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Data Center Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Insight

Network Architect - CCIE Required

$155K/yr

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

Xinnovit

Network Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

$66.75 - $89.50/hr

Network Architect (XIN001_JC5X) Xinnovit is a global leader in technology consulting, outsourcing ... In addition, there is a Data Center Network Refresh implementation services during the 1st 6 months ...

Dollartree

Network Architect

Chesapeake, VA · Hybrid

$63 - $84.25/hr

Data center (leaf-spine, EVPN/VXLAN) * Cloud networking (Azure, GCP, OCI, hybrid) * Align network architecture with enterprise, security, and cloud strategies * Support business-critical environments ...

GDH

Data Center Architect with Cloud Vision

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Role Summary The role involves designing, implementing, and supporting data center networking ... Extensive knowledge of switching technologies, network architecture design, and high availability ...

Distro

Network Architect

Springfield, IL · Hybrid

$64.25 - $86/hr

Title: Senior Data Center Network Engineer Location:Springfiedl, Illinois (Onsite/Hybrid ... to Zero Trust architecture and security-focused network design 7. Experience working with ...

Distro

Network Architect

Springfield, IL · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

Title: Senior Data Center Network Engineer Location:Springfiedl, Illinois (Onsite/Hybrid ... to Zero Trust architecture and security-focused network design 7. Experience working with ...

Distro

Network Architect

Springfield, IL · On-site

$90 - $100/hr

Title: Senior Data Center Network Engineer Location:Springfiedl, Illinois (Onsite/Hybrid ... to Zero Trust architecture and security-focused network design 7. Experience working with ...

Nabors Industries

Network Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

$61.75 - $82.75/hr

Network Architect I The Network Architect I is an early-career architecture role responsible for ... Exposure to SD-WAN, cloud networking (Azure/AWS), and data center networking. * Experience with ...

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Data Center Network Architect information

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$103.5K

$133.2K

$172.5K

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

As of Jun 30, 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:
Data Center Network Architect jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Center Network Architect job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,203 per year, or $64 per hour.

Senior Network Architect AI Infrastructure & Data Center Networks

Cyber 1 Armor

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Senior Network Architect AI Infrastructure & Data Center Networks
Location: Santa Clara, CA (Hybrid) - Contract
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Network Architect to lead the design, architecture, and evolution of large-scale AI/ML, data center, and backbone network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in high-performance networking, multi-terabit WAN architectures, EVPN/VXLAN fabrics, network automation, and cloud-scale infrastructure supporting AI workloads.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design and architect large-scale AI/ML data center networks and high-capacity WAN infrastructure.
  • Lead deployment of EVPN/VXLAN fabrics supporting GPU clusters and AI training environments.
  • Drive network scalability, reliability, performance, and automation initiatives across global infrastructure.
  • Design and optimize low-latency, high-throughput networks supporting RDMA/RoCE workloads.
  • Develop network automation solutions using Python, Ansible, Terraform/OpenTofu, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Define network standards, operational processes, observability frameworks, and reliability best practices.
  • Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, systems, and AI engineering teams on strategic architecture initiatives.
  • Lead troubleshooting and performance optimization for large-scale production environments.
  • Mentor engineers and contribute to technical leadership, documentation, and architecture reviews.
Required Qualifications
  • 15+ years of experience in Network Architecture, Network Engineering, or Network Reliability Engineering.
  • Deep expertise with:
    • BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, MPLS
    • EVPN/VXLAN
    • Data Center Networking
    • WAN and Backbone Architecture
    • AI/ML Infrastructure Networking
    • Network Performance and Capacity Planning
  • Strong experience with Juniper, Arista, Cisco, and multi-vendor environments.
  • Hands-on experience with Linux administration and network automation.
  • Strong scripting/programming skills in Python, Go, Bash, or similar languages.
  • Experience with Infrastructure-as-Code and automation frameworks (Ansible, Terraform/OpenTofu, Pulumi).
  • Experience building highly available, scalable cloud and data center networks.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting AI training clusters, GPU fabrics, or HPC environments.
  • Knowledge of PTP, RDMA, RoCEv2, and low-latency networking technologies.
  • Experience with network observability platforms such as Kentik, ThousandEyes, Zabbix, Nagios, or similar.
  • Exposure to AWS, Google Cloud Platform, and hybrid cloud networking architectures.
  • Experience leading architecture reviews and cross-functional infrastructure programs.
Nice to Have
  • Experience with large-scale hyperscaler environments.
  • Participation in industry organizations such as NANOG, RIPE, or Internet Society.
  • Background supporting multi-terabit AI or research infrastructure environments.
Ideal Candidate Profile: Someone very similar to E.J. Sahala-strong network architecture background, AI/ML data center networking experience, EVPN/VXLAN expertise, automation-first mindset, and proven success operating at hyperscale environments such as Meta, Microsoft, Adobe, or similar organizations.

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