BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
The Network Architect- Midrand role involves designing, deploying, and securing complex enterprise network systems, focusing on network architecture, firewall and security management, network administration, cloud and hybrid networking, and network security compliance. The ideal candidate should have over a decade of expertise in these areas, possess relevant certifications, and demonstrate strong technical and leadership skills.
Job Title: Network Architect- Midrand Company: Optimal Growth Technologies
Description
We are seeking a Network Architect with over a decade of expertise in the design, deployment, and fortification of intricate enterprise network systems. The successful candidate should possess a profound understanding of network security, cloud networking, and enterprise infrastructure, ensuring the utmost in network availability, security, and scalability.
Key Responsibilities
Network Architecture & Design
Develop and implement robust, high-performance network architectures tailored for enterprise settings. Establish and enforce networking standards, policies, and best practices. Engineer secure, redundant, and high-availability network designs for data centers, branch offices, and cloud environments. Assess and recommend optimal network technologies, hardware, and software.
Firewall & Security
Configure, manage, and optimize next-generation firewalls and network security devices. Create and implement firewall policies, rule sets, and security zones based on industry best practices. Perform firewall performance tuning, troubleshooting, and security audits. Deploy intrusion detection and prevention (IDS/IPS) solutions and uphold Zero Trust Network principles. Keep abreast of emerging technologies, threat intelligence, and security patches.
Network Administration & Optimization
Oversee the configuration, monitoring, and upkeep of enterprise LAN, WAN, MPLS, SD-WAN, and VPN infrastructures. Implement QoS, traffic shaping, and network segmentation to bolster performance and security. Ensure network redundancy, failover, and load balancing for critical applications. Troubleshoot complex network performance issues and lead root cause analysis.
Cloud & Hybrid Networking
Architect and deploy secure cloud networking solutions on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Integrate cloud-native security controls and firewalls. Implement VPNs, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect, and SD-WAN solutions for seamless hybrid cloud connectivity. Ensure secure API and container-based networking within cloud and microservices environments.
Network Security & Compliance
Ensure 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
Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) for networking and security architectures. Provide 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. Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise, Security, or Data Center) Preferred Fortinet NSE4/NSE7 Advantageous Palo Alto PCNSE Advantageous 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.
APPLY FROM SOURCE
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