Lead Network Architect SME (Remote) with Security Clearance

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Job description

Company Overview At ValidaTek, we modernize and optimize IT services to solve some of the most critical challenges facing federal civilian and defense agencies. From customers to partners to top-talent employees, ValidaTek puts people first, empowering them to exceed expectations and transform government organizations. Our success starts and ends with our people, so we built a company where great people can do great things, with the resources and autonomy to make decisions that transform organizations. We operate as one team of diverse people, united by a passion for continuous growth and optimization. Our commitment to quality and performance optimization is the reason why our IT Service Projects and New Development Projects have been appraised at CMMI Maturity Level 5, positioning us as one of a handful of elite companies to receive the highest form of third-party validation. Summary ValidaTek is searching for a Lead Network Architect SME to analyze the internal and external environments of our customer and architect and engineer a complete network architecture for a complex program in a federal government environment . This includes all components of the network: LAN, WAN, WLAN, and Cloud Network . Critical to the success of this role is to ensure network availability/security and developing/deploying a Zero Trust framework . The user population is large and remote based both CONUS and OCONUS support and the network must be available 24/7/ 365. Responsibilities Network Design and Architecture Design and implement scalable, reliable, and secure network architectures, including LAN, WAN, VPN, and cloud networking.
Create blueprints and high-level designs for network infrastructure.
Ensure that the network design aligns with the organization's strategic goals and future growth. Network Security Implement security protocols and ensure network compliance with industry standards (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, etc.).
Monitor for and respond to security breaches and vulnerabilities.
Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to ensure network security strategies are robust. Leadership and Team Management Lead and mentor a team of network engineers and administrators.
Oversee project management for network-related initiatives, ensuring timelines and budgets are met.
Collaborate with other IT and business leaders to align network strategies with overall business objectives. Technology Assessment and Implementation Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies to improve performance and efficiency.
Stay up-to-date on industry trends and emerging technologies.
Manage vendor relationships, including evaluating and selecting network hardware and software. Network Performance Management Ensure optimal network performance by monitoring, analyzing, and troubleshooting network issues.
Implement performance metrics and dashboards for real-time network visibility.
Plan for capacity upgrades and enhancements based on network usage trends and future needs. Documentation and Standards Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation of the network architecture and configurations.
Establish and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures.
Ensure that the network infrastructure is well-documented for both internal and external audits. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Design and implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Ensure backup strategies and redundancy plans are in place to minimize downtime during outages.
Test and refine disaster recovery plans periodically to ensure effectiveness. Budgeting and Cost Management Manage the budget for network operations, upgrades, and projects.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through network optimization or vendor negotiations.
Report on network expenditures and provide forecasts for future financial needs. Cross-functional Collaboration Work closely with application, security, and data teams to ensure the network supports various IT initiatives.
Act as a liaison between IT and non-IT stakeholders to ensure network architecture supports business needs. Compliance and Regulatory Adherence Ensure the network infrastructure complies with relevant regulatory requirements.
Prepare for and participate in audits and reviews related to network security and performance. Qualifications 1 0+ years of experience as an Enterprise Architect specializing in network infrastructure services , preferably in a federal government contracting environment . At least 3 years of experience working in cloud technologies such as Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud. This role does not require a clearance for consideration however, you must be able to pass DHS EOD suitability. Experience with Enterprise infrastructure and network automation platforms and coding. Experience designing and implementing enterprise solutions that increase the availability and security of the enterprise. Experience in developing technology roadmaps. Working knowledge of network technologies. (SDN, SDWAN, routing, switching, firewalls, wireless, application load balancing, network visibility.) Working knowledge of network practices, and protocols. Proven experience with on premise physical infrastructure and Virtualization technologies Knowledge of Enterprise route optimization, dynamic routing, packet aggregation, IPV6, and Border Gateway Protocol (BGP). Working knowledge of networking and security methods and tools. Experience performing network troubleshooting to isolate and diagnose common network problems at a SME level. Expertise with major networking products from companies similar to Cisco, Juniper and VMWare delivered via major cloud providers. Experience with managing and using DevOps concepts. A bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Engineering or Equivalent is required; a master's degree is preferred .
All candidates must have an active CCIE certification that has been obtained within the last five years. EEO Statement ValidaTek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Applicants who are selected for employment will be required to verify authorization to work in the United States. Offers of employment will be contingent upon passing a post-offer background check.

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