Principal Technical Consultant-Network Services

AHEAD; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 190,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Technical Consultant to provide expert guidance on digital transformation projects. This role emphasizes leadership in deploying complex solutions using cutting-edge technologies like Cisco, AWS, and Azure. The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, mentor junior staff, and ensure high-quality deliverables that meet client expectations. Join a forward-thinking company that values diversity and fosters a culture of belonging while driving innovation in the digital landscape.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid company holidays

Paid time off

Paid parental and caregiver leave

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of network and network security technologies.
• Experience in implementing and managing complex technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead project teams to deploy solutions on Cisco, Palo Alto, VMWare, AWS, and Azure.
• Design and architect complex solutions for clients.

Skills

Cisco

Palo Alto

VMware

AWS

Azure

SASE

SD-WAN

Data Center Technologies

Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation, analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

A Principal Technical Consultant is a distinguished professional who provides expert guidance and support in technical matters to clients. A PTC must possess a deep understanding of best-in-breed network and network security technologies, along with extensive experience in implementing and managing complex technical solutions. Additionally, principal technical consultants will be responsible for advising on best practices, evaluating new technologies, and providing training and mentorship to junior staff members.

The Principal Technical Consultant leads delivery engagements and cross-functional technical teams on customer programs or projects. When designated as the engagement lead, they will collaborate with PMO leadership to form the “Two in the Box” model, a vital approach to driving successful project outcomes.

PTCs are responsible for developing high-quality, polished project deliverables such as white papers, plans, strategies, designs, assessments, and business case analyses. These deliverables should maintain a cohesive look and feel when delivered to the client, regardless of contributors.

Roles & Responsibilities

1. Lead project teams to deploy solutions on Cisco, Palo Alto, VMWare, AWS, and Azure.
2. Lead complex programs involving multiple resources.
3. Design and architect complex solutions.
4. Serve as an escalation point for project teams.
5. Maintain expert-level certifications.
6. Participate in pre-sales cycles as a technical expert.
7. Provide thought leadership to AHEAD and our customers.
8. Communicate with external customers, including top management, on matters requiring explanation, interpretation, and advice.
9. Generate differentiated marketing thought leadership.
10. Craft innovative, high-impact solutions for complex client programs, relying on large teams for implementation.
11. Contribute to projects addressing future concepts, products, and technologies.
12. Drive consensus with customers in solving complex solutions.

Qualifications

1. Expertise in Cisco, ACI, Palo Alto, VMware (VxLAN/NSX), SASE, SD-WAN, AWS, Azure, DC technologies.
2. Technical Excellence & Evangelism: Maintain a high level of technical knowledge, lead knowledge sharing, participate in communities, and attain relevant certifications.
3. Leadership & Direction: Capable of supervising and leading technical teams through complex project delivery. Recognized as an expert through extensive experience in enterprise IT leadership or technical services expertise.

Salary range: $190,000 - $220,000 per year.

Why AHEAD:

We value diversity through initiatives like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, and foster growth with cutting-edge technology, cross-department training, and certification sponsorships.

USA Employment Benefits include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k)
• Paid company holidays
• Paid time off
• Paid parental and caregiver leave
• And more! See benefits here for additional details.

The compensation range reflects the On-Target Earnings (“OTE”), including base salary and target bonus, which may vary based on experience, qualifications, and location.