Network Architect

JOB DESCRIPTION

 
Overview:   
 
 
 
TekWissen is a global workforce management provider headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan that offers strategic talent solutions to our clients world-wide. Our client is a global operator, franchisor, and licensor of hotel, residential, and timeshare properties. The company is primarily focused on management, franchising, and licensing of its lodging properties. It also occasionally develops, acquires or renovates hotel and residential properties, directly and through partnerships, joint ventures, and other business structures with third parties. 
 
 
 
Position: Network Architect   
 
Location: Bethesda, MD, 20814  
 
Duration: 6  Months   
 
Job Type: Contract   
 
Work Type: Remote
 
  
 
Job Description:   
 
  
 
 
 
This role encompasses networks in data centers, corporate offices, and third-party co-location PoP sites, all of which host applications and interconnect hotel properties, users, systems, partners, vendors, and public/private cloud networks, with a focus on disaster recovery. 
 
 
 
A significant aspect of this role involves managing firewalls, including segmentation, DMZs, remote access, and overall policy/rules management.  
 
 
 
Candidate Profile  
 
  
 
Required:  
 
  
 
Education and Experience:  
 
 
 
Bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, or equivalent experience and/or certification.  
 
 
 
7+ years of IT networking experience, focusing on data center networks in hybrid environments.  
 
 
 
5+ years in an IT infrastructure lead role, with expertise as SME in routing protocols, switch fabric technology (preferably Arista Networks), firewall security, and load-balancing architecture.  
 
 
 
In-depth expertise in implementing and architecting network security and firewall solutions, particularly with AWS Network Firewall, Checkpoint, and Palo Alto Networks.  
 
 
 
Strong experience with AWS networking services (VPC, Direct Connect, Route 53, AWS Network Firewall, Transit Gateway, etc.) and Azure networking services (Virtual Networks, ExpressRoute, DNS, etc.).  
 
 
 
Proficiency in designing and implementing highly available and fault-tolerant network architectures on AWS and Azure platforms.  
 
 
 
Solid understanding of cloud-based networking concepts, including virtualization, software-defined networking, and network automation.  
 
 
 
Deep technical knowledge of network routing protocols (BGP), subnetting, network ARPs, VRF, and traceroute.  
 
 
 
Experience in technical writing and delivering documentation pertaining to network solutions and diagrams.  
 
 
 
Preferred:  
 
  
 
Advanced Education and Certifications:  
 
 
 
Master's degree in computer science or related field.  
 
 
 
Certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, CCSA, CCSE, PCNSE, F5 Certified Technical Specialist, or other relevant certifications.  
 
 
 
Additional certifications, such as AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty or Azure Network Engineer Associate, are a plus.  
 
 
 
Expertise in Palo Alto, AWS Network, and Check Point firewall engineering, architecture, and troubleshooting.  
 
 
 
Proficiency in F5 LTM and GTM load balancing.  
 
 
 
Strong influencing skills and the ability to drive change through collaboration.  
 
 
 
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
 
 
 
Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.  
 
 
 
Core Work Activities :
 
  
 
Technology Management:  
 
 
 
Lead the design, architecture, configuration, and deployment of cloud networks and load balancing solutions, specializing in Palo Alto, Checkpoint firewalls, and multi-cloud networks.  
 
 
 
Define strategy and roadmap, provide guidance, create standards and guidelines, and review architectural designs to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.  
 
 
 
Oversee the implementation of new systems in collaboration with cloud and data center network teams, ensuring optimal performance for hosting the client applications.  
 
 
 
Approve and supervise projects, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to project deadlines.  
 
 
 
Manage vendor relationships to ensure compliance with engineering design, network implementation, and technical support service obligations.  
 
 
 
Drive continuous improvement by presenting best practices, technical concepts, and innovative solutions for the client Data Center & Cloud Networks.  
 
 
 
Technical Leadership:  
 
 
 
Manage project schedules, risks, and costs effectively.  
 
 
 
Conduct training and mentorship programs for team members and peers.  
 
 
 
Foster cross-team relationships to collaboratively define services and meet service level requirements.  
 
 
 
Act as an escalation point for service delivery, technical design, and architectural issues.  
 
 
 
Identify opportunities to optimize and enhance service delivery processes proactively.  
 
 
 
IT Governance:  
 
 
 
Follow all defined standards and processes (e.g., IT Governance, SM&G, and Architecture).  
 
 
 
Provide input for process improvements as needed.  
 
 
 
Maintain a balance between business and operational risk.  
 
 
 
Adhere to defined project management standards and processes.  
 
 
 
TekWissen   Group is an equal opportunity Employer supporting workforce diversity.