Network Architect

Network Architect (SME) Location: Suitland, MD – Hybrid (2 days/week onsite) 6 months Contract to hire Role Overview We are seeking a Network Architect (SME) to support a large-scale federal modernization program. This is a hands-on architecture role focused on designing secure, scalable, and resilient enterprise networks across cloud and on-premises environments . Key Responsibilities: Design and implement enterprise network architectures for mission-critical systems. Develop network diagrams, routing, segmentation, connectivity, capacity, and resiliency designs. Architect hybrid cloud/on-premises network solutions. Define network standards, reference architectures, and target-state roadmaps. Conduct architecture reviews, compliance assessments, and implementation-readiness reviews. Identify network gaps, technical debt, performance issues, and modernization opportunities. Collaborate with cloud, cybersecurity, identity, infrastructure, application, and ITSM teams. Support implementation, testing, migration, troubleshooting, and operational handoff. Document technical decisions, designs, risks, dependencies, and standards. Requirements: 12+ years of network engineering experience with significant enterprise architecture responsibility. Strong knowledge of TCP/IP, routing/switching, segmentation, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, load balancing, resiliency, monitoring, and network security . Hands-on experience with network design, implementation, testing, and troubleshooting. Experience with cloud and on-premises/hybrid environments . Strong communication and technical documentation skills. U.S. Citizenship required. Preferred Certifications: CCIE, CCNP, JNCIP, AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer, Security+, CISSP, or TOGAF.