Principle Network Architect

Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principle Network Architect in New York, NY. Summary: Our client is seeking a Principle Network Architect to serve as the senior technical authority shaping enterprise network architecture, technology strategy, and major transformations across a complex global environment. This role operates at the intersection of enterprise architecture, advanced engineering, and technology strategy-defining long-term direction while remaining deeply comfortable engaging in complex technical implementation decisions. Key Responsibilities:

• Architecture & Strategy: Define and evolve enterprise network principles, reference architectures, and standards; Establish data center fabric strategies utilizing Cisco ACI and ensure seamless integration with the wider enterprise network
• Technical Authority: Lead architecture reviews and technical design discussions for major implementations, migrations, and modernization programs
• Escalation Support: Provide architecture-level guidance on highly complex or escalated network issues, ensuring durable remediation strategies
• Vendor & RFP Leadership: Lead complex RFPs, technology evaluations, and supplier selections; Critically evaluate and challenge vendor architectures to align with enterprise requirements
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, operations, cybersecurity, and business teams to deliver scalable, resilient, and secure network solutions; Mentor engineers and junior architects

Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, IT, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience
• Experience: 8+ years of network architecture/design experience and 15+ years of overall enterprise networking experience
• Core Technologies: Hands-on architecture and implementation experience with Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), Cisco IOS, enterprise wireless, Cisco Catalyst Center/DNAC, and Cisco SDA
• ACI Expertise: Deep knowledge of data center fabric architecture, including designing, deploying, and managing complex Cisco ACI environments (Multi-Pod, Multi-Site, or Tenant/Application profiles)
• Domain Breadth: Comprehensive expertise across LAN, WAN, data center, wireless, network security, and cloud connectivity
• Leadership & Influence: Proven ability to lead high-level technical discussions, build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and challenge vendor recommendations through technical reasoning

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certifications: Recognized industry credentials demonstrating advanced expertise, such as a CCIE (Data Center or Enterprise Infrastructure) or equivalent
• Environment: Experience evolving large-scale networks within manufacturing or mission-critical environments where operational continuity is vital
• Transformations: A track record of leading enterprise-wide migrations, segmentation, and software-defined network adoptions (Cisco ACI, SD-WAN)
• Secondary Tech: Familiarity with manufacturing/OT networking, firewalls, Cisco ISE, IPAM, private 5G, ServiceNow, and observability platforms
• Automation: Ability to leverage network automation and infrastructure-as-code (e.g., Python, Ansible, or Terraform for Cisco ACI provisioning) to improve network scalability and efficiency