Position Overview
Our client is seeking a Senior SD-WAN Network Architect to lead the design, implementation, and modernization of enterprise WAN environments. The position requires driving the deployment of resilient, scalable, and secure SD-WAN solutions while leading migrations from traditional WAN architectures to modern platforms. This is a full‑time, direct‑hire (permanent) position operating on a hybrid schedule, requiring three days on‑site each week in either New York, NY or Jersey City, NJ.
Core Responsibilities
- Provide architecture, design, and implementation expertise across Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN platforms.
- Lead comprehensive SD-WAN transformation initiatives from initial design phases through deployment and operational handoff.
- Design and implement complex enterprise routing and switching solutions using BGP, OSPF, IPSec, and Quality of Service (QoS).
- Develop comprehensive network segmentation strategies, policy frameworks, and multi-VRF architectures.
- Create and maintain detailed High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), and architectural decision documentation.
- Develop thorough network test plans and validation procedures to perform solution verification activities.
- Produce precise operational documentation, deployment records, and Day-2 support runbooks.
- Lead migrations from traditional legacy WAN architectures, including MPLS and DMVPN, to modern SD-WAN platforms.
- Integrate deployed SD-WAN solutions with next-generation firewall technologies and security architectures such as SASE and SSE.
- Design and implement high-availability cloud on-ramp connectivity for major cloud infrastructure platforms.
- Serve as the senior technical resource for complex troubleshooting escalations and deployment support.
- Partner and collaborate closely with Network Operations teams to support active production environments.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Extensive experience designing and implementing complex enterprise network architectures.
- Strong hands-on engineering experience with SD-WAN design and deployment.
- Technical proficiency working with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN, Juniper Mist WAN Assurance & Session Smart Router, and Arista VeloCloud SD-WAN.
- Advanced expertise in BGP routing and policy design, OSPF, IPSec, traffic engineering, and enterprise routing and switching.
- Proven success leading large-scale WAN modernization and migration projects.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
- Native or bilingual English language proficiency.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Experience with Git-based configuration management and version control workflows.
- Proficiency using Ansible for network automation and configuration management.
- Experience with Python scripting and API integration.
- Familiarity with diverse network automation and orchestration tools.
- Working knowledge of next-generation firewall technologies.
- Understanding of Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions.
- Experience with cloud networking frameworks and connectivity architectures.