Job Description : Network Architect

Overview :

A Network Architect plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's network infrastructure. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate with various teams to ensure the efficient and reliable operation of IT network equipment.

Responsibilities :

- Design and Architecture : Develop comprehensive network solutions that meet the organization's network management requirements, including high availability, performance, scalability, and security. Create detailed architectural plans and documentation.

- Implementation : Oversee the deployment and configuration of network systems, ensuring they are integrated seamlessly with the existing infrastructure like server and storage infrastructure. Collaborate with IT staff to implement best practices.

- Maintenance and Optimization : Perform regular maintenance, monitoring, and tuning of network systems to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Identify and resolve issues proactively.

- Capacity Planning : Conduct capacity planning and forecasting to anticipate future network needs. Make recommendations for network hardware and software upgrades as necessary.

- Security : Implement and enforce security protocols as necessary and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies. Perform regular audits and vulnerability assessments.

- Disaster Recovery : Develop and maintain disaster recovery plans and procedures as necessary.

- Collaboration : Work closely with other infrastructure teams and application developers, to ensure a cohesive approach to network management.

- Documentation : Maintain comprehensive documentation of the network environment, including system configurations, procedures, and troubleshooting guides.

- Training and Support : Provide training and support to IT staff and end-users on network-related issues and best practices.

- Research and Development : Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies. Evaluate new products and solutions to determine their potential impact on the organization's network infrastructure.

Qualifications :

- Education : Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Advanced degrees and certifications are a plus.

- Experience : Proven experience in network architecture, design, and implementation. Familiarity with various network technologies, firewalls and vendors (e.g., Cisco).

- Technical Skills : Strong understanding of networking protocols, monitoring tools.

- Analytical Skills : Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills. Ability to diagnose and resolve complex technical issues.

- Communication Skills : Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

- Teamwork : Excellent collaboration and teamwork skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

- Project Management : Experience managing projects and leading cross-functional teams. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.

- Adaptability : Ability to adapt to changing technologies and evolving business requirements. Willingness to learn and grow professionally.

Preferred Skills :

- Certifications : Relevant networking certifications are highly desirable.

- Cloud Experience : Experience with cloud networking solutions and hybrid environments.

- Virtualization : Familiarity with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V).

- Performance Tuning : Expertise in performance tuning and optimization of networking systems.

- Security : Knowledge of security best practices and experience with data encryption and protection techniques.