Network Architect (Security)

Job Title:

Network Architect (Security)

Location:

Richmond, VA onsite

Duration :

3-6 months (Contract to hire)

Important Note:

Need candidates on below skillset: Palo Alto firewall or security (Must have) SD-WAN - Cisco Networking Top skills: Architect level- 15+ years of experience in enterprise networking Deep expertise in BGP routing and network design Strong hands-on experience with: Palo Alto Networks firewalls Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) Key Responsibilities Architecture & Design Lead design and implementation of enterprise and cloud networking architectures (Azure, AWS, hybrid) Develop and execute network consolidation strategies across multiple environments and business units Architect secure, scalable connectivity patterns including: Site-to-site and client VPNs SD-WAN deployments Cloud transit hubs and hub/spoke models Define standards for routing, segmentation, and high availability Cloud Networking Design and manage networking in Azure and familiarity AWS, and Google Cloud Platform.

Implement and maintain:

Virtual networks (VNets/VPCs) Peering and private connectivity (ExpressRoute, Direct Connect) Network security controls (NSGs, firewalls, routing tables) Integrate on-prem and cloud environments. Routing & Core Networking Design and troubleshoot complex routing environments using:

BGP, OSPF/EIGRP

Optimize routing policies for performance, failover, and traffic engineering Lead troubleshooting of latency, packet loss, and asymmetric routing issues Security & Firewalls Manage next-gen firewall solutions, primarily: Palo Alto Networks firewalls (PAN-OS, Panorama) Define and enforce security policies, NAT, and segmentation strategies Partner with security teams on threat mitigation and compliance requirements SD-WAN & Branch Networking Design and support SD-WAN solutions using: Cisco Viptela / Cisco SD-WAN Manage and optimize branch networking using: Cisco Meraki (full stack:

MX, MS, MR

) Ensure consistent policy, performance, and visibility across all sites Carrier & Vendor Management Act as primary technical liaison with telecom carriers and ISPs Lead troubleshooting of circuit issues (latency, outages, routing anomalies) Validate and design circuit turn-ups (DIA, MPLS, broadband, LTE/5G) Coordinate with vendors during deployments, escalations, and outages Operations & Leadership Serve as Tier 3 escalation point for network-related incidents Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance Develop and maintain documentation, standards, and runbooks Participate in on-call rotation as needed Required Qualifications Years of experience Architect level 15+ Deep expertise in BGP routing and network design Strong hands-on experience with: Palo Alto Networks firewalls Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) Cisco Meraki full stack Proven experience designing and implementing cloud networking architectures Strong troubleshooting skills across routing, firewall, and connectivity domains Experience working directly with telecom carriers and ISPs Preferred Qualifications Experience with: Multi-tenant or multi-environment network consolidation Certifications (preferred but not required):

CCNP/CCIE PCNSE

(Palo Alto) Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700) AWS Advanced Networking Specialty