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