Network Infrastructure Architect SASE

Cognizant; Dearborn (MI); Remote; USD 100,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

401(k) plan and contributions

Paid holidays and PTO

Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking an experienced Network Infrastructure Architect, SASE, to lead the modernization of a large-scale WAN. You will drive Cisco SD-WAN initiatives, design secure, scalable networks, and collaborate with security, cloud, and service provider teams.

You will develop high/low level designs, govern templates, and mentor delivery teams while coordinating with global vendors and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Network Architecture and Design experience in large-scale WANs.
• CCNP Enterprise certification or equivalent expertise.
• 3+ years deploying SASE/SSE solutions such as Prisma Access or Zscaler.
• Strong command of BGP, OSPF, ACLs, VPNs, IPsec, QoS, and segmentation.
• Experience with Cisco SD-WAN and vManage platform administration.
• Experience leading transformation and governance in network programs.
• Excellent stakeholder and vendor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and design of enterprise WAN across regions.
• Deploy and optimize Cisco SD-WAN environments (vManage, vSmart, vBond, vEdge).
• Own vManage platform governance, templates, and lifecycle management.
• Define centralized SD-WAN policies including QoS and security.
• Coordinate circuit provisioning, migrations, and upgrades with providers.
• Develop HLDs/LLDs and change management documentation.
• Mentor engineering teams and provide architectural guidance.

Skills

Network Architecture

CCNP Enterprise

SASE/SSE

BGP & OSPF

WAN/Enterprise connectivity

Vendor & Stakeholder mgmt

Network security

Automation / Infrastructure-as-Code

Cloud networking (Azure/AWS)

SD-WAN (Cisco vManage & Viptela)

Tools

Cisco vManage

vSmart/vBond/vEdge/cEdge

Palo Alto Prisma Access

Zscaler

Azure networking

AWS networking

Job description

About the role

As a Network Infrastructure Architect, SASE, you will make an impact by leading the architecture, modernization, and transformation of a large-scale enterprise WAN environment across the EMEA region. You will be responsible for designing and implementing strategic network solutions, driving Cisco SD-WAN and Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) initiatives, and ensuring secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity that supports critical business operations. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team working collaboratively with security, cloud, infrastructure, and service provider teams.

In this role, you will

• Lead the architecture and design of enterprise WAN solutions across the EMEA region.
• Design, deploy, and optimize Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (formerly Viptela) environments, including vManage, vSmart, vBond, and vEdge/cEdge technologies.
• Own and administer the Cisco vManage platform, including template management, policy deployment, software lifecycle management, monitoring, and operational governance.
• Design and implement centralized SD-WAN policies through vManage, including application-aware routing, segmentation, QoS, security policies, and traffic engineering.
• Manage provisioning, onboarding, and configuration of SD-WAN edge devices using vManage templates and automation capabilities.
• Lead WAN circuit migrations, upgrades, technology refreshes, and connectivity transformation initiatives.
• Design and implement SASE/SSE solutions leveraging Palo Alto Prisma Access, Zscaler, or equivalent platforms.
• Develop High-Level and Low-Level Design documentation (HLDs/LLDs), implementation plans, and change management documentation.
• Define network architecture standards covering routing, security, segmentation, resiliency, and performance optimization.
• Ensure network platforms remain compliant with lifecycle standards through software upgrades, configuration governance, and operational best practices.
• Collaborate with security, cloud, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure network services align with business and security requirements.
• Coordinate with service providers for circuit provisioning, renewals, upgrades, escalations, and SLA management.
• Monitor network performance, availability, and utilization, proactively identifying optimization opportunities and operational risks.
• Troubleshoot complex network issues across SD-WAN, routing, security, and connectivity domains, including vManage, vSmart, vBond, and edge devices.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and architectural guidance to engineering and delivery teams.

Work model

We strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role's business requirements, this is a remote position open to qualified applicants in Dearborn, MI. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• 10+ years of Network Architecture and Design experience, including large-scale enterprise WAN environments.
• Excellent hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN (Viptela).
• Deep expertise with Cisco SD-WAN technologies including vManage, vSmart, vBond, and vEdge/cEdge.
• 5+ years of experience operating at a CCNP Enterprise level with a valid Cisco certification.
• 3+ years of experience implementing and supporting SASE/SSE solutions such as Palo Alto Prisma Access, Zscaler, or equivalent platforms.
• Strong expertise in WAN architecture, routing, switching, network security, and enterprise connectivity.
• Advanced knowledge of BGP, OSPF, route maps, policy controls, ACLs, VPNs, IPsec, QoS, and network segmentation.
• Experience leading network transformation initiatives, software lifecycle management, and governance activities.
• Strong stakeholder management, vendor management, and communication skills.
• Experience leading network engineering, architecture, or transformation teams.

These will help you stand out

• Experience supporting global enterprise networks across multiple geographic regions.
• Experience with Azure and AWS networking, hybrid connectivity, and cloud integration.
• Proficiency with network automation, orchestration, and Infrastructure-as-Code methodologies.
• Experience developing network standards, governance frameworks, and architecture roadmaps.
• Strong understanding of Zero Trust and modern SASE security architectures.
• Industry-recognized networking and security certifications such as Cisco CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, Palo Alto Prisma Access, Zscaler, SASE/SSE, or cloud networking certifications.

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications will be accepted until September 24, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $100,000 - $115,000 USD depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer

The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.