Profile/Role Description

The Azure Network Architect will provide network support for project/program management activities, work with teams to identify designs to meet requirements, perform implementations and operationalize new and existing functionalities in the environment. The Azure Network Architect will review the environment for efficiencies and recommend solutions to enhanced efficiency and functionality in the environment. The Azure Network Architect will ensure that solutions are compliant with the AFS security standards, all documentation is updated, and will perform/support operations during handover of new functionality.  The Azure Network Architect should have:

– A strong understanding of networking concepts, protocols, and technologies, as well as experience in designing and implementing complex network solutions.
– Skills in network security, cloud networking, virtualization, and automation
– Strong communication and problem-solving skills are also essential for effectively collaborating with diverse teams and addressing complex networking challenges.
– Expertise in areas such as routing and switching, network security (firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention), cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), network automation (using tools like Ansible or Puppet), and experience with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools.
– Understanding of components including Azure Virtual Networks, Subnets, Network Security Groups, Azure Load Balancer, Azure VPN Gateway, Azure DNS, and Azure Traffic Manager. This would include how to design, implement, and manage these components effectively within the Azure environment.
– Strong project management skills and the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders are also crucial for success in this role.

Minimum skills and qualifications: 
Please indicate the skills and qualifications that are required and the minimum level to be considered (i.e., minimum 1 year of hands-on Java programming; Bachelor’s Degree).

Do the Basic Qualifications meet the LCAT requirements?
                              

1. US Citizen on US soil (required)
2. 5 year(s) of expert level experience in LAN technologies (switches, routers, wireless and firewalls) including centralized monitoring and management in large-scale, high-availability environments
3. 4 year(s) of experience in large scale LAN/WAN switching and routing implementation and operation with specific knowledge of VLAN, VPN and Metro Ethernet networking
4. 2 year(s) of experience in IT infrastructure, TCP/IP, networking and information system security principles, practices and technologies
5. 2 year(s) of experience working with core Internet routing protocols and services
6. 2 year(s) of experience working with Juniper SRX firewalls
7. 2 year(s) of experience working with F5 configuration and principles
8. 2 year(s) of experience working with Palo Alto virtual firewall and Panorama Central Support solutions
9. 1 year(s) of experience with QoS and LAN traffic management techniques
10. 2 year(s) of hands on experience in Cloud operations and/or systems administration
• Experience with cloud migration
• Relevant cloud certifications such as Microsoft Certified Azure Solutions Architect or AWS Cloud Practitioner
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with cloud solutions
11. 1 year(s) of experience with Solarwinds monitoring platforms

Preferred skills and qualifications:
Please indicate the soft skills and qualifications that you would prefer to see, but that are not required (i.e. good communication (written and oral) skills & organizational skills). 

1.  Support the design, build, test and deployment of solutions to integrate disparate networks with AFS IT
2.  Meet with stakeholders to review requirements; map scope into design/architecture
3.  Work support tickets, make changes where necessary using the CR process
4.  Escalate issues/concerns with the Initiative
5.  Provide network support to configure and test the solution
6.  Ensure standards and requirements are met through conducting quality assurance tests
7.  Develop/transition operational processes and procedures for Ops teams to support solution
8.  CCNP or CCIE preferred