Network Architect

Job Description

Salary:

We are seeking a Network Architect to lead the design, implementation, and evolution of our IP core and edge network. As a locally owned telecommunications provider delivering high-quality internet, voice, and TV services, we operate a robust fiber and IP network across Central Wisconsin and beyond. Our network services team designs and maintains a high-availability infrastructure including core routing, transport, access networks, voice platforms, and security systems.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Architect, design, and maintain scalable Layer 2/3 network infrastructure, including core, distribution, and access layers

Serve as technical lead for BGP, OSPF, MPLS, EVPN, QoS, and peering relationships

Design and implement changes in Cisco IOS-XR, IOS-XE

and other network operating systems

Collaborate with transport, voice, and access team members

Support the provisioning and management of customer and internal services

Analyze network performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and lead root cause analysis for outages

Produce and maintain detailed documentation, diagrams, and change control records

Mentor network team and participate in planning for future growth

Qualifications/Preferred Experience

Successful track record leading or coordinating large-scale network migrations, core upgrades, or ISP backbone transformations, including risk mitigation and phased cutovers

Working knowledge of Layer 1 transport technologies, such as DWDM; understanding of fiber plant concepts and troubleshooting tools

Proficient with network telemetry and monitoring tools, and protocols such as SNMP, NetFlow/IPFIX, or syslog; able to design and deploy monitoring solutions or integrate with NOC tools

Familiarity with network automation and scripting, such as Python, Ansible, REST APIs, or templated config generation; bonus if used for provisioning or error reduction

Experience working in a telecommunications/ISP environment, with knowledge of industry-specific constraints like

vendor escalations, SLAs, and service layering

Understanding of IP address planning, NAT strategies, subnetting, IPv6 deployment, and interconnection design

Experience integrating or supporting datacenter infrastructure, including rack layout, structured cabling, out-of-band management, and environmental monitoring

Requirements

A bachelors degree in computer science or equivalent

10+ years of experience in network engineering within a Service Provider or Enterprise environment, with at least 3 years focused on architecture or core network design

Expert-level proficiency with Cisco hardware and software, including IOS-XE, and IOS-XR; must be able to independently configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, and interconnects across multiple layers of the OSI model

Deep, hands-on experience with dynamic routing protocols including full lifecycle design, implementation, and optimization of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and EVPN/VXLAN environments

Demonstrated expertise in designing high-availability architectures, including dual-homing, failover routing, and link aggregation for both internal and carrier networks

Comfortable producing and maintaining network documentation, diagrams, and change control records using tools like Visio, Lucidchart, NetBox, or equivalent

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of explaining complex designs to non-technical stakeholders and writing effective implementation plans and MOPs

Strong sense of ownership and accountability; able to lead projects from design through implementation, including collaboration with management, technical teams, and external vendors

Physical Requirements

Work environment will be a climate-controlled office setting

Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk and use a computer for prolonged periods

Performs repetitive hand motions such as typing, writing, and handling documents and equipment

Clear verbal communication and adequate hearing for conversations and meetings

Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less, including use of computers and paper documents

Frequently required to walk, reach, and grasp with hands and arms

Occasionally required to use ladders, stoop, kneel, bend, twist and lift/carry up to 50 pounds

Ability to perform physically exerting tasks with routine exposure to dust, dirt, and temperature extremes

Occasional travel to other Company, customer, or training locations may be required

Benefits:

401k with generous employer matching

Health, vision & dental insurance available immediately

Paid time off available immediately

Discounted employee services within our service area

Extremely competitive wages in the telecommunications industry

Solarus is an equal-opportunity employer.

About Us:

Solarus first began providing telephone service to Central Wisconsin residents in 1896. Over the years, our steadfast commitment to deliver innovative communication solutions has driven numerous technological advancements and facilitated substantial growth. Today, we are proud to offer a comprehensive service lineup consisting of residential and business High-Speed Internet, Voice, Video, Security and Home Automation solutions.

Solarus is owned by more than 900 local stockholders, who are all customers. Both the company and its 115+ employees are proud to give back to area schools, organizations, and community initiatives that align with our commitment to making Central Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and do business.

Full-time