Freelance Network Solutions Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos is seeking an experienced Network Solutions Architect who is interested in supporting large information technology projects for our Utility Technologies Solutions team. In this role, you will be driving the execution and delivery of IT projects for our electric utility client. Additionally, you will ensure the successful delivery of projects while adhering Leidos' Mission, Vision, and Values.

This position will support a major Utility Hardware Upgrade initiative focused on modernizing network infrastructure and improving real-time operational reliability. This role is responsible for developing network and security architectures, creating firewall designs and schematics, building and integrating supporting server infrastructure, and coordinating testing and validation activities with ADMS stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in networking and security technologies, enterprise firewall architectures, infrastructure integration, and large-scale utility or mission-critical environments.

This position is based in South Plainfield, New Jersey. Qualified candidates must reside within a commutable distance and be able to work onsite at client offices three days per week.

This position pays a salary in the range of $155,000 to $175,000 annually.

• Architect and design new enterprise network environments utilizing Cisco routing, switching, and security technologies.
• Develop comprehensive network security architectures, standards, and implementation roadmaps.
• Design and document firewall architectures, security zones, access control policies, and network segmentation strategies.
• Create detailed network diagrams, firewall schematics, data flow diagrams, and implementation documentation.
• Lead greenfield and modernization projects from architecture through deployment.
• Build, configure, and integrate supporting server infrastructure required for network and security solutions.
• Coordinate infrastructure integration activities across network, server, cybersecurity, and application teams.
• Support deployment and commissioning of operational technology (OT) and ADMS environments.
• Develop test plans, validation procedures, and implementation strategies for network and security solutions.
• Coordinate system integration testing (SIT), user acceptance testing (UAT), and operational readiness activities with ADMS teams.
• Perform security assessments, risk analysis, and architecture reviews to ensure compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership during troubleshooting, cutovers, and production implementations.
• Collaborate with vendors, engineering teams, cybersecurity teams, and project stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
• Support operational excellence through adherence to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).

• Bachelor's degree and at least 8+ years of experience working as a network architect with experience in designing and documenting enterprise network architecture. Additional years of experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Strong experience designing firewall architectures and network segmentation strategies.
• Experience building and integrating Windows and/or Linux server environments.
• Experience developing network architecture diagrams and technical design documentation.
• Knowledge of enterprise cybersecurity frameworks and secure network design principles.
• Experience coordinating testing, deployment, and validation activities across multiple technical teams.

• Familiarity with utility operational systems such as ADMS, SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, or GIS.
• Understanding of secure OT/IT integration, telemetry communications, and grid operations environments.
• Experience with high-availability architectures, disaster recovery, and resilient network design.
• Knowledge of NERC CIP, IEC 62443, or other critical infrastructure security standards.
• Prior experience working within utilities or other highly regulated industries preferred.

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Pay Range $107,900.00 - $195,050.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Beware of fake employment opportunities using Leidos’ name. Leidos will never ask you to provide payment-related information during any part of the employment application process (i.e., ask you for money), nor will Leidos ever advance money as part of the hiring process (i.e., send you a check or money order before doing any work). Further, Leidos will only communicate with you through emails that are generated by the Leidos.com automated system - never from free commercial services (e.g., Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail) or via WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. If you received an email purporting to be from Leidos that asks for payment-related information or any other personal information (e.g., about you or your previous employer), and you are concerned about its legitimacy, please make us aware immediately by emailing us at LeidosCareersFraud@leidos.com.

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All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.

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