Senior Network Architect & Security Lead

SFM - The Work Comp Experts; Minneapolis (MN); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 217,000; Full time

Job description

Pay:

$144,780.00 to $ 216,720.00

Ranked #8 Top Workplace

About the Role:

The Senior Network Engineer leads, implements, and supports the organizations network infrastructure technology. This position plays a critical role in ensuring the organization’s network infrastructure is secure. SFM is a leader in the Workers’ Compensation Insurance industry, and our proprietary software system is key to our success. You will lead design, implementation, administration, and optimization of enterprise-level networking solutions, ensuring that our systems are secure is critical for the company’s business model. Using your tech skills, you will advocate for cybersecurity while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics. This position will support enterprise initiatives involving the development, deployment, and continuous enhancement of network systems and ensure the networks are engineered for resiliency and are secure. Providing mentorship, leadership and participating in projects is an important part of this role. This person will work closely with management and make recommendations for advancements in network security technologies and practices. This positing reports to corporate headquarters in MN and onsite work is required at times.

What You’ll Do:

• Leads the design, implementation, administration, and optimization of enterprise-level networking solutions, including advanced routing and switching, VLAN segmentation, VPN architecture, LAN/WAN infrastructure, wireless networks, load balancing, secure external connectivity to Internet, disaster recovery environments, and remote offices.
• Provides strategic guidance on network scalability, performance tuning, and high availability to support business continuity and growth.
• Provides technical leadership in the design, implementation and administration of networking technologies including switches, routers, VLANs, VPN’s, LAN/WAN connections and external connections such as Internet, Disaster Recovery site, and remote offices.
• Maintains, optimizes and supports VoIP networking infrastructure including periodic updates to routers, switches and related devices.
• Participates in developing responses to internal and external audits, penetration tests and vulnerability assessments as they pertain to network hardware and infrastructure.
• Maximizes the performance of network and communication systems by monitoring performance, optimizing usage, and tuning hardware and software parameters.
• Develops requirements, participates in projects, leads projects as needed and keeps team members apprised of the status of projects relevant to the team’s area of specialty.

What We’ll Like About You:

• Bachelor’s in computers science, information technology, engineering or related field, preferred, or equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• 10 or more years of experience in network administration or engineering role, including at least 2 years focused on enterprise-level network design, implementation, and optimization.
• Current or past industry standard certification such as CCNP, Microsoft Certified Azure Network Engineer, or equivalent
• Subject matter expert in configuring and managing routers, switches, wireless systems, SSL/VPN, TCP/IP, VLANs, DMZs, DNS, load balancers, and cloud networking technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of routing protocols (e.g., OSPF, BGP), switching technologies, and network performance optimization.
• Mastery in designing, implementing, and optimizing complex LAN/WAN infrastructures, including advanced configuration of routers, switches, and firewalls.
• Expertise in network architecture, performance tuning, and security best practices.
• Proficient with firewalls, VPNs, secure authentication mechanisms, network access control, and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
• Expert in network security technologies including firewalls, IDS/IPS, and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
• Advanced knowledge of network segmentation, zero trust architecture, and compliance standards such as NIST, ISO, and HIPAA.
• Proven ability to design, configure, and monitor complex network infrastructures.
• Strong documentation skills including network diagrams, configuration records, and procedural documentation.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

We want your work life to feel balanced, rewarding, and supported. Here are just a few of the benefits SFM offers:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage (plus HSA/FSA options).
• Significant Cash Benefit if You Opt Out of Our Health Plan
• Flexible hybrid work environment.
• 401(k) with both Traditional and Roth options + company match.
• Contributions toward student loan repayment.
• Generous PTO, 9 paid holidays, and paid parental leave.
• Monthly home internet allowance.
• Free life insurance, short-term & long-term disability coverage.
• Incentive bonus opportunities.
• Discounts on gyms, fitness apps, and wellness programs.
• Adoption financial assistance.
• Pet insurance.
• Annual company-wide volunteer day.

Who We Are

SFM is the leading workers’ compensation insurer in Minnesota, with a growing presence across the Midwest. We’re proud to be recognized as Top Workplace (#8 midsize employer in MN)thanks to our supportive culture, commitment to our employees, and focus on doing what’s right. Learn more.

The base pay posted is just one component of SFM’s total compensation package. The salary range listed represents the full compensation range for this position. Job title and starting pay will be based on the selected candidate’s relevant knowledge, skills, abilities and/or experience, and education, if applicable as well as internal equity with other employees in the same job classification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Location: Bloomington, Minnesota (Hybrid) | Full-Time

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.