Senior Network Architect

The Senior Network Architect - Software Networking will lead the architecture, design, and enterprise integration of software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities across the Department of Defense Information Network (DoDIN). This role is responsible for translating mission requirements into secure, scalable network architectures that align with DoD enterprise standards and enable operational readiness. This role sits at the intersection of mission and engineering, ensuring that software-defined capabilities across the DoDIN are not just designed but deliver operational advantage at scale.


ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Enterprise Architecture & Design

· Lead end-to-end design of SDN architectures across DoDIN enclaves (CONUS/OCONUS)

· Develop high-level (HLD) and low-level designs (LLD) for software-defined environments

· Define network segmentation, policy enforcement, and zero trust architecture patterns

· Ensure interoperability with DoDIN enterprise services and transport layers


Software Defined Networking (SDN) Leadership

· Architect and guide deployment of SDN solutions including Cisco SD-WAN / SDA and VMware NSX or equivalent

· Define controller-based architectures, orchestration, and policy frameworks

· Establish automation strategies using APIs, Ansible, and infrastructure-as-code

· Drive standardization of SDN templates, configurations, and deployment models


Cybersecurity & Compliance

· Ensure designs align with RMF (Risk Management Framework), Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) STIGs and Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles

· Lead ATO package development and system accreditation support

· Integrate security controls into architecture (encryption, segmentation, identity enforcement)


DoDIN Integration & Stakeholder Engagement

· Interface with DoDIN operations (NOCs/SOCs), engineering teams and government technical authorities (e.g., TWH, ISSM, PMO)

· Translate mission needs into technical solutions aligned with DoD enterprise direction

· Provide technical leadership during design reviews, PMO syncs, and IPT engagements


Technical Leadership & Delivery Excellence

· Serve as lead architect across programs and task orders

· Mentor engineers and provide technical oversight for implementation teams

· Validate solutions in lab environments (e.g., integration labs, C5I environments)

· Drive delivery discipline ensuring designs are executable, supportable, and scalable


Documentation & Governance

· Produce and maintain architecture diagrams, design packages (HLD/LLD) and implementation and validation plans

· Support configuration control boards (CCB) and engineering review boards

· Provide inputs to executive briefings and technical white papers

Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
10+ years of experience in enterprise network architecture and DoD or federal network environments
5+ years of experience designing or implementing Software Defined Networking (SDN) and large-scale enterprise network transformations
Demonstrated experience supporting DoDIN or equivalent mission-critical networks
Strategic thinker with strong systems-level perspective
Ability to translate mission needs into technical architecture
Strong leadership and mentorship capability
Excellent communication with executive and technical stakeholders
Proven ability to deliver in high-tempo, mission-critical environments
Active Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible preferred
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Deep expertise in Routing & Switching (BGP, OSPF, MPLS) and network segmentation/security architecture

· Hands-on experience with Cisco SD-WAN / SDA, Cisco ISE or identity-based networking and firewalls (FTD, Palo Alto, etc.)

· Experience with Automation (Ansible, Python, REST APIs), Virtualization and cloud networking (VMware, AWS GovCloud, Azure Gov)


CERTIFICATIONS:

· DoD 8570/8140 IAT Level III or IAM Level II: CompTIA Security+ (minimum baseline)

· Preferred:

o Cisco CCNP or CCIE (Enterprise/Security)

o VMware VCP-NV

o CISSP


PREFERRED SKILLS:

· Master’s degree

· Experience supporting SD-WAN at scale (multi-site / enterprise deployments)

· Familiarity with Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) implementations and identity services (e.g., Cisco ISE)

· Experience in lab-based validation environments (e.g., integration labs, staging environments)

· Prior support in federal environments


LOCATION AND TRAVEL:

Hybrid schedule: Must reside in DC metropolitan area or be willing to travel regularly to client or lab environments for design cutovers/incident responses.