Principal Network Architect Data Center & Hybrid Cloud (AWS)

Detailed Description From Employer:

Job Title: Principal Network Architect Data Center & Hybrid Cloud (AWS)
Location: Dallas, TX / Bellevue, WA (Hybrid)
Type: Contract Position (Long Term)

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Network Architect to lead the design, architecture, modernization, and

operational strategy of large-scale enterprise data center and hybrid cloud networking environments. This role is

responsible for defining next-generation network architecture standards across on-premises data centers and hybrid

cloud infrastructure with a strong focus on high availability, scalability, security, automation, and operational

excellence.

The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in enterprise and service-provider-grade networking technologies

including BGP, OSPF, MP-BGP EVPN, VXLAN, Cisco ACI, Spine-Leaf architectures, VLANs, Port-Channels/LACP,

AWS networking, SDN, and cloud connectivity architectures.

This is a senior technical leadership role requiring hands-on architectural capability, executive communication skills,

and the ability to guide engineering teams through complex transformation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Architecture & Design

• Design and evolve enterprise-scale Data Center and Hybrid Cloud network architectures.
• Lead architecture strategy for multi-site data centers, EVPN-VXLAN overlays, and AWS hybrid cloud integration.
• Develop HLDs, LLDs, standards, and reference architectures.

Routing & Switching Expertise

• Expert-level knowledge of BGP, MP-BGP EVPN, OSPF, ECMP, route redistribution, and policy-based routing.
• Troubleshoot complex routing and switching environments.

Data Center Networking

• Design and support Cisco ACI, VXLAN overlays, EVPN control planes, and Spine-Leaf fabrics.
• Deep understanding of tenants, bridge domains, VRFs, contracts, and policies.

Layer 2 Technologies

• Extensive expertise with VLANs, trunking, STP/RSTP/MST, EtherChannel, Port-Channel, LACP, VPC/MLAG, and

jumbo frames.

• Strong understanding of MAC learning, broadcast domains, and convergence behavior.

Hybrid Cloud & AWS Networking

• Architect hybrid cloud connectivity using AWS Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, VPNs, and BGP-based routing.
• Deep expertise with AWS VPCs, route tables, security groups, and multi-region networking.

Automation & Infrastructure as Code

• Drive network automation initiatives using Python, Ansible, Terraform, APIs, and GitOps methodologies.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Mentor engineers, lead design reviews, and interface with executive leadership and vendors.

Required Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive network engineering and architecture experience.
• 5+ years designing enterprise-scale data center and cloud networking solutions.
• Expert-level expertise in BGP, OSPF, MP-BGP EVPN, VXLAN, Cisco ACI, VLANs, Port-Channels/LACP, VRFs, and

Spine-Leaf architectures.

• Deep AWS networking expertise including VPC, Direct Connect, Transit Gateway, and hybrid routing.
• Strong troubleshooting, packet analysis, and operational capabilities.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus, Catalyst, Arista, or Juniper platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Kubernetes/container networking.
• Experience with SD-WAN and Zero Trust networking concepts.
• Multi-cloud networking experience preferred.
• Familiarity with network observability and telemetry platforms.

Preferred Certifications

• Cisco CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure or Data Center)
• Cisco CCNP Data Center
• AWS Certified Advanced Networking Specialty
• AWS Solutions Architect Professional
• VMware VCP-NV
• Juniper JNCIE (preferred)

Core Technology Stack

Cisco ACI, Cisco Nexus 9K, BGP, MP-BGP EVPN, VXLAN, OSPF, VLANs, Port-Channels/LACP, AWS Direct

Connect, Transit Gateway, Terraform, Ansible, Python, VMware NSX.