Cloud Network Architect

The Cloud Network Architect designs secure, resilient, scalable, and cost-effective network solutions across Azure, AWS, on-premises data centers, and enterprise locations. The role establishes architecture standards, leads to complex migrations, and partners with security, platform, application, and operations teams to deliver reliable hybrid and multi-cloud connectivity.

About Cognizant's CIS Practice:

Cognizant's CIS (Cognizant Infrastructure Services) Practice is a global leader in providing IT infrastructure services. We deliver innovative solutions to optimize and transform IT infrastructure, ensuring business agility and operational efficiency. Our services include cloud computing, data center management, network services, and cybersecurity. We focus on understanding client needs and delivering customized solutions to drive business success.

In this role, you will:

• Design target-state network architectures for Azure and AWS, including multi-account and multi-subscription environments.
• Architect hub-and-spoke, transit, shared-services, and segmented landing-zone network patterns.
• Design hybrid connectivity using Azure ExpressRoute, AWS Direct Connect, site-to-site VPN, SD-WAN, and redundant carrier paths.
• Define routing, IP address management, DNS, load balancing, ingress/egress, NAT, firewall, proxy, and network segmentation standards.
• Implement secure connectivity using Azure Firewall, Network Security Groups, Web Application Firewall, AWS Network Firewall, Security Groups, Network ACLs, and centralized inspection patterns.
• Lead network discovery, dependency mapping, migration planning, cutover design, performance validation, and operational handover.
• Create architecture diagrams, high-level and low-level designs, implementation standards, decision records, and disaster-recovery patterns.
• Automate provisioning and policy enforcement using Terraform or Bicep/ARM and AWS CloudFormation; integrate changes with CI/CD and version control.
• Establish monitoring and troubleshooting practices using Azure Monitor, Network Watcher, AWS CloudWatch, VPC Flow Logs, and centralized logging platforms.
• Provide technical leadership for incident resolution, root-cause analysis, capacity planning, cost optimization, and architecture governance.

What you'll need to succeed:

• Bachelor''s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Technology, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of enterprise network engineering experience, including 4+ years designing Azure and AWS network solutions.
• Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, DNS, DHCP, NAT, VPN, TLS, load balancing, firewalls, proxies, and network segmentation.
• Hands-on architecture experience with Azure Virtual Network, peering, Virtual WAN, ExpressRoute, Private Link, Private DNS, Application Gateway, and Azure Load Balancer.
• Hands-on architecture experience with Amazon VPC, Transit Gateway, Direct Connect, PrivateLink, Route 53, Elastic Load Balancing, and AWS Global Accelerator.
• Experience with infrastructure as code, Git-based delivery, CI/CD pipelines, cloud governance, and enterprise security controls.
• Ability to communicate architecture decisions, risks, trade-offs, and implementation guidance to technical and business stakeholders.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate or Azure Solutions Architect Expert.
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking - Specialty or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Professional.
• Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Aviatrix, VMware NSX, or equivalent networking certifications and experience.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Additional employment information

Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants for US based positions must be currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The company is unable to provide employment-based immigration sponsorship for US based positions.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com for roles based in the Americas or CareersIndia2@cognizant.com for roles based in India.

About Cognizant:

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.