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Chief Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

smart folks inc

Chief Platform Architect

Dallas, TX · On-site

Title: Chief Platfrom Architect Location: Dallas, TX Duration: Full-time The Chief Platform ... Networking & Security: VPC, NSG, firewalls, VPNs, hybrid connectivity. * Observability: Prometheus ...

NTT DATA Services

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$142K - $237K/yr

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US ... deployment and network operations. * Trains and motivates team members in latest technologies ...

NTT DATA Services

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$142K - $237K/yr

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US ... deployment and network operations. * Trains and motivates team members in latest technologies ...

NTT DATA Services

Chief Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$142K - $237K/yr

We are currently seeking a Chief Architect to join our team in Washington, District of Columbia (US ... deployment and network operations. * Trains and motivates team members in latest technologies ...

NACBA

Senior Actuary - Network

Woonsocket, RI · On-site

$118.45 - $260.59/hr

Discounts - Develop a quarterly, market-level discount review process to inform Regional Leads and Chief Network Officers of changes in benchmarking based on the latest view, identifying gaps and ...

New

NACBA

Senior Actuary - Network

Scottsdale, AZ · On-site

$156.35 - $260.59/hr

Discounts - Develop a quarterly, market-level discount review process to inform Regional Leads and Chief Network Officers of changes in benchmarking based on the latest view, identifying gaps and ...

New

GDIT

Chief Architect

Offutt Air Force Base, NE

As a Chief Architect, you will lead the development and curation of enterprise architectures using ... or network systems. * Architecture certifications, such as those recognized by the Object ...

NACBA

Senior Actuary - Network

Irving, TX · On-site

$118.45 - $260.59/hr

Discounts - Develop a quarterly, market-level discount review process to inform Regional Leads and Chief Network Officers of changes in benchmarking based on the latest view, identifying gaps and ...

New

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All JobsChief Network Architect Jobs

Chief Network Architect information

See salary details

$104.5K

$177.6K

$253K

How much do chief network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $177,571 per year, or $85.4 per hour.
Principal Engineer, Network Protocol Architect

Principal Engineer, Network Protocol Architect

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA

$180K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Network Protocol Architect
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, AMD, MediaTek and Intel, and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
The successful candidate will work with customers and Ayar Labs’ design teams to design co-packaged optical engines for scale-up and scale-out fabrics and extended memory. You are responsible for developing the specification for network/compute protocol stack layers. The candidate will represent Ayar Labs at Standard Setting Organizations (SSOs) and promote Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics. You will collaborate with the CTO office on pathfinding activities, and product and technology roadmaps.

Essential Functions
  • Using Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics as the foundational technology, work with customers and internal design teams to design co-packaged optical engines for scale-up and scale-out fabrics and extended memory.
  • Translate customer key interconnect specifications into protocol requirements to enable silicon photonic interconnects.
  • Architect and develop the specification of network/compute protocol stack layers (e.g., application, transaction, data link, and physical) in optical engines.
  • Participate on SSO workgroups at UALink, ESUN, OCP, OIF, and IEEE 802.3.
  • Participate in technology evangelization through customer presentations, conference papers, seminar/webinars.

Required Qualifications
  • B.S. degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering
  • Experience with memory semantic fabrics and networking protocols such as AXI, CHI, UALink, ESUN, Ethernet (e.g., 802.3dj), UCIe, PCI-SIG
  • Experience with architecture and design of AI compute systems such as OCI-MSA
  • Strong programming skills in Python and familiar with AI workflow agents such as Antigravity, Claude, etc.
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented
  • Can collaborate and work effectively with colleague across teams and projects
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualification
  • MS or Ph.D. degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering
  • Experience with AI inference models and system performance analysis (throughput, interactivity, TCO)
  • Experience with network topologies such as mesh, crossbar, folded Clos, TOR, Leaf-Spine, Torus, Dragonfly, and HyperX
  • Experience with Amazon AWS and Google Cloud platforms
Salary range: $180k - $250k
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don’t send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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