Senior Strategic Network Architect

Senior Strategic Network Architect

LOCATION: Pentagon - Washington, DC

SALARY RANGE: 150k - 170k

JOB STATUS: Full Time

CLEARANCE: Top Secret/SCI

TRAVEL: As Needed

Astrion has an exciting opportunity for a STRATEGIC NETWORK ARCHITECT - SENIOR located at the PENTAGON in Washington, DC.

This position will deliver professional management, system analysis, and technical assistance support services for daily Strategic Network Initiatives at Headquarters AF.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• STEM related bachelor's degree (master's degree is a plus)
• Bachelor's Degree and 6 to 12 years of directly related experience required.
• Ability to advise senior management (e.g., CIO) on cost/benefit analysis of AF IC Information Environment programs, policies, processes, and systems, and elements
• Network Architecture & Design: Design scalable, resilient, and secure enterprise network infrastructures; experience with hybrid and multi-cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, DoD Cloud); develop and implementing Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA)
• Network Security: Create and enforce network security policies and procedures; implement security measures aligned with DoD, IC, and Zero Trust principles; conduct network audits and compliance assessments (e.g., NIST, RMF)
• Performance, Reliability & Monitoring: Evaluate networks for performance, reliability, and scalability; use tools such as SolarWinds, Wireshark, or Splunk for monitoring and diagnostics; desig solutions to ensure high availability and minimal downtime
• Network Protocols & Services: In-depth knowledge of TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, DNS, DHCP, SNMP, and VLANs; understanding of routing, switching, and load balancing in enterprise settings;
• Project & Lifecycle Management: Manage multiple concurrent network projects through design to implementation; develop detailed project plans, milestones, and risk mitigation strategies; support modernization initiatives and digital transformation strategies
• Hardware & Software Expertise: Display familiarity with networking equipment (e.g., Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto); recommend and evaluate networking hardware/software for procurement
• Business Continuity & Recovery: Develop disaster recovery (DR) and business continuity plans (BCP); ensure rapid restoration during outages or cyber incidents
• Policy & Governance: Create and enforcing enterprise-wide network policies and standards; Align technical activities with Air Force and IC policies and governance structures
• Documentation & Technical Writing: Create and maintaining comprehensive network documentation; translate complex technical data into accessible documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Compliance & Risk Management: Maintain compliance with DoD and IC standards (e.g., DISA STIGs, DoD 8500-series); performing risk assessments and implementing mitigation measures

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS / SKILLS

• Working knowledge of USAF, DoD, and IC infrastructures.
• Knowledge of the Intelligence Community
• Experience working technical projects or innovation initiatives (e.g., technical writing, problem solving, policy analysis and development, project mgt)
• Knowledge of latest network technologies and topologies
• Analytical Skills, ability to perform needs analysis to determine opportunities for new and improved business process solutions.

RESPONSBILITIES:

This position will support the AF IC Chief Data Officer in advancing a major digital infrastructure transformation from hardware based industrial solutions and processes to software based digital processes.

• Develop and execute comprehensive network architecture strategies for HAF A2/6: Align network infrastructure with HAF A2/6 OI goals to support scalability, security, and performance across the IC

• Design and guide scalable, efficient, and secure network infrastructures: Ensure reliable connectivity and optimal resource utilization for enterprise applications and services

• Define and recommend enterprise-wide network policies and standards: Assert consistency, compliance, and operational efficiency across all network environments

• Implement Zero Trust Network Architecture Pillar: Ensure Network governance activities align with Zero Trust principles and requirements

• Develop and maintain network security policies and procedures to safeguard sensitive data and ensure accurate, consistent, and accessible information for effective network operations and supt: Safeguard sensitive data and ensure secure, reliable network operations by developing and maintaining comprehensive network security policies and procedures that promote accuracy, consistency, and accessibility of information

• Manage multiple concurrent network projects from design through implementation: Deliver high-quality solutions on time and within scope, aligned with network initiative and IC priorities

• Evaluate and recommend networking hardware, software, and services: Support strategic procurement decisions that improve functionality, security, and cost-effectiveness

• Analyze and evaluate network architecture for Modernization, performance, security and reliability: Analyze and evaluate network architecture to ensure optimal performance, robust security, and high reliability, supporting the organization's operational efficiency and strategic goals

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