Senior Network Architect

Principal Network Architect

Job Type: Full-Time Location: Oakton, VA

Optomi, in partnership with one of our premier clients, is seeking a seasoned and versatile Principal Network Architect to lead high-impact networking initiatives across client environments. This is a visible and influential role, ideal for a technical leader who thrives at the intersection of solution design, client interaction, and execution excellence.

What the Right Candidate will Enjoy:

Lead transformative network initiatives across both public and private sectors!

Collaborate with some of the brightest minds in network engineering and architecture!

Work in a fast-paced, solution-oriented environment where innovation and autonomy are valued!

Experience of the Right Candidate:

U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain Public Trust or higher-level clearance.

8+ years of hands-on experience architecting, supporting, and implementing large-scale network solutions.

Cisco enterprise infrastructure, VRFs, IPSec/GRE Tunnels, WAP, and voice environments.

Experience in both Cloud and on-premise network environments, including disaster recovery and data center design.

Strong understanding of SD-WAN, network performance, and automation frameworks.

Experience leading triages, working closely with federal compliance teams, and briefing at the executive level.

Proficient with Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform) and network automation tools.

CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent certification.

Hands-on experience with Juniper network infrastructure.

Experience with BeyondTrust, Dynatrace, or related monitoring and privileged access platforms.

Responsibilities of the Right Candidate:

Lead the design, documentation, and delivery of enterprise-scale network solutions across hybrid environments.

Guide architecture decisions across routing, switching, SD-WAN, and automation technologies.

Translate business and operational requirements into secure, scalable network solutions.

Ensure governance, compliance, and documentation standards are met for each engagement.

Provide architecture oversight for high-profile federal projects based in Oakton, VA.

Serve as technical lead across multi-client engagements, including federal agencies and commercial entities.

Collaborate with Program Managers and SMEs to drive project alignment and delivery milestones.

Assign and rotate Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to optimize team performance across lifecycle phases.

Apply hands-on configuration and troubleshooting expertise with:

Routing & Switching (Cisco, Juniper)

SD-WAN (especially VeloCloud)

Network Automation (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting)

Legacy technologies (e.g., RAD/T1 Emulation)

Conduct system audits, performance assessments, and implementation planning for secure, resilient infrastructure.

Maintain a 60/40 blend of technical execution and high-level communication.

Brief executive leadership, sales teams, and partner orgs on architecture roadmaps and deployment strategies.

Summarize complex technical solutions for business stakeholders with clarity and precision.