Network Engineering Lead Architect

Columbia Bank; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401(k) employer match

Tuition assistance

Life insurance

Job summary

Columbia Bank in Irvine seeks a Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our network infrastructure, focusing on security, scalability, and reliability.

The role involves leading a team, working with datacenter and branch networks, managing SD-WAN, Cisco ACI, and cloud integrations, and ensuring compliance with banking regulations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience supporting Cisco networks.
• Advanced experience with routing protocols (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF) and other network services (DHCP, DNS, VoIP, QoS).
• Advanced experience with SD‑WAN solutions.
• Advanced experience with Meraki switches, APs, and MX devices.
• Experience with datacenter gear (Cisco Nexus 7k, 5k, 2k, 9k, ISR, ASR).
• Advanced familiarity with testing tools and procedures for data networks.
• Advanced branch and datacenter router, switch, and firewall configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Proficient customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced experience with Cisco ACI.
• Experience with network automation and scripting.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication of complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and manage secure scalable network solutions with other teams to support new or updated technologies.
• Manage and support enterprise level network infrastructure, including datacenter ACI switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Architect and manage datacenter and/or branch overall network infrastructure including drawings and diagrams.
• Provide technical expertise and escalation for support of network technologies, software, systems, and services.
• Manage and establish version and configuration control of network devices.
• Direct and mentor a team of Network Engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Design and manage Hybrid Cloud infrastructure and 3rd‑party connections.
• Lead and participate in cloud migration projects ensuring a smooth transition of applications and services.
• Collaborate with IT and business teams to understand network requirements and provide solutions.
• Establish and manage strong vendor relationships.
• Provide complete lifecycle support for enterprise network assets.
• Coordinate BCP testing of critical network connectivity.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations by implementing best practices and staying informed about emerging threats.

Skills

Cisco networking

Routing protocols

SD-WAN

Cisco ACI

Datacenter networking

Vendor management

Team leadership

Network security

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Cisco Nexus

Meraki

ACI

Network monitoring tools

Job description

Overview

The Network Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our company’s network infrastructure. This role requires a deep understanding of network architecture, protocols, and security with a strong background in network design and a passion for staying up to date with the latest industry trends.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement and manage secure scalable network solutions with other teams to support new or updated technologies.
• Manage and support enterprise level network infrastructure, including datacenter ACI switches, routers, and firewalls.
• Architect and manage datacenter and/or branch overall network infrastructure including drawings and diagrams, ensuring the solutions are taken all the way through to operational status.
• Provide technical expertise and escalation for support of network technologies, software, systems, and services.
• Manage and establish version and configuration control of network devices.
• Direct and mentor a team of Network Engineers, providing technical guidance and support.
• Design and manage Hybrid Cloud infrastructure and 3rd‑party connections.
• Lead and participate in cloud migration projects ensuring a smooth transition of applications and services.
• Collaborate with IT and business teams to understand network requirements and provide solutions.
• Establish and manage strong vendor relationships.
• Provide complete lifecycle support for enterprise network assets.
• Coordinate BCP testing of critical network connectivity.
• Ensure compliance with industry regulations by implementing best practices and staying informed about emerging threats.
• Demonstrate compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and apply to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on‑the‑job training.
• Keep up to date on regulation changes.
• Follow all bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and complete all required annual or job‑specific training.
• Maintain a working knowledge of bank written policies and procedures regarding the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other applicable regulations.
• May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
• Actively learn, demonstrate, and foster the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
• Take personal initiative and serve as a positive example for others to emulate.
• Embrace our vision to become a “Business Bank of Choice”.
• May perform other duties such as after‑hours operational changes.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED (preferred).
• Bachelor’s Degree in computer science or information technology (preferred).
• 10+ years of experience supporting Cisco networks (Required).
• Advanced experience with routing protocols (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF) and other network services (DHCP, DNS, VoIP, QoS).
• Advanced experience with SD‑WAN solutions.
• Advanced experience with Meraki switches, APs, and MX devices.
• Experience with datacenter gear (Cisco Nexus 7k, 5k, 2k, 9k, ISR, ASR).
• Advanced familiarity with testing tools and procedures for data networks.
• Advanced branch and datacenter router, switch, and firewall configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
• Proficient customer service skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Advanced experience with Cisco ACI.
• Experience with network automation and scripting.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Effective communication of complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders and leadership.

Travel Requirements

Occasional.

Salary

The pay range for this role is $135,000.00 – $150,000.00. The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non‑discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance‑based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.

Location

Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s). 17901 Von Karman Avenue Suite150 IrvineCA92614.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.

Commitment to Diversity

Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics.

Legal Notice

We do not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.