Network Architect

Job Description This is a remote position. Overview This is a remote consulting opportunity supporting a government client. Subcontractor Opportunity: This is not an employee position. The successful consultant must be incorporated and able to provide services through their corporation. Role Summary The Network Architect provides strategic and technical leadership across enterprise network and connectivity environments, designing and governing secure, high-performance network architectures that support enterprise operations and modernization initiatives. The role is responsible for defining future-state network architecture spanning on-premise, cloud, and hybrid environments while ensuring alignment with enterprise priorities, service delivery requirements, and transformation goals. Key Responsibilities Define and maintain enterprise network architecture strategy, principles, and target-state designs across LAN, WAN, cloud, and hybrid environments Develop and maintain multi-year network roadmaps aligned to enterprise priorities Provide direction and oversight to network engineering and infrastructure teams to ensure consistency with architecture standards Lead modernization of network environments including SD-WAN, edge computing, and cloud networking integration Design and implement hybrid connectivity solutions across on-premise and cloud platforms Define network security architecture including segmentation strategies, zero-trust principles, and secure access models Integrate advanced security platforms such as Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks into network designs Ensure network solutions comply with organizational security policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards Design and support network architectures for cloud platforms including Azure, AWS, and hybrid environments Support development of business cases, cost models, and funding submissions for network investments Provide technical input into procurement strategies, RFP development, and vendor evaluations Identify and assess network risks including performance bottlenecks, security exposure, and scalability limitations Provide expert advisory services to senior leadership and technical teams on network strategy and design Key Deliverables Enterprise network architecture strategy and target-state designs Network standards, reference architectures, and design patterns Network design reviews, assessments, and recommendations Business case inputs and cost models for network initiatives Governance artifacts supporting architecture review and enterprise intake Risk assessments and performance optimization recommendations Requirements Qualifications Education and Certifications Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred Industry certifications such as Cisco CCNP or CCIE, Palo Alto Networks PCNSE, Juniper JNCIE, or equivalent preferred Cloud networking certifications for Azure, AWS, or GCP considered an asset Additional security certifications such as CISSP or CISM considered an asset Experience Proven experience designing and implementing large-scale enterprise network architectures Strong expertise in routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, and load-balancing technologies Experience with SD-WAN, cloud networking, and network virtualization solutions Strong understanding of network security protocols and zero-trust architectures Experience integrating advanced network security platforms such as Zscaler and Palo Alto Networks Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional network initiatives from concept to delivery Experience working in hybrid cloud and distributed environments Familiarity with satellite or remote connectivity solutions considered an asset