Hourly Computer Network Architect Jobs in Chicago, IL

Sargent & Lundy is a leading consulting engineering firm specializing in the power and energy sectors. Since 1891, we have provided comprehensive engineering, design, and consulting services for both traditional and renewable power generation, grid modernization, nuclear power, and more. Our mission is tohelpclients achieve their energy goals effectively by adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices.

Role Overview

The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for the strategy, design, and roadmap of Sargent & Lundy’s enterprise network and connectivity services across data centers, colocation, cloud (Azure), WAN, campus/LAN, wireless, and security services. This role focuses on delivering highly available, redundant, and secure network solutions built primarily on a Cisco and Meraki technology stack and integrated with modern cloud-native architectures. The ideal candidate will have deep technical expertise, strong design and troubleshooting skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively across infrastructure, security, and application teams.

• Lead and evolve end-to-end enterprise network architecture (data centers, corporate office, SD-WAN, branch LAN/WLAN, Internet edge) with a focus on redundancy, failover, and availability.
• Design and operate Cisco/Catalyst/Meraki networks and core routing/switching (VLANs, VRFs, STP, HSRP/VRRP, BGP, OSPF/EIGRP).
• Own Azure and cloud networking (vNets, hybrid connectivity, secure Internet access, cloud security/identity) plus DNS/DHCP/IPAM standards and automation.
• Lead Palo Alto NGFW and Zscaler/GlobalProtect architecture and support, including VPN (remote and site-to-site), certificates, and auth (RADIUS, TACACS+, SAML/SSO, EAP).Design and support load balancing and WAF (Imperva or cloud WAF) for secure, resilient application delivery.
• Work with carriers on MPLS/WAN (installs, QoS, resiliency, and routing policies).
• Define and maintain network standards, baselines, and patterns across LAN/WAN/data center/cloud/security.
• Provide tier-3 escalation, maintain HLD/LLD, runbooks, diagrams, and drive adoption of new security/cloud/distributed networking technologies.
• Mentor engineers on design, security, documentation, and automation best practices.

This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid schedule with the expectation of 3 days per week in our downtown Chicago office, and 2 days remote from home and requires some travel for site work.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT/Network Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years enterprise networking, 5+ years in senior/architecture roles.
• Comprehensive Cisco/Meraki experience (campus, Wi-Fi, WAN, VPN, and NAC).
• Extensive Palo Alto NGFW and security policy design.Proven route/switch expertise in complex multi-site environments.
• Hands-on with DNS, DHCP, VPN, cert management, and auth protocols.
• Experience with Load balancers, WAF, MPLS/WAN, and cloud networking.
• Clear and concise documentation and ability to explain complex designs.

Preferred Certifications

• Experience with network automation/assurance (Prime, DNA-C, Meraki API, etc.) and SASE/SD-WAN (Zscaler).
• Certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, F5, Azure, or security.
• Strong ownership, communication, troubleshooting, leadership/mentoring abilities.

We do not sponsor employees for work authorization in the U.S. for this position.

At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Health & WellnessFinancial BenefitsWork-Life Balance

• Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Life & Accident Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Back-Up Daycare
• FSA & HSA

• 401(k)
• Pre-Tax Commuter Account
• Merit Scholarship Program
• Employee Discount Program
• Corporate Charitable Giving Program
• Tuition Assistance
• First Professional Licensure Bonus
• Employee Referral Bonus

• Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Bereavement LeaveFlexible Work Arrangements

$97,864 - $149,514

Sargent & Lundy discloses compensation ranges that comply with all local and state regulations. The total compensation package for eligible positions will include a base salary or an hourly rate and a comprehensive benefits package, reflecting our commitment to rewarding performance and supporting the overall well-being of our employees. Individuals may also be eligible to participate in our yearly discretionary bonus.

Sargent & Lundy is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any protected status as defined by applicable law.