Hands-on Cisco ISE deployments with AD/LDAP/MDM integrations.
• Strong understanding of network segmentation and zero-trust security.
• Proven ability to produce design documents, diagrams, and runbooks.
• Scripting and automation using Python and Ansible.
• Ability to collaborate across multiple teams.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and govern LAN architectures across multiple network layers for Cisco and Juniper.
• Architect and refine Cisco ISE deployments including 802.1X and posture features.
• Define reference designs, standards, and templates; lead design reviews for sites, upgrades, migrations.
• Lead troubleshooting for Layer 2/3 and authentication issues with permanent solutions.
• Plan cutovers, changes, upgrades, rollback procedures, and post-change validation.
• Collaborate with security, wireless, WAN, and automation teams on integrated solutions.
• Contribute to automation initiatives using Python and Ansible.
• Document work clearly and share knowledge across teams.
• Support network security through segmentation and policy enforcement.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies.

Skills

Enterprise network engineering

Cisco Catalyst/Nexus

Juniper EX/QFX

Network segmentation

Python scripting

Ansible automation

REST APIs

Documentation & runbooks

Education

Networking education/certs

Tools

Cisco ISE

AD/LDAP/MDM integrations

REST APIs

Python

Ansible

Job description

Role Summary

This role involves designing, implementing, and managing enterprise LAN architectures across access, distribution, core, and fabric layers on Cisco and Juniper platforms. The successful candidate will lead complex network projects, including deployment of advanced technologies such as EVPN-VXLAN, campus fabric, and Cisco ISE. They will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure, reliable, and scalable network solutions that align with organizational standards and strategic goals.

Responsibilities

• Design, document, and govern LAN architectures across multiple network layers on Cisco and Juniper platforms, including Ethernet VPN (EVPN-VXLAN) and campus fabric.
• Architect and refine Cisco ISE deployments, encompassing policies for 802.1X, MAB, guest access, BYOD, profiling, posture, and Cisco TrustSec features.
• Define reference designs, configuration standards, and templates; lead design reviews for new sites, technology upgrades, and migrations.
• Lead troubleshooting and root-cause analysis for Layer 2, Layer 3, and authentication issues, implementing permanent solutions.
• Plan and support network cutovers, change windows, lifecycle upgrades, rollback procedures, and post-change validation activities.
• Partner with security, wireless, WAN, and automation teams to develop integrated network solutions with segmentation, visibility, and automation in mind.
• Contribute to automation initiatives leveraging scripting tools such as Python and Ansible for configuration management and testing.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, project managers, and stakeholders; document work clearly and share knowledge across teams.
• Support network security through effective segmentation, policy enforcement, and compliance practices.
• Stay current with industry best practices and emerging technologies, recommending improvements to LAN designs and implementations.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of enterprise network engineering or architecture experience with a focus on LAN environments.
• Expert-level knowledge of Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches, Juniper EX and QFX switches, including STP, VLANs, LACP, OSPF, BGP, multicast, QoS, and high availability configurations.
• Hands-on experience designing and managing Cisco ISE environments with integrations such as AD, LDAP, and MDM, including distributed deployments and policy sets.
• Strong understanding of network segmentation, zero-trust security principles, and secure access architectures.
• Proven ability to produce detailed design documents, diagrams, and operational runbooks.
• Relevant education, training, certifications, or equivalent practical experience in networking.
• Scripting and automation skills using Python, Ansible, and REST APIs.
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment, communicate clearly, and manage multiple projects effectively.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Publishing Pay Range: $87.00 - $90.00 Hourly

This position offers a hybrid schedule, with time split between the office and remote work.

About GDH:

At GDH, we believe in the power of people and the importance of caring. Our culture statement, "We care about people," isn't just a tagline - it's the core of everything we do. GDH is a premier staffing and talent solutions company dedicated to helping businesses find the best talent and assisting job seekers in finding their dream jobs.

Who We Are:

GDH, founded in 2001, has grown into a leader in providing staffing solutions across various industries. We specialize in IT across several sectors, connecting top talent with leading enterprises. As a Best of Staffing firm recognized for excellence in client, employee, talent, and women's services, we pride ourselves on our commitment to quality and service.

GDH Benefits

GDH offers a range of employee benefits that are designed to promote well-being and help maintain a healthy work-life balance. These comprehensive benefits cover various aspects of an employee's life and aim to enhance their overall experience with the company.

Our health benefits include three medical insurance options with access to KISx Card, Zero Card, and HealthJoy concierge services. Other plan offerings include dental, vision, life, disability, supplemental insurance, and pet insurance plans.

Enjoy additional perks like holiday pay, 401(k) plan, direct deposit, an employee referral program, work-life balance benefits, a Wellbeats membership, a discounted gym membership program, and more!

GDH provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. Applicants with disabilities who require an accommodation or assistance in applying and/or for interviewing, please contact our HR Department. Please visit our notice of collection for California applicants.