Network Solutions Architect / Technical Architect

Job Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Technical Architect specialising in network infrastructure and security solutions to support our presales, solution design and technical project delivery activities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, planning and implementing enterprise network solutions, including conducting technical presales engagements, translating client requirements into technical proposals, preparing implementation plans and leading infrastructure deployments.

The role requires strong expertise in Cisco networking technologies, excellent client-facing communication skills and the ability to independently manage technical solutions from initial consultation through successful implementation.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct technical presales engagements to understand client requirements and recommend appropriate network and infrastructure solutions.

• Design enterprise network, infrastructure and security solutions based on client requirements and industry best practices.

• Prepare technical proposals, Statements of Work (SOW), Bills of Materials (BOM), solution designs and network diagrams.

• Conduct technical presentations, solution discussions, site assessments and feasibility studies.

• Evaluate technical requirements, implementation risks, solution compatibility and project scope.

• Provide technical recommendations for infrastructure improvements, upgrades and technology adoption.

• Lead the planning, design, implementation and deployment of network infrastructure and security solutions.

• Design, configure and implement Cisco networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls and wireless networking.

• Deploy and support Cisco Meraki, Firepower, Umbrella, Secure Endpoint and Duo solutions.

• Plan and execute network migrations, infrastructure upgrades and new deployments.

• Prepare detailed implementation plans, change requests, risk assessments, testing procedures and rollback plans.

• Coordinate technical project activities with clients, vendors and internal technical resources.

• Perform technical validation, troubleshooting and testing to ensure successful implementation.

• Ensure technical project deliverables meet agreed requirements, timelines and quality standards.

• Provide senior-level technical consultation and guidance on complex network and infrastructure matters.

• Act as a technical escalation point for advanced network, connectivity, firewall and infrastructure issues when required.

• Assist with troubleshooting and resolving complex technical incidents.

• Participate in rotational on-call support for critical technical incidents and escalations.

• Provide technical guidance and knowledge sharing to engineers when necessary.

• Develop and maintain high-level and low-level technical designs, network diagrams and infrastructure documentation.

• Prepare implementation plans, configuration records, project handover documents and technical knowledge articles.

• Ensure solutions comply with relevant technical, security and operational standards.

• Conduct technical risk assessments and recommend appropriate mitigation measures.

• Maintain awareness of emerging networking, cloud and cybersecurity technologies.

Job Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in network engineering, infrastructure architecture or technical solution delivery.

• Valid Cisco CCNA or CCNP certification.

• Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise network infrastructure solutions.

• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies, including routing, switching, firewalls and wireless networking.

• Experience in technical presales, solution design, client consultation and technical proposal preparation.

• Ability to independently develop Statements of Work, implementation plans, network diagrams and technical documentation.

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, routing protocols, network security and firewall technologies.

• Demonstrated experience leading network infrastructure implementations, migrations or technical deployments.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple technical assignments independently in a client-facing environment.

• Cisco CCNP certification or higher.

• Experience with Cisco Meraki, Firepower, Umbrella, Secure Endpoint and Duo.

• Previous experience in a Managed Service Provider (MSP), IT systems integrator or IT consultancy environment.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure, Microsoft 365 and hybrid infrastructure environments.

• Experience with network assessments, wireless surveys or Ekahau.

• Exposure to enterprise infrastructure solutions, including virtualisation and cloud networking.

• Experience delivering technical projects for multiple clients.

Skills

Analysis of Client Requirements, Network Design and Implementation, Pre-Sales Support, Infrastructure Upgrades, Cisco Technologies, Project Scope, Infrastructure Migrations, Network Development, Routing Protocols, Internet Solutions, Infrastructure Implementations, Stakeholder Management, Site Assessment and Analysis, Firewall Management