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Data Center Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Apple's Data Center Networking team is responsible for all aspect of the Network Infrastructure, from Operations to Architecture, thats deployed globally across Apple's Data Centers and Edge ...

Apple's Data Center Networking team is responsible for all aspect of the Network Infrastructure, from Operations to Architecture, thats deployed globally across Apple's Data Centers and Edge ...

Braxton -Grant Technologies is looking for a Data Center Architect to aid in all aspects of data center design and implementation from network design through implementation, maintenance, and ...

Network Architect

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$69 - $92.50/hr

Brooklyn, NY, - Onsite role Duration: 12 months Network Architect will work with the Internet and Data Center Technologies team to evaluate current data center infrastructure and develop ...

Network Architect

Frederick, MD · On-site

$64.50 - $86.25/hr

Design and deploy colocation (Co-Lo) data center network infrastructure with high availability and redundancy. Required Skills: * Enterprise Network Architecture (L2/L3, Data Center, WAN). * Palo ...

Network Architect

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$64 - $85.75/hr

Contract Duration: Long Term Description The Network Architect is a member of a mission critical data center network design team based in Harrisburg, PA. The network architect will work ...

Network Architect

Dallas, TX · Hybrid

$64.25 - $86.25/hr

Network Architect Location: Dallas, TX/ Bellevue, WA Duration: 12+ Months Contract Senior ... Data center networking (Spine-Leaf, SDN, VXLAN) * Hybrid cloud networking (AWS/Azure/Google Cloud ...

Network Architect

Frederick, MD · On-site

$64.50 - $86.25/hr

Design and deploy colocation (Co-Lo) data center network infrastructure * Architect high availability (HA) and redundancy across data center environments * Plan and execute data center migration ...

Requisition Number: 105026 Network Architect - CCIE Required (Route & Switch/ Enterprise ... Data center networking, high availability design, and disaster recovery * Load balancing (F5 ...

Network Architect

Frederick, MD · Hybrid

$64.50 - $86.25/hr

MsoNormal">Plan and execute Data Center migration initiatives, including workload placement and transition strategies. * MsoNormal">Define Layer 2 and Layer 3 topology, including routing boundaries ...

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Data Center Network Architect information

See salary details

$103.5K

$133.2K

$172.5K

How much do data center network architect jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center network architect in the United States is $133,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $119,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Data Center Network Architect, you need deep expertise in network design, routing and switching, virtualization, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Cisco Nexus, VMware NSX, and certifications such as CCNP or CCIE are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help ensure efficient collaboration and issue resolution. These skills and qualities are crucial to designing secure, scalable, and reliable network infrastructures that support critical business operations.

What is the difference between Data Center Network Architect vs Network Engineer?

AspectData Center Network ArchitectNetwork Engineer
CertificationsCCNP, CCDP, Cisco CCNA Data CenterCCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigning and planning data center network infrastructureImplementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting networks
ResponsibilitiesHigh-level architecture design, capacity planning, technology selectionNetwork setup, configuration, monitoring, and support

The Data Center Network Architect focuses on designing and planning data center network infrastructure, ensuring scalability and security. In contrast, the Network Engineer handles the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of network systems. Both roles require relevant certifications and work closely within data center environments, but their core responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What is a Data Center Network Architect?

A Data Center Network Architect is an IT professional responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the network infrastructure within data centers. Their role involves ensuring high availability, scalability, and security of networks that support critical business applications and services. They work with technologies such as switches, routers, firewalls, and virtualization platforms to create efficient data flow and connectivity. Data Center Network Architects also collaborate with other IT teams to optimize performance and integrate new technologies as needed.

What are some common challenges Data Center Network Architects face when designing scalable network infrastructures?

Data Center Network Architects often encounter challenges such as balancing high availability with cost-effectiveness, ensuring network scalability to support future growth, and managing network security across complex, multi-vendor environments. Additionally, integrating new technologies like software-defined networking (SDN) and cloud connectivity while minimizing downtime can be demanding. Close collaboration with systems engineers, security teams, and operations staff is essential to successfully address these challenges and deliver robust solutions.
More about Data Center Network Architect jobs
What job categories do people searching Data Center Network Architect jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Data Center Network Architect jobs are:
Infographic showing various Data Center Network Architect job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 28% Full Time, 57% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,203 per year, or $64 per hour.
Data Center Network Architect

Data Center Network Architect

Apple

Bodega Bay, CA

$181K - $318K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Apple rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 661 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 30 rated technology retailers


Job description

Apple is where individual imaginations gather together, committing to the values that lead to great work. Every new product we build, service we create, or Apple Store experience we deliver is the result of us making each other’s ideas stronger. That happens because every one of us shares a belief that we can make something wonderful and share it with the world, changing lives for the better. It’s the diversity of our people and their thinking that inspires the innovation that runs through everything we do. When we bring everybody in, we can do the best work of our lives. Here, you’ll do more than join something - you’ll add something.
People at Apple don’t just build products - they craft the kind of experience that has revolutionized entire industries. The diverse collection of our people and their ideas encourage innovation in everything we do. Imagine what you could do here! Join Apple, and help us leave the world better than we found it.
Apple’s Network Infrastructure is a critical foundation in delivering Apple’s services (such as iCloud, iTunes, Siri, Maps) to billions of customers, and its employees. Apple’s Data Center Networking team is responsible for all aspect of the Network Infrastructure, from Operations to Architecture, thats deployed globally across Apple’s Data Centers and Edge locations. We are responsible for delivering a network that can match Apple’s scale, reliability and security goals.
We work closely with Apple’s other Infrastructure organizations, Hardware and Software Architecture teams to influence, build and operate Apple’s Infrastructure. Our influences can range anywhere from Data Center Network Fabrics to a Hardware System Design. We listen to different perspectives, help surface innovative ideas, and drive decisions that move us forward.
Description
As a part of the Data Center Network team, you will build and operationalize innovative products and solutions that will craft the hyper-scale network infrastructure for Apple. We are looking for candidates who have a strong passion in building sophisticated large scale systems for high performance and reliability with broad experience in distributed systems architecture and networking!
","responsibilities":"You will partner closely with network architects to bring Apple’s future network vision to life. You will meet with vendors, draft RFPs, qualify software and hardware, develop solutions, influence other Infrastructure teams, influence Hardware design decision, and provide integration plans.
This is a small group of engineers that have heavy influence in the future of Apple’s network.
Preferred Qualifications
10+ years experience in building, securing, and deploying large scale data center network environments
Engineering leadership experience
- Self-starter, self-motivated, self-directed, and self-sufficient. Drives ideas from inception to implementation
- Demonstrates consistent technical, organizational, and industry-level awareness.
- Technical presentation and communication skills with the ability to articulate concepts, designs and decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Software and Systems
- Experience with tooling development and software development lifecycle.
- Proficiency in one or more software languages (Swift, Golang, Python, etc)
Extensive understanding of public & private cloud networking architecture & compute virtualization technologies
Practical knowledge of high-performance compute and artificial intelligence networking
Experience with configuration management platforms (Puppet, Ansible, Salt, Chef, etc)
Minimum Qualifications
Expert-level routing and switching mastery
In-depth understanding of switching ASICs from multiple providers.
Understanding of multi-vendor & open source network operating system architecture and design
Sophisticated knowledge of TCP/IP, routing protocols, and large scale network features.
Familiarity with network performance tuning and optimization
Deep technical background in network-layer security mechanisms
Cloud-scale networking background
Experience deploying and scaling overlay networking technologies (VXLAN, GRE, IPSec, etc)
Familiarity with data center structured cabling, fiber plant, power, and cooling
Pay & Benefits
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $181,100 and $318,400, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

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About Apple

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Imagine what you could do here! At Apple, new ideas have a way of becoming extraordinary products, services, and customer experiences very quickly. Bring passion and dedication to your job and there's no telling what you could accomplish. Dynamic, intelligent people and inspiring, innovative technologies are the norm here. The people who work here have reinvented entire industries with all Apple Hardware products. The same real passion for innovation that goes into our products also applies to our practices strengthening our dedication to leave the world better than we found it.

Industry

Computer and electronic product manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cupertino, CA, US

Year founded

1976