Network Datacenter Architect - Exempt

Category:

Technical

City:

Jackson

State:

Tennessee

Shift:

8 - Day (United States of America)

Job Description Summary:

The Network Datacenter Architect is a senior-level technical leader responsible for the design, architecture, and strategic evolution of the organization’s datacenter networking infrastructure. This role ensures high availability, scalability, performance optimization, and security of both on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.

The architect operates at both strategic and tactical levels, translating business requirements into resilient, cost-effective network architectures while establishing standards, governance, and best practices. This position collaborates closely with infrastructure, security, cloud, and application teams to ensure alignment with enterprise IT strategy.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Design and architect enterprise datacenter network solutions including core, aggregation, and access layers.

• Develop scalable architectures supporting hybrid and multi-cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).

• Lead network modernization initiatives such as software-defined networking (SDN), network function virtualization (NFV), and intent-based networking.

• Architect high-availability solutions including redundancy, failover, disaster recovery, and business continuity.

• Define and enforce network standards, reference architectures, and design patterns.

• Oversee datacenter interconnects (DCI), WAN integration, and edge connectivity strategies.

• Design secure network architectures aligned with zero-trust and defense-in-depth principles.

• Evaluate and select networking technologies, vendors, and solutions.

• Provide technical leadership for large-scale deployments, migrations, and upgrades.

• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to integrate network security controls (firewalls, segmentation, IDS/IPS).

• Conduct capacity planning, performance tuning, and network optimization.

• Create and maintain detailed architectural documentation and diagrams.

• Act as escalation point for complex network issues and provide root cause analysis.

• Mentor engineering teams and influence technical direction across the organization.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE/EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Network Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION:

• Preferred certifications include: Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE- Data Center, Enterprise Infrastructure, or Security).

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Data Center or Enterprise)

• ITIL Foundation (or higher)

EXPERIENCE:

• 8–12+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture

• 5+ years specifically focused on datacenter networking design and implementation

• Proven experience designing large-scale, high-availability enterprise networks

• Hands-on experience with spine-leaf architectures and modern datacenter fabrics

• Experience with cloud networking and hybrid connectivity models

• Demonstrated experience leading complex infrastructure projects and migrations

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITES:

Technical Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of datacenter network architectures (Clos/Spine-Leaf, VXLAN EVPN)

• Strong understanding of routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, IS-IS)

• Experience with SDN technologies (Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, or equivalent)

• Advanced knowledge of network security design (segmentation, microsegmentation, firewalls)

• Familiarity with load balancing technologies (F5, Citrix ADC, etc.)

• Expertise in WAN technologies and SD-WAN solutions

• Knowledge of automation and orchestration tools (Ansible, Terraform, Python)

• Understanding of container networking (Kubernetes, service meshes)

• Experience with monitoring and observability tools (NetFlow, SNMP, telemetry)

Analytical & Design Skills:

• Strong systems thinking and architectural modeling capability

• Ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions

• Capacity planning and performance analysis expertise

• Risk assessment and mitigation planning

Documentation & Governance

• Ability to create high-quality architectural diagrams and documentation

• Establishment of standards, policies, and operational procedures

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Strong leadership and influence skills without direct authority

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to present to executive leadership

• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, security, and business stakeholders

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities under pressure

• Mentorship mindset with the ability to develop junior engineers

• High level of accountability, ownership, and professionalism

• Adaptability in a fast-evolving technology landscape

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders

• Proven leadership and mentoring capabilities

• High level of accountability and ownership

• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across teams (IT, Security, Compliance, Leadership)

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement

• Ability to remain composed and effective during high-pressure incident response situations

• Ethical mindset with a strong commitment to confidentiality and data protection

NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.