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Chief Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Chief Network Architect

Herndon, VA · On-site

$66.50 - $89.25/hr

As the Chief Network Architect, you serve as the final technical authority for the project's network infrastructure, translating mission and Service Level Agreement (SLA) objectives into coherent ...

mcts

NETWORK ARCHITECT

Milwaukee, WI

$82K - $97K/yr

Chief Information Officer Salary Range: $82,500- $97,000 **Employment eligibility to work for ... The Network Architect is responsible for the design, modernization, maintenance, monitoring ...

mcts

NETWORK ARCHITECT

Milwaukee, WI

$82K - $97K/yr

Chief Information Officer Salary Range: $82,500- $97,000 **Employment eligibility to work for ... The Network Architect is responsible for the design, modernization, maintenance, monitoring ...

Procom Services

Network Architect

New York, NY

$70.75 - $95/hr

... Network Services Risk Management & Compliance Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Security ... The Chief Technical Architect designates the IT Architect as a member of the technical architecture ...

Peraton

SITEC - Network Architect - MacDill AFB

Tampa, FL · On-site

$112K - $179K/yr

... CIO/J6 organization, and ultimately the end-user who operate around the globe 24x7x365. The SOF ... The Network Architect shall comprehensively review existing architectures on a regular basis ...

One Partner

Senior Network Architect

Kingsport, TN · On-site

The Senior Network Architect (SNA) is responsible for leading the process that aligns the ... The SNA works closely with the CTO and serves as a subject matter expert (SME), possessing a broad ...

Leidos

Senior Network Delivery Architect

Columbia, MD · On-site

Work with DigMod CTO organization to leverage and create sandbox, demonstration environments for ... Architect enterprise and mission-scale network solutions leveraging multi-cloud connectivity ...

Leidos

Senior Network Delivery Architect

Newark, NJ · On-site

Work with DigMod CTO organization to leverage and create sandbox, demonstration environments for ... Architect enterprise and mission-scale network solutions leveraging multi-cloud connectivity ...

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Chief Network Architect information

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$104.5K

$177.6K

$253K

How much do chief network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief network architect in the United States is $177,571.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $150,000.00 and $195,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Chief Network Architect do?

A Chief Network Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s data communications networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They develop high-level network strategies, ensure network security, and oversee upgrades to meet business needs. Additionally, they collaborate with other IT professionals and executive leadership to align network infrastructure with organizational goals. This role often involves evaluating new networking technologies and leading teams of network engineers.

How does a Chief Network Architect typically collaborate with other IT leaders and departments within an organization?

A Chief Network Architect works closely with IT leadership, such as CIOs, CTOs, and security officers, to align network strategies with business goals and security requirements. They often lead cross-functional teams, coordinating with network engineers, security analysts, and application developers to design scalable, secure, and reliable network infrastructures. Regular meetings and project reviews are common to ensure all stakeholders are informed and that solutions meet organizational needs. This collaborative approach helps bridge technical and business objectives, making strong communication and leadership skills essential in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chief Network Architect, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Network Architect, you need deep expertise in network design, protocols, cybersecurity, and infrastructure, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science or a related field. Proficiency with network management tools, cloud platforms, and certifications such as Cisco CCIE or AWS Certified Solutions Architect is highly valued. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and align network solutions with business objectives. These capabilities are critical for building secure, scalable networks that support organizational growth and technological innovation.

What is the difference between Chief Network Architect vs Network Engineer?

AspectChief Network ArchitectNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field; certifications like CCNP, CCIE, or Cisco Certified ArchitectBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, design, and oversight of network infrastructure at an organizational levelImplementation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of network systems
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in large enterprises, telecom companies, and organizations with complex networksCommon across various industries, including IT firms, service providers, and corporate IT departments

The Chief Network Architect focuses on designing and overseeing the entire network infrastructure, often at a strategic level, while the Network Engineer handles the day-to-day implementation and maintenance of network systems. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

More about Chief Network Architect jobs
What job categories do people searching Chief Network Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Chief Network Architect jobs are:
Chief Network Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Network Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 6% As Needed, 39% Full Time, and 52% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.
Chief Network Architect

Chief Network Architect

Akima, LLC

Herndon, VA • On-site

$66.50 - $89.25/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 16 days ago

Akima rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

247th of 352 rated engineering

Job description

As the Chief Network Architect, you serve as the final technical authority for the project's network infrastructure, translating mission and Service Level Agreement (SLA) objectives into coherent wired and wireless reference architectures.
Responsibilities
  • You will chair the technical portions of Preliminary and Critical Integration Reviews (PIR/CIR), adjudicating risks and providing authoritative sign-off on integration strategies and redlines.
  • Working alongside the Director of Engineering, you will design ISP/OSP pathways and rack elevations in strict accordance with TIA/BICSI standards, integrating power, grounding, and labeling requirements.
  • You are responsible for verifying complex redundancy, failover, and QoS/NAC behaviors to meet established entrance and exit criteria, ensuring the interoperability and future-proofing of all designs.
  • During the implementation phase, you will translate qualified baselines into installable field configurations, adjudicate technical deviations during Systems Acceptance Testing (SAT), and lead technical adjudication during qualification.
  • Your SME-level oversight ensures the durability of design decisions, rapid resolution of defects, and the maintenance of design integrity to prevent failures during witness periods.
  • Provides functional and empirical analysis related to the planning, design, installation, and implementation of the network infrastructure.
  • Performs maintenance of file servers and network devices including the restoration of hardware and software. Anticipates and mitigates potential attacks through network or other connections to ensure the security of the system. Works with end users and vendors to resolve network hardware and software issues.
  • May develop and administer end-user training to achieve efficient utilization of LAN/WAN.
  • Reviews progress and evaluates results. Performs work independently. Considered a high-level specialist who regularly interacts and works with senior management. Uses advanced techniques, theories, and processes to complete work.

Qualifications
  • *An active DoD Secret clearance is required for consideration*
  • Bachelor's degree and 10-12 years of relevant experience; four additional years of applicable work experience may be substituted for a degree.
  • Expert-level knowledge of network architecture, including ISP/OSP pathways, rack elevations, and TIA/BICSI standards.
  • Demonstrated experience in translating high-level mission requirements into technical reference architectures with a focus on redundancy, failover, and security protocols (QoS/NAC).
  • Must hold and maintain active technical certifications in accordance with DoD 8140/DCWF (e.g., Security+).
  • Leadership & Authority: Proven experience in chairing technical reviews (PIR/CIR), adjudicating complex technical risks, and providing authoritative sign-off on enterprise-level engineering documents.
  • Operational Oversight: Experience overseeing on-site technicians in the configuration, maintenance, and vulnerability management of operational networks and communications systems.

Preferred:
  • Prior experience supporting similar Air Force modernization programs.

Job ID
2026-22757
Work Type
On-Site
Company Description
Work Where it Matters
Tundra Federal, an Akima company, is not just another federal IT contractor. As an Alaska Native Corporation (ANC), our mission and purpose extend beyond our exciting federal projects as we support our shareholder communities in Alaska.
At Tundra Federal, the work you do every day makes a difference in the lives of our 15,000 Iñupiat shareholders, a group of Alaska natives from one of the most remote and harshest environments in the United States.
For our shareholders, Tundra Federal provides support and employment opportunities and contributes to the survival of a culture that has thrived above the Arctic Circle for more than 10,000 years.
For our government customers, Tundra Federal delivers agile information technology solutions to implement and evolve IT infrastructures to achieve and advance functionality, efficiency, security, and compliance.
As a Tundra Federal employee, you will be surrounded by a challenging, yet supportive work environment that is committed to innovation and diversity, two of our most important values. You will also have access to our comprehensive benefits and competitive pay in addition to growth opportunities and excellent retirement options.

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About Akima

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As an Alaska Native Corporation headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Akima is dedicated to delivering superior outcomes for our customers’ missions while simultaneously creating a long-lived asset for our Iñupiat shareholders. Akima maintains a portfolio of small businesses, 8(a) companies, and operating companies that deliver simplified and accelerated access to the products and services agencies need to ensure mission success.

Industry

Specialty trade contractors

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Herndon, VA, US

Year founded

1995

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