Network Architect

The Vanguard Program provides transparent, interconnected systems and security support to the Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Diplomatic Technology (DT) technology programs. DT enables DOS to successfully carry out its foreign policy mission providing enterprise network engineering, operations and maintenance support services for desktop computing, servers, networks, firewalls, voice and data communications, infrastructure security, and other unique enterprise applications.

The Enterprise Infrastructure office has a Network Architect availability to translate business requirements into telecommunications (e.g., Voice, Data, VoIP, RoIP, LAN, WAN, and Video) requirements, designs, and orders. The successful candidate will possess outstanding interpersonal and executive level communication skills, emotional intelligence, proven thought leadership and technical guidance experience, and engineering analysis with respect to DOS’s global network infrastructure. The abilities to guide teams in conducting planning and execution of IT service enhancements, and integration qualities with a focus on security and operational readiness of all solutions; formulate concept of operations, define requirements, system architecture, analysis and design, interface, and data architecture, testing, validation and verification, system and operational performance analysis, lifecycle cost analysis and estimation, and decision analysis and resolution.

This role is hybrid and the number of days on site will be subject to government determination.

Description of Duties

Execute the duties and responsibilities as a senior member of the Vanguard team supporting the DT Bureau Enterprise Infrastructure Directorate. Provide senior level engineering design and architecture support to provide enterprise-level solutions using physical and virtual networking technologies, server hosting, and storage solutions. Provide white papers for technical systems solutions and incremental roadmaps. The Lead Network Engineer will have daily interactions with government clients related to meeting technical requirements for Data Center and Overseas infrastructure initiatives. Domain knowledge and technical decision-making will have a critical impact on overall project implementation and execution.

• Architect, engineer, and deploy enterprise solutions for 100K+ users.
• Work with customers to determine their functional needs, priorities, and develop/update roadmaps.
• Translate customer needs into hardware/software requirements.
• Provide technical direction for project team throughout SDLC.
• Assist in the development of Enterprise policies and directives.
• Participate in functional/user acceptance testing ensuring product meets customer's needs.
• Conduct Technical Exchange Meetings.
• Review and document functionality of existing legacy applications.
• Create technical specifications and white papers as required.
• Communicate regularly to government POCs regarding project activities and status.
• Plan, research, evaluate and recommend new equipment and related technologies.
• Develop contingency plans for infrastructure related software/hardware failures.

Required Education, Experience, Skills, & Attributes

• A bachelor’s degree in systems engineering, information technology, or related field and 12 years of experience; master’s degree in related technology field and 10-years of experience in network/system management; or 16+ years of general engineering experience with an emphasis in LAN/WAN engineering and support;
• Knowledge and experience in network/system engineering and security, routers, switches, and VPNs.
• Experience with VoIP/Wi-Fi design and implementation.
• Experience with global network operations, network/system integration, and network/system hardware.
• Must possess strong emotional intelligence, interpersonal and executive level communication skills.
• Must be able to work in a multivendor network.
• Working knowledge of IP subnetting, IP routing and troubleshooting IP-related issues.
• Knowledge of Data Center Architecture’s and designs for large scale Data Centers.
• Knowledge of Integrated Converged Stack infrastructure (i.e., VCE Vblock, FlexPod).
• Knowledge and experience with Large Scale Storage Area Network Systems (Design, Build, Operate).
• Knowledge and experience with VMware (Design, Build, Operate).
• Knowledge of IP Networking VPN’s, switching, and routing.
• Knowledge of Software Defined Data Center (SDDC) concepts and principles.
• Knowledge of Microsoft File Systems, Operating Systems and Applications.
• Knowledge and experience with Microsoft OS systems.
• Systems Engineering background with understanding of Cloud Computing Reference Architecture.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Travel Requirements

• Candidate must be willing to: travel within the Washington DC Metro area to support various program initiatives; support a rotational on-call posture after normal working hours in response to technical support requests; and travel within and outside the continental United States, if required (not to exceed 10%).

Required Clearance

• US Citizenship
• Active Top Secret Clearance with the ability to obtain TS/SCI

Desired Experience, Skills, & Attributes

• Experience with Nortel/AVAYA and Cisco PBX products.
• Familiar with the setup, configuration, and maintenance of Network Monitoring tools.
• Knowledge of network security, infrastructure protection and possess an active CISSP certification.
• Familiarity with DOS environment (data and voice networks, IT systems, policies, and procedures), Foreign Affairs Handbook (FAH), Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).
• VMware: VCP 5+ Certified, working knowledge of SRM, VCOPS, SMVI, VCAC
• Networking: Design knowledge and experience with Cisco Network components (switches, routers), Certifications (i.e., CCNA-DC, CCNP) CISCO training 7000/5000/1000.
• Compute: Design knowledge of Cisco UCS technologies and HP blade technologies. Maintain server/blade hardware include failed component replacement.
• Storage: Design knowledge of EMC Storage Area Network arrays and associated storage systems. Working knowledge with Recover Point, Viper, VCE vision.
• Virtual Desktop: Design knowledge and experience with Virtual Desktop Infrastructures.
• ITIL v4 Foundations certificate.
• Current and active PMP certification by PMI.
• Prior experience working within the Department of State will be considered as a significant plus.