Senior Network Architect / Network Engineer Specialist | Advanced Knowledge Tech LLC | Austin, TX

Position Summary:

Advanced Knowledge Tech LLC is seeking an experienced, highly technical, and accomplished Senior Network Architect / Network Engineer Specialist with 10+ years of enterprise network architecture and design experience to join our team on an onsite 12+ month contract in Austin, TX 78744. In this critical senior infrastructure role, you will spearhead designing complex enterprise networks, leading network modernization initiatives, establishing architecture governance, and implementing advanced Cisco routing, switching, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, SD-WAN, and cloud networking environments. You will work closely with cross-functional IT engineering squads, government agency stakeholders, and cybersecurity teams to ensure uncompromised network availability, zero trust security compliance, and robust automation. Ideal candidates bring CCIE certification, deep domain expertise in public sector networking, and immediate availability for onsite deployment in Austin.

Detailed Job Description:

As a Senior Network Architect / Network Engineer Specialist at Advanced Knowledge Tech LLC in Austin, TX, you will take full ownership of architecting, deploying, and governing mission-critical enterprise networks. Your day-to-day responsibilities encompass designing resilient WAN and data center architectures, configuring Cisco routing and switching platforms, managing BGP and OSPF routing protocols, and deploying Cisco ISE and network access control (NAC) frameworks. You will lead software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) and cloud networking integrations, implement infrastructure as code (IaC) and network automation scripts, and manage firewall and network security architectures. Working in a fast-paced public sector environment, you will coordinate vendor evaluations, mentor junior engineers, and ensure adherence to strict government cybersecurity baselines using tools like Infoblox, ThousandEyes, and SolarWinds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect, design, and deploy large-scale enterprise network infrastructures across data center and WAN environments.
• Lead network modernization initiatives, architecture governance, and lifecycle upgrade strategies.
• Configure and manage advanced routing and switching protocols, including BGP, OSPF, and MPLS.
• Design and implement software-defined WAN (SD-WAN) architectures and multi-cloud networking connectivity.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and Network Access Control (NAC) frameworks.
• Develop and implement network automation scripts and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) provisioning pipelines.
• Administer enterprise network security, firewall architectures, and Zero Trust network access models.
• Collaborate with government and public sector stakeholders to align network designs with regulatory compliance.
• Utilize advanced monitoring and diagnostic tools including Infoblox, ThousandEyes, and SolarWinds.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum 10+ years of professional experience in enterprise network architecture, design, and engineering.
• CCIE certification (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) strongly preferred / required.
• Deep technical mastery of Cisco routing, switching, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, WAN, and data center networking.
• 5+ years of hands-on professional experience with SD-WAN deployment and cloud networking architectures.
• Strong practical expertise with Cisco ISE, NAC, and enterprise network security/firewall frameworks.
• Proven background in driving network modernization, architecture governance, and infrastructure automation (IaC).
• Exceptional analytical, troubleshooting, and cross-functional stakeholder management skills.
• Professional availability for a 12+ month onsite contract deployment in Austin, TX 78744.

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Prior working experience designing and supporting government, defense, or public sector network infrastructures.
• Hands-on technical expertise with Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) fabrics.
• Professional experience implementing Zero Trust architecture principles in federal or state environments.
• Proficiency with IPAM and DNS/DHCP administration via Infoblox.
• Experience with network observability platforms such as ThousandEyes and SolarWinds.

Application Information:

• Salary/Rate: Competitive daily/hourly contract rate commensurate with experience
• Deadline: Open until filled
• Notice Period: Immediate to short notice preferred
• Contract Duration: 12+ Months Contract / Full-Time Onsite

Recruitment Pro Tip:

When applying for senior network architect roles requiring CCIE certification, ensure your resume explicitly details large-scale BGP/OSPF routing designs, SD-WAN migrations, and Cisco ISE security deployments.