Network Architect

Optimal Growth Technologies; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal Growth Technologies seeks a seasoned Network Architect with 10+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and securing complex enterprise networks. The role focuses on high-availability, secure, scalable infrastructures across data centers, branches, and the cloud.

You will configure NGFWs, implement Zero Trust, and lead modernization of WAN/MPLS/SD-WAN, VPN, and cloud networking across AWS, Azure, and GCP. Strong leadership and compliance knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years designing enterprise networks.
• Strong expertise in network security and cloud networking.
• Experience with WAN/MPLS/SD-WAN and VPNs.
• Ability to lead teams and mentor engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, high-performance network architectures for enterprise environments.
• Define and enforce networking standards, policies, and best practices.
• Develop secure, redundant, and high-availability designs for data centers, branches, and cloud.
• Evaluate and recommend network technologies, hardware, and software to optimize performance.
• Configure, manage, and optimize next-generation firewalls and security devices.
• Design firewall policies, rule sets, and security zones in line with best practices.
• Ensure Zero Trust Network principles and perform security audits.
• Oversee LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and VPN infra, with QoS and segmentation.
• Deploy secure cloud networking on AWS, Azure, GCP; manage hybrid connectivity.
• Ensure ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR compliance and NAC.
• Automate operations with Python, Ansible, Terraform; monitor via SolarWinds/Nagios.
• Develop network diagrams, SOPs, and security policies; mentor engineers.

Skills

Network architecture

Network security

Cloud networking

Enterprise infrastructure

Firewall & security

Zero Trust

Network automation

Python scripting

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in CS/Network Eng

Cisco CCNP/CCIE

Fortinet NSE4/NSE7

AWS/Azure Networking Certifications

Tools

Cisco devices

Juniper devices

Palo Alto devices

Fortinet devices

Aruba switches

Job description

We are looking for a highly experienced Network Architect with 10+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and securing complex enterprise networks. The ideal candidate must have strong expertise in network security, cloud networking, and enterprise infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability of network environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and implement scalable, high-performance network architectures for enterprise environments. Define and enforce networking standards, policies, and best practices. Develop secure, redundant, and high-availability network designs for data centers, branch offices, and cloud environments. Evaluate and recommend network technologies, hardware, and software to optimize performance.

2. Firewall & Security:

Configure, manage, and optimize next-generation firewalls and network security devices. Design and implement firewall policies, rule sets, and security zones to align with industry best practices. Conduct firewall performance tuning, troubleshooting, and security audits. Implement intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) solutions and enforce Zero Trust Network principles. Stay updated with emerging technologies, threat intelligence, and security patches.

3. Network Administration & Optimization:

Oversee the configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of enterprise LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and VPN infrastructures. Implement QoS, traffic shaping, and network segmentation to enhance performance and security. Ensure network redundancy, failover, and load balancing for mission-critical applications. Troubleshoot complex network performance issues and lead root cause analysis.

Design and implement secure cloud networking solutions on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Integrate cloud-native security controls and firewalls. Deploy VPNs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and SD-WAN solutions for hybrid cloud connectivity. Ensure secure API and container-based networking within cloud and microservices environments.

5. Network Security & Compliance:

Ensure compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and other regulatory standards. Implement Zero Trust Security, Network Access Control (NAC), and micro-segmentation. Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk mitigation for network security. Work with cybersecurity teams to integrate SIEM (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel, QRadar) and threat intelligence solutions.

6. Network Automation & Monitoring:

Deploy and manage network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, Zabbix) for proactive issue detection. Automate network operations using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and REST APIs. Implement log management and correlation for security event detection. Optimize network configuration management using NCM and compliance reporting tools.

7. Technical Leadership & Documentation:

Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for networking and security architectures. Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior network engineers and security teams. Develop and maintain network diagrams, SOPs, technical documentation, and security policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Cloud, Security, DevOps, Infrastructure) to align network strategies with business goals.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

Education & Certifications:

Bachelor's or Masters degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field.

Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center) Preferred

Fortinet NSE4/NSE7 Advantageous

AWS or Azure Networking Certifications (e.g., AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer Associate)

Technical Skills:

Expert-level experience with enterprise firewall platforms and security policies.

Strong expertise in network protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, SD-WAN).

Experience with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Aruba network solutions.

Hands-on knowledge of Layer 2/3 switching, VLANs, STP, and redundancy protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP).

Proficiency in network security solutions (NGFW, IPS/IDS, SIEM, NAC, DDoS protection).

Deep understanding of cloud networking (VPC, VNET Peering, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute).

Scripting and automation skills in Python, Ansible, Terraform, or PowerShell.

Soft Skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Self-motivated with a passion for cybersecurity, network engineering, and automation.