Network Architect

Title: Network Architect Location: Tampa, FL (Onsite) Duration: 12+ Months (Contract) Experience: 10+ Years Citizenship: USC Only

Role Overview

As a key member of the Network Architect team, you’ll be responsible for ensuring the agency’s network communications remain secure, reliable, and stable. This includes maintaining 24/7 access to external resources, safeguarding connectivity with external entities, and supporting mission-critical operations year-round.

Responsibilities

• Manage and ensure high availability of Wide Area Networks (WANs) spanning two data centers and multiple remote sites.

• Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot Cisco LAN, WAN, and wireless technologies including Cisco WLC, Catalyst (IOS), and Nexus Series platforms.

• Design and support network systems including LAN, WAN, intranet, and internet connections to meet business and security requirements.

• Maintain network hardware: configuration updates, software testing, and lifecycle refreshes.

• Collaborate with ISD teams to resolve server, client, or application connectivity and performance issues.

• Monitor, optimize, and troubleshoot network connectivity and traffic using management and monitoring tools.

• Enforce security policies, monitor access, and ensure adherence to compliance standards.

• Maintain detailed network configuration documentation and update as devices are added or retired.

• Analyze requirements and develop technology roadmaps to align with agency goals.

• Perform network modeling, capacity planning, budgeting, and performance analysis.

• Plan and implement network systems, migrations, upgrades, and disaster recovery solutions.

• Research emerging technologies to recommend future improvements.

• Audit infrastructure to ensure compliance with Sheriff’s Office/CJIS standards.

• Manage and resolve tickets within SLA timelines.

• Provide mentorship to junior team members and participate in an on-call rotation.

• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

• Required Skills & Knowledge

• Strong expertise in system network design, architecture, and management.

• Proficiency in OSI layers, Wi-Fi, IPSec, EIGRP, DNS/DHCP, and firewall security.

• Hands-on experience with Cisco Network Systems, DNS appliances, and enterprise firewalls.

• Familiarity with SDN (e.g., VMware), SNMP protocols, and tools such as WireShark, NetScout, Network Performance Monitor.

• Ability to perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot connectivity/performance issues.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP).

• 10+ years of enterprise-scale network administration and architecture experience.

• Expertise in Cisco Routing & Switching and internet routing protocols.

• Disaster recovery design and implementation experience.

• Knowledge of DDoS attacks, mitigation strategies, and best practices.

• Familiarity with Linux and Windows operating systems.

• Experience with virtualization technologies (e.g., VMware vSphere).

• Demonstrated ability in network design and optimization.