BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
The Network Architect- JHB role at Optimal Growth Technologies requires an experienced professional to design, implement, and secure enterprise network architectures, focusing on network security, cloud networking, and infrastructure. Key responsibilities include creating high-availability network designs, managing firewalls and security, overseeing network administration, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Essential qualifications include a degree in a relevant field, certifications like Cisco CCNP/CCIE, and expertise in network protocols and security solutions.
Job Title: Network Architect- JHB Company: Optimal Growth Technologies
Job Summary
Optimal Growth Technologies is seeking a seasoned Network Architect with over a decade of experience in crafting, deploying, and safeguarding intricate enterprise networks. The ideal candidate should possess profound knowledge in network security, cloud networking, and enterprise infrastructure, guaranteeing the high availability, security, and scalability of network operations.
Key Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Design
Engineer and implement scalable, high-performance network architectures tailored for enterprise settings. Establish and enforce networking standards, policies, and best practices. Create secure, redundant, and high-availability network designs for data centers, branch offices, and cloud platforms. Assess and recommend network technologies, hardware, and software to maximize performance.
Firewall & Security
Configure, manage, and optimize next-generation firewalls and network security devices. Develop and implement firewall policies, rule sets, and security zones adhering to industry best practices. Perform firewall performance tuning, troubleshooting, and security audits. Deploy intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) solutions and enforce Zero Trust Network principles. Stay abreast of emerging technologies, threat intelligence, and security patches.
Network Administration & Optimization
Supervise the configuration, monitoring, and upkeep of enterprise LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and VPN infrastructures. Implement QoS, traffic shaping, and network segmentation to boost performance and security. Ensure redundancy, failover, and load balancing for mission-critical applications. Address complex network performance issues and lead root cause analyses.
Cloud & Hybrid Networking
Engineer and implement secure cloud networking solutions on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Integrate cloud-native security controls and firewalls. Deploy VPNs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and SD-WAN solutions for hybrid cloud connectivity. Ensure secure API and container-based networking within cloud and microservices environments.
Network Security & Compliance
Guarantee compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, PCI-DSS, GDPR, and other regulatory standards. Implement Zero Trust Security, Network Access Control (NAC), and micro-segmentation. Conduct vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and risk mitigation for network security. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to integrate SIEM (e.g., Splunk, Sentinel, QRadar) and threat intelligence solutions.
Network Automation & Monitoring
Deploy and manage network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios, Zabbix) for proactive issue detection. Automate network operations using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and REST APIs. Implement log management and correlation for security event detection. Optimize network configuration management using NCM and compliance reporting tools.
Technical Leadership & Documentation
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) for networking and security architectures. Offer mentorship and technical guidance to junior network engineers and security teams. Develop and maintain network diagrams, SOPs, technical documentation, and security policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Cloud, Security, DevOps, Infrastructure) to align network strategies with business goals.
Required Skills & Qualifications
Education & Certifications
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related field. Preferred: Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center) Advantageous: Fortinet NSE4/NSE7, Palo Alto PCNSE, AWS or Azure Networking Certifications (e.g., AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer Associate)
Technical Skills
Expert-level experience with enterprise firewall platforms and security policies. Strong expertise in network protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VXLAN, MPLS, SD-WAN). Experience with Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, and Aruba network solutions. Hands-on knowledge of Layer 2/3 switching, VLANs, STP, and redundancy protocols (HSRP, VRRP, GLBP). Proficiency in network security solutions (NGFW, IPS/IDS, SIEM, NAC, DDoS protection). Deep understanding of cloud networking (VPC, VNET Peering, Direct Connect, ExpressRoute). Scripting and automation skills in Python, Ansible, Terraform, or PowerShell.
Soft Skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Excellent communication, documentation, and stakeholder management skills. Ability to lead teams, mentor engineers, and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Self-motivated with a passion for cybersecurity, network engineering, and automation.
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