Nakupuna Solutions is seeking a Network Architect. The Network Architect is responsible for designing, planning, and implementing enterprise-level network solutions while ensuring scalability, security, and optimal performance of network infrastructure to meet organizational objectives and policy requirements.

The following duties reflect management's definition of essential functions for this job but do not restrict the tasks that might be assigned. Management may assign additional duties and responsibilities at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

Architecture and Design:

• Design and update network structures based on input and requirements from system owners and C5ISR leadership.
• Provide oversight of network projects to ensure compatibility and alignment of functions across the enterprise.
• Create and update network diagrams in coordination with system owners and stakeholders.
• Provide recommendations and solutions to leadership for overcoming problems and to identify and exploit opportunities.
• Design, update, and maintain disaster mitigation and recovery plans.
• Work with cybersecurity officials to secure and harden networks as well as to ensure patches are implemented and recorded.

Strategic Planning:

• Create roadmaps for implementing requested technologies or updates.
• Plan network upgrades and determine requirements for stakeholders.
• Lead technical initiatives across the network.

Technical Leadership:

• Provide technical direction and provide solutions to issues that network engineers are not able to resolve.
• Consult and provide guidance to network engineers; review design work and identify issues before they are implemented.
• Support studies to determine feasibility of proofs of concept and other prototyping efforts, if supported by leadership.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Network Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Required certifications including Security+ CE. Other certifications desired but not required, such as:
  • Network+
  • SecurityX / CASP+
  • CCNP Security
  • CISA
  • FITSP-O
  • GICSP
  • SSCP
• 8+ years of network engineering experience
• 5+ years of architecture experience
• Relevant certifications such as:
  • Cisco CCIE (Routing & Switching, Security)
  • CISSP
  • AWS/Azure/Cloud Certifications
  • TOGAF
  • Professional Architecture Certifications

Skills/Qualifications:

Technical Skills:

• Expert knowledge of networking protocols
• Advanced routing and switching
• Network security architecture
• Cloud networking concepts
• Software-defined networking
• Virtualization technologies
• Network automation
• Performance optimization

Architecture Skills:

• Enterprise architecture principles
• Solution design methodology
• Technical documentation
• Risk assessment
• Capacity planning
• Performance analysis
• Security frameworks
• Cost optimization

Clearance Requirements: Active TS/SCI security clearance required. Must be a U.S. citizen.

Location: Aberdeen, MD

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum, be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergencies.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and work on a computer.

The Nakupuna Companies use a market-based compensation strategy to ensure that our employees are compensated within applicable market ranges commensurate with multiple factors, including but not limited to the individual’s particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability, organizational requirements, and position location. The projected compensation range for this position is $161,500.00 to $182,000.00 (annualized USD). The salary range displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Nakupuna Companies total compensation package for employees.