Network Solution Architect

Network Solution Architect

Our client, a leading global supplier for IT services, requires Network Solution Architect to be based at their client’s office in Coventry, UK.

This is a hybrid role – you can work remotely in the UK and attend the Coventry office 2-3 days per week .

This is a 6+ month temporary contract to start asap

Day rate: Competitive Market rate

Key Responsibilities

1. Design & Documentation:
• Design and document enterprise network architectures for LAN, WAN, WLAN, and cloud networking environments.
• Develop and maintain network roadmaps and standards aligned with business and IT strategy.
• Lead network design for data centers, cloud integrations, and hybrid environments.
• Create High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), network topology diagrams, and documentation of network standards and procedures.
2. Performance, Scalability & Security:
• Ensure scalability, reliability, performance, and security of network infrastructure.
• Oversee network capacity and resilience plans.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, infrastructure, and application teams to ensure end-to-end solution integrity.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, tools, and vendors to improve infrastructure.
3. Governance & Stakeholder Engagement:
• Actively engage in the architectural governance process to gain appropriate approvals for designs.
• Provide architectural oversight during implementation projects, ensuring alignment with technical and business objectives.
• Lead technical design workshops and influence senior stakeholders for key decisions.
4. Technical Oversight & Troubleshooting:
• Provide expertise and oversight in resolving complex networking issues and escalations.
• Document and update network architecture standards, ensuring continuous alignment with business needs and compliance requirements.
5. Security & Compliance Integration:
• Integrate security principles, such as Zero Trust, segmentation, and NAC (Network Access Control) into network designs.
• Ensure network designs comply with relevant standards and frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR, etc.
6. Cloud Integration & Virtualization:
• Lead network design for cloud-based infrastructures, including AWS, Azure, and GCP environments.
• Ensure seamless integration of hybrid and multi-cloud networks and services.
• Develop automation tools and scripts to streamline network management and operational efficiency (e.g., Terraform, Ansible).
7. Monitoring & Incident Response:
• Implement network performance monitoring systems, such as SolarWinds or Cisco DNA Center, to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Design incident response strategies and ensure timely detection and resolution of network-related security incidents.

Key Requirements

1. Networking Technologies:
• Expert knowledge of IP networking protocols including IPv4/IPv6, routing, switching, subnetting, VLANs, NAT, QoS.
• Proficiency in BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, STP, VXLAN, DNS, and DHCP.
• Familiarity with SDN (Software-Defined Networking) and SD-WAN technologies such as Cisco Viptela, Meraki, VMware NSX, Fortinet.
• Experience with VPNs and secure remote access solutions.
• In-depth understanding of wireless networking design, optimization, and troubleshooting.
• Expertise in load balancing, firewalls, and proxy solutions (e.g., F5, Palo Alto, Cisco ASA).
2. Security & Compliance:
• Knowledge of security integration principles such as Zero Trust, segmentation, and NAC.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR).
• Proven experience in ensuring network designs meet compliance and data protection standards.
3. Cloud & Virtualization:
• Experience with cloud networking services (e.g., AWS Transit Gateway, Azure VNet, GCP VPC, ExpressRoute).
• Understanding of hybrid and multi-cloud networking and governance.
• Exposure to virtual networking, network automation tools, and scripting languages (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, Python).
4. Experience Requirements:
• 7-10+ years of experience in network engineering, with at least 3-5 years in an architecture/design role.
• Proven experience designing large-scale, complex enterprise networks.
• Demonstrated ability to produce architectural artefacts (HLDs, LLDs, network diagrams).
• Experience leading technical design workshops and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Expertise in vendor selection, cost optimization, and project management.
5. Certifications & Education:
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certifications (preferable or equivalent experience):
• Cisco: CCNP / CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center).
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking / Azure Network Engineer Associate.
• TOGAF, ITIL, or equivalent enterprise architecture framework.
• Security certifications (CISSP, CCSP) beneficial.
6. Soft Skills & Attributes:
• Strategic thinking and strong analytical skills.
• Excellent communication skills to translate complex technical designs for non-technical stakeholders.
• Leadership and mentoring capabilities, with experience guiding teams.
• Strong documentation and presentation skills.
• Ability to balance innovation with operational practicality.
• Experience in managing vendor relationships and key stakeholders.
• A continuous learning mindset to keep up with the evolving network technologies and trends.
7. Deliverables:
• Network Architecture Blueprints and Roadmaps.
• High-Level and Low-Level Design Documents.
• Network Standards and Configuration Templates.
• Capacity and Resilience Plans.
• Risk Assessments and Security Architecture Inputs.
• Technical Design Authority (TDA) artefacts and governance reports.

Due to the volume of applications received, unfortunately we cannot respond to everyone.

If you do not hear back from us within 7 days of sending your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion.

Please do keep an eye on our website https://projectrecruit.com/jobs/ for future roles.