Senior Principal, Network Engineering Architect

Position Summary

The J9HT Network Architect is responsible for the overall network architecture of the program. The Network Architect designs the program’s enterprise networking infrastructure, including cloud connectivity, software-defined networking (SDN), local and wide area networks (LAN/WAN), data centers, and network security systems. The Network Architect creates and communicates network infrastructure implementation and management plan with the team to ensure the network infrastructure is maintained.This role serves as the technical authority on network design, ensuring infrastructure is scalable, secure, highly available, and aligned with long-term business goals. The Network Architect shall closely work with Program Management ensuring technical deliverables meet customer goals and contractual obligations.They must also collaborate with the Program / Portfolio PMA on the solution and vision; ensuring alignment between J9HT and the broader portfolio vision.

This program focuses on designing, implementing, and maintaining a managed, high-assurance software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) architecture designed to deliver a unified, high-performance network foundation. The Network Architect will play a pivotal role in designing, implementing, and maintaining secure network infrastructures that are integral to our cyber development platforms. The role requires deep expertise in network architecture, combined with a strong understanding of platform operations, cyber defense, and security protocols.

Role Expectations

Typically has a University Degree (BA/BS) or equivalent experience and minimum 7 years of prior relevant experience.

Contributes to the development and implementation of architectural approaches for complex systems, platforms, or mission solutions within a program or technical domain.

Applies strong technical and systems-level knowledge to support the integration of technologies, capabilities, and components into cohesive solutions.

Collaborates with engineering teams and stakeholders to ensure architectural alignment with technical requirements and program objectives.

Communicates with internal stakeholders and may participate in customer-facing technical discussions related to system design and integration.

Provides architectural guidance on components or subsystems and supports the development of architectural standards, patterns, or practices.

Requires advanced knowledge of relevant technologies and system design principles typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Contract Specific Qualifications

Clearance: Must be able to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI Clearance

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Computer Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

7+ years of experience in network engineering and infrastructure design.

3+ years in a senior or lead network architect capacity within an enterprise environment.

3+ years experience in network engineering in support of federal agency.

Core Technical Knowledge:

SDN Concepts & Platforms: Deep hands-on experience with SDN controllers and fabric architectures, such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, Open Virtual Network (OVN), or cloud-native software-defined networking.

Underlay & Overlay Networking: Strong understanding of overlay networks (VXLAN, NVGRE, Geneve) and controller-driven orchestration.

Cloud Connectivity: Solid understanding of hybrid cloud architectures, transit gateways, virtual private clouds (VPC/VNet), and direct connectivity solutions (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute).

Government & Security Frameworks: Demonstrated knowledge of DoD/Federal security standards, including RMF, NIST 800-53, FedRAMP, and DISA STIG implementation.

Network & Hypervisor Virtualization: Experience with network virtualization and virtual switching across VMware (NSX, vSwitch/vDS) and Microsoft Hyper-V environments.

Routing & Switching: Advanced proficiency with traditional routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS).

Enterprise Hardware: Hands-on experience with enterprise networking equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, Fortinet).

Core Services: Deep familiarity with DNS, DHCP, IPAM, Load Balancing (F5, Citrix), and VPN technologies.

Soft Skills: Strong analytical problem-solving, project management skills, and the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Salary Range: $133,000 - $390,000