Our client, an IT Services organization supporting commercial and federal clients is seeking a Network Architect responsible for the overall design, architecture, and technical direction of the modernized Cisco-based WAN/LAN/WLAN infrastructure. This role requires a strategic leader who can translate business, judicial, and compliance requirements into a secure, scalable, and resilient network architecture that integrates with external agencies and cloud services.

Key Responsibilities:
- Define the overall network architecture strategy and roadmap for statewide Cisco-based infrastructure modernization.
- Design WAN, LAN, and wireless solutions that meet performance, security, and scalability requirements.
- Develop high-level and detailed network design documentation, including topology diagrams, configurations, and implementation standards.
- Ensure secure integration with state, local, and federal agencies as well as cloud environments.
- Collaborate with project managers, cybersecurity analysts, and engineering teams to align designs with compliance (CJIS, NIST, etc.) and judicial branch requirements.
- Evaluate new networking technologies and solutions to enhance resiliency, performance, and security.
- Provide guidance on disaster recovery, business continuity, and high-availability network design.
- Oversee network capacity planning, performance monitoring strategies, and optimization.
- Serve as the senior technical authority for escalations during design, testing, and deployment.
- Guide the customer's engineering staff on best practices and design principles.

The initial contract is for 6 months with the potential to extend based on job performance and business needs. The selected Network Architect will be required to work 100% onsite Monday to Friday at the client's facility in East Hartford, CT.

Required Skills

Required Qualifications:
- Must be a US Citizen due to the nature of the role
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in network engineering and architecture.
- Deep expertise with Cisco networking technologies: routing, switching, wireless, firewalls, VPN, and network security solutions.
- Proven experience designing large-scale, multi-site WAN/LAN/WLAN infrastructures.
- Knowledge of hybrid/cloud connectivity and secure integration with third-party agencies.
- Strong understanding of network security standards and compliance requirements (NIST, CJIS, CIS Controls).
- Experience in highly regulated or government/public sector environments.
- Excellent documentation, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Relevant certifications: CCNP/CCIE, Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE), or equivalent.
- Experience supporting judicial, law enforcement, or public sector networks.
- Familiarity with SD-WAN, network segmentation, and Zero Trust architectures.
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.