Solutions Architect, Cybersecurity and Networking

Data Networks; Rockville (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Data Networks seeks an experienced Solutions Architect specializing in cybersecurity and networking to support enterprise pre-sales engagements. You will partner with account executives and engineering teams to design secure, scalable solutions across routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, VPN, and cloud‑integrated security.

The role is client‑facing and commission‑eligible, with strong opportunities to influence design decisions, deliver compelling presentations, and drive successful outcomes

Qualifications

• 5+ years in networking, security engineering, architecture, or pre-sales engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Industry certifications preferred (CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, NSE, JNCIS/JNCIP, Aruba).

Responsibilities

• Engage with clients during presales to define secure, scalable networking and cybersecurity solutions.
• Lead technical discovery sessions and present design recommendations to stakeholders.
• Develop client-ready proposals, BOMs, Visio diagrams, and SOWs.
• Ensure security, reliability, scalability, and regulatory compliance in solutions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Project Management to transition from presales to delivery.

Skills

Networking architecture

Cybersecurity

Pre-sales support

Solution design

Public speaking

Technical discovery

Education

Bachelor’s degree in technical field

Tools

Cisco

Juniper

HPE/Aruba

Job description

Data Networks is seeking an experienced Solutions Architect, specializing in Cybersecurity and Networking to support enterprise clients through the full presales lifecycle. This highly client‑facing and commission-eligible role partners with account executives and engineering teams to design secure, scalable, and high‑performance networking and cybersecurity solutions, including routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, VPN, and cloud‑integrated security. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, leads technical discovery, develops end‑to‑end solution designs, and clearly presents recommendations that align client requirements with Data Networks standards and best practices.

**The posted salary range reflects base salary only. This role is also eligible for uncapped commission, with total on-target earnings (OTE) expected to exceed the listed range based on performance.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Engagement & Pre‑Sales SupportCollaborate with account executives to qualify opportunities and provide technically sound networking and cybersecurity solutions.
• Lead technical discovery sessions to understand client requirements and identify networking and security needs.
• Conduct presentations, demonstrations, and design reviews with technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate solution value, design strategy, and expected outcomes.
• Solution Architecture & DesignDesign comprehensive networking and cybersecurity solutions including routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, IDS/IPS, VPN, NAC, segmentation, SD‑WAN, and cloud‑integrated security.
• Develop client‑ready proposals, bills of material (BOMs), Visio diagrams, and Statements of Work (SOWs).
• Ensure solutions incorporate best practices for security, reliability, scalability, and compliance.
• Partner with engineering and project teams to ensure smooth transition from pre‑sales to implementation.
• Technical Expertise & Continuous ImprovementMaintain up‑to‑date knowledge of enterprise networking, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Participate in vendor training, certification programs, and technology workshops.
• Support internal teams by sharing best practices and contributing to solution development efforts.
• Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) by presenting at industry conferences, webinars, and client‑facing events on behalf of Data Networks. Represent the organization by sharing insights on networking and security trends, technologies, and best practices to position Data Networks as a trusted thought leader in the field.
• Cross‑Functional CollaborationWork closely with Sales, Engineering, Project Management, and Marketing to ensure alignment in solution strategy and delivery.
• Assist with pipeline development through technical qualification and strategic support for opportunities.

Knowledge Skills, and Abilities

• Technical SkillsStrong expertise in routing, switching, and wireless technologies (Cisco, HPE/Aruba, Juniper, etc.).
• Proficiency with security technologies such as firewalls, IDS/IPS, MFA, identity management, ZTNA, VPN, and SASE.
• Experience designing enterprise‑grade, redundant, and scalable network architectures.
• Understanding of cloud‑connected networking and Microsoft security ecosystems.
• Professional SkillsExcellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical concepts clearly.
• Strong documentation and proposal‑writing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent opportunities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.
• Experience & Education5+ years of experience in networking, security engineering, architecture, or pre‑sales engineering.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field or equivalent experience.
• Relevant industry certifications preferred (CCNP, CCIE, PCNSE, NSE, JNCIS/JNCIP, Aruba, etc.).

Company Overview

Data Networks has been at the forefront of simplifying enterprise IT since 1983. Based in Hunt Valley, Maryland, we are a premier IT solutions provider dedicated to serving education, state and local government, healthcare, and commercial clients. Our extensive experience and partnerships with leading manufacturers enable us to deliver comprehensive IT solutions that include client computing, data center services, networking, cyber-security, cloud services, and managed IT services.