A Network Engineer or Architect designs and builds computer network systems, including software and hardware. Runs program and system tests, solves technical problems and maintains the network system. Designs and analyzes computer network models.
Primarily Onsite — occasional remote work may be permitted
Openings:
1
Engagement Type:
Contract /
Contingent Labor Work Authorization:
U.S. Citizen or Legal Resident required
Interview Process:
2 Rounds — Virtual + In-Person NDGCS is seeking an experienced Network Architect / Senior Network Engineer to support enterprise networking initiatives at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. The selected professional will serve as a senior technical resource responsible for enterprise network architecture, infrastructure modernization, engineering, automation, resiliency, security, and operational excellence. The majority of the work will be performed onsite at the downtown Columbia campus. Position Overview The Network Architect will provide advanced engineering expertise for critical enterprise networking projects, modernization of aging infrastructure, development of technical standards, and improvement of network reliability, scalability, security, and operational efficiency. The role will collaborate with Enterprise Architecture, Network Operations, Information Security, Cloud Services, Facilities Planning, vendors, contractors, project teams, and other stakeholders to design, implement, optimize, and support the University's enterprise networking environment. Key Responsibilities Define and advance the long-term technical vision and architecture for the enterprise data network. Design scalable, secure, resilient, and highly available enterprise network solutions. Provide architecture and engineering leadership across: LAN/WAN Enterprise wireless Data center networking Cloud and hybrid networking
VPN/SASE
Firewalls Network Access Control (NAC) Network security Lead complex network infrastructure modernization and implementation projects. Develop enterprise network standards, reference architectures, technical roadmaps, lifecycle recommendations, diagrams, and engineering documentation. Translate institutional, business, and technical requirements into network designs and implementation strategies. Lead infrastructure lifecycle planning, capacity planning, resiliency improvements, and remediation of aging or at-risk infrastructure. Develop and improve network automation, orchestration, scripting, and Infrastructure as Code practices. Implement and enhance enterprise monitoring, observability, telemetry, analytics, alerting, capacity monitoring, and operational metrics. Serve as a senior technical resource and Tier III escalation point for complex network incidents and engineering issues. Perform advanced troubleshooting and provide architecture-level technical guidance. Evaluate emerging networking technologies and provide technical recommendations for procurement and long-term infrastructure investments. Coordinate with Network Operations, Information Security, facilities teams, consultants, vendors, contractors, and other technical stakeholders. Provide technical mentoring, documentation, knowledge transfer, and engineering guidance to operational teams. Participate in maintenance windows and after-hours support when required.
Required Qualifications Candidates must have:
4+ years of enterprise network architecture and engineering experience in complex, mission-critical environments. 4+ years of LAN/WAN experience , including: Juniper enterprise routing and switching TCP/IP Enterprise routing protocols
DNS DHCP IPAM
4+ years leading complex network architecture and engineering initiatives from requirements and design through implementation, troubleshooting, and operational transition. 4+ years of enterprise infrastructure modernization, lifecycle planning, capacity planning, resiliency, and high-availability design. 4+ years of network security architecture experience involving: Fortinet firewalls
VPN/SASE
technologies Network Access Control Network segmentation Security policy implementation Experience with cloud and hybrid networking, including AWS and/or Microsoft Azure . 4+ years of network automation, orchestration, scripting, and Infrastructure as Code experience. 4+ years of enterprise network monitoring, observability, analytics, metrics, and performance-management experience.
Pay:
$60.00 - $70.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance Health insurance Vision insurance
Experience:
network architecture: 10 years (Required) AWS and/or Microsoft Azure.: 10 years (Required)
