Network Architect Principal-Staff

AEP; Columbus (OH); Remote; USD 110,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility company is seeking a Network Architect to develop and operationalize secure network architectures that scale with business growth. This position involves collaboration across infrastructure teams, ensuring compliance with regulations, and mentoring junior architects. Candidates should possess extensive experience in network technologies and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Benefits

Generous time off

Competitive pay

Educational opportunities

Qualifications

• 8+ years relevant work experience for Architect Principal.
• 10+ years for Architect Staff.
• Experience in enterprise-level network architecture.

Responsibilities

• Create strategies and tactical plans for network architecture implementation.
• Lead and mentor staff to develop networking skills.
• Define architecture and engineering standards across networking solutions.

Skills

Network Architecture

Technical Documentation

Mentoring

Routing

Switching

Firewalls

Compliance (NERC/CIP, SOX)

Problem Solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Job description

Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.

Job Summary

The Network Architect will operate at an enterprise level, responsible for creating a holistic strategy and tactical execution plan for implementation, as well as operationalizing investments which ultimately result in a secure and resilient network architecture that is scalable to meet growing business needs, while reducing mean time to repair and time between incidents.

Technology areas of focus include the AEP Enterprise Core Backbone Network, SCADA head-end aggregation networks, Internet Connectivity, Wireless, VPN connections, Data Center networks, Public Cloud connectivity, and Network Security architectures.

This key technical position is accountable for defining architecture and engineering standards, developing network automation solutions, documenting best practices, system monitoring, analytics, and providing top-tier (level 3) operational support. The role also involves mentoring staff to develop enterprise networking skills, and ensuring designs follow compliance guidelines such as SOX and NERC-CIP.

You will work on a cross-infrastructure team with architects and technical leads from other infrastructure teams (cloud, storage, compute, applications) to establish technical strategies and architectural standards. Collaboration with leadership is essential to ensure support services contracts comply with operational standards, and that proper support and service measures are well defined.

Job Description

Essential Job Functions:

• Demonstrated experience in enterprise-level network architecture
• Experience in leading and mentoring others
• Strong technical background across network technologies (routing, switching, firewalls, etc.)
• Skills in technical documentation creation and management
• Experience with compliance networks such as NERC/CIP or SOX is highly desired
• Experience developing both IT & OT solutions is highly desired
• Design and deliver solutions to meet complex business needs
• Investigate business pain points, address needs, and develop solutions
• Leverage reference architectures, design patterns, and standards
• Produce architectural solutions and project deliverables independently
• Act as Subject Matter Expert in specific technical and business topics
• Mentor and oversee junior solution architects
• Collaborate with project teams and leadership for project success
• Participate in project decision-making, balancing delivery and architectural goals
• Assess supported solution portfolios and develop current and future state views

Basic Qualifications:

Note: This position will be filled at a level matching the candidate's experience and qualifications. The candidate will work remotely, with final approval required prior to offer/start.

Architect Principal (SG 9)

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field

Experience: 8+ years relevant work experience; equivalent education and experience considered

Architect Staff (SG 10)

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related field

Experience: 10+ years relevant work experience; equivalent education and experience considered

Physical demand level is Sedentary.

Compensation:

Architect Prin (SG9): $110,656 - $143,853.50

Architect Staff (SG10): $129,963 - $168,952

Compensation Data

Grade: SP20-009

Range: $112,869 - $146,730.50 USD

The physical demand level is Sedentary, involving sitting most of the time, with occasional walking or standing.

It is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all employment aspects without discrimination based on protected characteristics.

AEP offers generous time off, competitive pay, and educational opportunities. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive community for our employees.