Network Architect

Optimal Growth Technologies; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a seasoned Network Architect to lead the design and implementation of robust network infrastructures. This role involves ensuring high availability and security across complex enterprise networks while integrating cutting-edge cloud solutions. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience with Check Point firewalls and a solid understanding of network protocols. You will be pivotal in driving network automation and compliance with industry standards. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of network architecture.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Flexible Working Hours

Professional Development Opportunities

Remote Work Options

Performance Bonuses

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in designing and securing enterprise networks.
• Strong expertise in Check Point firewalls and cloud networking solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable network architectures for data centers and cloud environments.
• Oversee configuration and maintenance of enterprise LAN, WAN, and VPNs.

Skills

Check Point Firewalls

Network Security

Cloud Networking

Network Protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)

Scripting (Python, Ansible, Terraform)

Analytical Problem-Solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in Computer Science

Master's in Network Engineering

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Check Point Management Tools

AWS

Azure

Google Cloud

Job description

Network Architect

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly experienced Network Architect with over 10 years of expertise in designing, implementing, and securing complex enterprise networks.

The ideal candidate must have: Strong skills in Check Point firewalls, network security, and cloud networking, ensuring high availability, security, and scalability of network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Network Architecture & Design: Design and implement scalable, high-performance network architectures; define and enforce standards, policies, and best practices; develop secure, redundant, high-availability designs for data centers, branch offices, and cloud environments; evaluate and recommend network technologies, hardware, and software.
2. Firewall & Security (Check Point Expertise Required): Configure, manage, and optimize Check Point Firewalls; design and implement firewall policies; conduct performance tuning, troubleshooting, and security audits; implement IDS/IPS solutions and enforce Zero Trust principles; stay updated with Check Point's emerging technologies.
3. Network Administration & Optimization: Oversee configuration, monitoring, and maintenance of enterprise LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and VPNs; implement QoS, traffic shaping, and network segmentation; ensure redundancy and failover; troubleshoot complex issues.
4. Cloud & Hybrid Networking: Design secure cloud solutions on AWS, Azure, Google Cloud; integrate cloud-native security controls; deploy VPNs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, SD-WAN; ensure secure API and container networking.
5. Network Security & Compliance: Ensure compliance with standards like ISO, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR; implement Zero Trust Security, NAC, micro-segmentation; conduct vulnerability assessments; work with cybersecurity teams on SIEM and threat intelligence.
6. Network Automation & Monitoring: Deploy monitoring tools; automate operations with Python, Ansible, Terraform; implement log management; optimize configuration management.
7. Technical Leadership & Documentation: Serve as SME; mentor teams; develop network diagrams, SOPs, documentation; collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or related field.
• Check Point Certified Security Expert (CCSE) or Master (CCSM); additional certifications like Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet NSE4/7, Palo Alto PCNSE, AWS/Azure Networking are a plus.
• Expertise with Check Point Firewalls; strong knowledge of network protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, SD-WAN); experience with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, Aruba solutions.
• Hands-on with Layer 2/3 switching, VLANs, redundancy protocols.
• Proficiency in network security solutions and cloud networking.
• Scripting and automation skills (Python, Ansible, Terraform, PowerShell).

Soft Skills: Analytical problem-solving, excellent communication, stakeholder management, leadership, mentorship, project management, self-motivated, passionate about cybersecurity and automation.