ARCHITECT - Data Networking

Job Description (JD) 

 Network Architect (Data, Routing, Switching & Firewall)

Position Title

Network Architect, Data Networks, Routing, Switching & Security

Location

Bangalore / Hybrid / Remote (as applicable)

Experience

12+ to 18+ Years in Enterprise Network Architecture, Design, Implementation, and Operations

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect to lead the design, implementation, modernization, and governance of enterprise network infrastructure across Data Center, WAN, LAN, Routing, Switching, and Firewall technologies. The ideal candidate will be responsible for defining network architecture standards, driving transformational initiatives, ensuring network security, and providing technical leadership for large-scale enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Design

• Design scalable, secure, and highly available enterprise network architectures.
• Define network standards, reference architectures, and best practices.
• Lead network transformation initiatives including cloud connectivity and SD-WAN adoption.
• Create High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD) documentation.
• Architect solutions for data centers, branch offices, and cloud environments.

Routing & Switching

• Design and manage complex enterprise routing environments.
• Strong expertise in:
  • BGP
  • OSPF
  • EIGRP
  • MPLS
  • VRF
  • VXLAN
  • EVPN
• Develop network segmentation strategies and optimize traffic flow.
• Architect resilient WAN and LAN connectivity solutions.

Data Center Networking

• Design and optimize data center network infrastructure.
• Experience with:
  • Spine-Leaf Architecture
  • Cisco ACI
  • Nexus Platforms
  • Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
  • Load Balancers
  • Storage Networking
• Ensure high availability and disaster recovery readiness.

Firewall & Network Security

• Design and govern firewall architectures and security controls.
• Hands-on experience with:
  • Palo Alto
  • Fortinet
  • Check Point
  • Cisco Firepower
• Implement:
  • IPS/IDS
  • VPN Solutions
  • Zero Trust Architecture
  • Network Segmentation
  • Micro-segmentation
• Conduct security reviews and risk assessments.

Cloud Networking

• Design hybrid and multi-cloud networking solutions for:
  • Microsoft Azure
  • AWS
  • Google Cloud Platform (GCP)
• Implement:
  • ExpressRoute
  • Direct Connect
  • Site-to-Site VPN
  • Transit Gateway
  • Cloud Firewall Solutions
• Support cloud migration and modernization initiatives.

Operations & Governance

• Provide L3/L4 escalation support for critical incidents.
• Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and problem management activities.
• Drive continuous service improvements and automation initiatives.
• Establish monitoring, observability, and performance management frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with security and regulatory standards.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the technical authority for network technologies.
• Mentor engineers and technical leads.
• Engage with customers, vendors, and leadership teams.
• Support solutioning, estimations, and pre-sales activities.
• Present architecture reviews and technology roadmaps to stakeholders.

Required Technical Skills

Networking Technologies

• TCP/IP
• IPv4 / IPv6
• DNS / DHCP
• NAT
• QoS
• Multicast

Routing Protocols

• BGP
• OSPF
• EIGRP
• MPLS
• VRF-Lite

Switching Technologies

• STP/RSTP/MSTP
• VLANs
• VPC
• Port Channels
• VXLAN
• EVPN

Firewall & Security

• Palo Alto
• Fortinet
• Check Point
• Cisco ASA / Firepower
• IPS/IDS
• VPN
• NAC Solutions

Cloud Networking

• Azure Networking
• AWS Networking
• Hybrid Connectivity
• SD-WAN

Monitoring & Automation

• SolarWinds
• LogicMonitor
• PRTG
• ThousandEyes
• NetFlow
• SNMP
• Ansible
• Python
• Terraform

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree preferred.

Preferred Certifications

• CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
• CCNP Enterprise
• Palo Alto PCNSE
• Fortinet NSE
• Azure Network Engineer Associate
• AWS Advanced Networking Specialty
• CISSP (Preferred)

Key Competencies

• Enterprise Network Architecture
• Strategic Planning
• Technical Leadership
• Problem Solving
• Customer Engagement
• Risk Management
• Disaster Recovery Planning
• Excellent Communication & Presentation Skills