Data Center Network Architect

Job Summary:

The Data Center Network Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining data center network infrastructure that supports an organization’s critical operations. The role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to ensure the data center network aligns with business objectives, performance requirements, and scalability needs. The architect must also ensure that the network is secure, resilient, and capable of handling both current and future demands.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and Architecture:

• Develop and design scalable, high-performance data center network architectures, including LAN, WAN, and storage networking.
• Define network strategies that support business growth and technological advancement, ensuring alignment with best practices and industry standards.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies and tools to optimize the network infrastructure.

Network Implementation and Management:

• Lead the deployment of network solutions including switches, routers, load balancers, firewalls, and other network devices.
• Develop detailed network diagrams, configuration documents, and operational guidelines.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure seamless integration of cloud, virtualization, and on-premises data center networks.

Performance and Optimization:

• Monitor network performance and capacity, identifying bottlenecks and potential improvements.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex networking issues to ensure minimal downtime and high availability.
• Conduct periodic network assessments and audits to ensure optimal performance.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement robust security measures to safeguard the network against internal and external threats.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, GDPR).
• Collaborate with security teams to develop and implement disaster recovery plans and failover strategies.

Team Collaboration and Leadership:

• Work closely with other IT teams, including system administrators, cloud architects, and security engineers, to support the organization’s IT infrastructure.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior network engineers.
• Prepare and present proposals, cost analyses, and reports to senior leadership and stakeholders.

Vendor Management:

• Engage with network hardware and service providers to negotiate contracts, purchase equipment, and manage service level agreements (SLAs).
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and vendor roadmaps.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Relevant certifications such as Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), Cisco Certified Internetworking Expert (CCIE),  Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), or similar.

Experience:

• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in network engineering, with a focus on data center network design and architecture.
• Proven experience in designing and managing large-scale data center networks, including virtualization, cloud integration, and storage networking.

Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of network protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF, MPLS), network virtualization technologies (e.g., VXLAN, SDN), and data center technologies (e.g., Cisco Nexus, VMware NSX, HPE).
• Experience with network security, firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Strong understanding of cloud networking (e.g., AWS, Azure) and hybrid cloud architectures.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical solutions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) for network provisioning and configuration.

• Knowledge of storage networking, SAN/NAS architectures.

• Experience with load balancers, such as F5 or Citrix ADC.