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Network Architect Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Network Architect

Houston, TX · Hybrid

$61.75 - $82.75/hr

Description The Network Architect is a senior individual contributor responsible for designing and evolving Fervo's network architecture across corporate IT, hybrid cloud, and site environments. This ...

Network Architect

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$72 - $96.25/hr

Network Architect Location: Pleasanton, CA (Remote/ Occasional Travel require) Duration: 12+ months AWS Solution Architect Certification and CCNP Certification Required Overview: We are seeking a ...

Network Architect

Houston, TX · On-site

$59.75 - $80/hr

Network Architect Location: Houston TX (1 day/week onsite) Duration: 6-12 months Strong knowledge and experience of designing complex networks, integrating network systems. Strong experience working ...

Network Architect

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$60.75 - $81.25/hr

The Network Architect will provide consulting, design and support services for all SwitchThink Solutions (STS) clients. This includes meeting with clients and/or STS peers to design network solutions ...

Network Architect

Brentwood, TN · Hybrid

$61.25 - $82/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

Manassas, VA · On-site

$85K - $135K/yr

Network Architect Gromelski and Associates, Inc. (GAI) partners with prime contractors to provide professional services. Key service areas include Engineering Design and Documentation; Software ...

C. Network Architect Requirements 8+ Years Strong Network Architect / Design Experience CCIE/CISSP strongly desired CCNA required Additional Information Why Veredus? Candidates work with a ...

Network Architect

Phoenix, AZ

$60.75 - $81.25/hr

The Network Architect will provide consulting, design and support services for all SwitchThink Solutions (STS) clients. This includes meeting with clients and/or STS peers to design network solutions ...

Network Architect

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$60.75 - $81.25/hr

The Network Architect will provide consulting, design and support services for all SwitchThink Solutions (STS) clients. This includes meeting with clients and/or STS peers to design network solutions ...

Network Architect

Tulsa, OK · Hybrid

$59 - $79.25/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

San Diego, CA · On-site

$68.75 - $92/hr

Network Architect Location: San Diego, CA (Local candidates only - frequent office visits required) Job Type: Contract Experience: 10+ years Job Overview Our client is seeking a highly experienced ...

Network Architect

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$64 - $85.75/hr

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

Network Architect

Brentwood, TN · Hybrid

$61.25 - $82/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$59 - $79.25/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

Brentwood, TN · On-site

$61.25 - $82/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

Tulsa, OK · Hybrid

$59 - $79.25/hr

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent's enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is ...

Network Architect

Washington, DC · On-site

$73.25 - $98.25/hr

The Network Architect shall provide all DoD OIG enclave, data center and cloud network architectures, engineering, and operations required to maintain secure and reliable enterprise network(s). The ...

Showing results 21-40

Network Architect information

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How much do network architect jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for network architect in the United States is $71.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.26 and $83.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a network architect?

A network architect maintains an organization’s computer network. As a network architect, your job is to design, monitor, and implement changes to the computer systems. Typical duties include evaluating new technologies, installing new software and hardware, analyzing the performance of networks, and providing troubleshooting assistance. An essential part of the job is monitoring network security, spotting security flaws before they are manipulated, and staying current with the latest industry technologies. The job requires experience with large computer networks as well as data communication systems.

How much do network architects earn?

Network architects typically earn a median annual salary of around $120,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $80,000 to over $180,000 depending on experience, location, and certifications such as Cisco or CCNP. Higher salaries are common in large organizations or tech hubs, and advanced skills in network design and security can lead to increased compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a network architect?

To thrive as a Network Architect, you need a deep understanding of network design, protocols, and security principles, typically supported by a degree in computer science or information technology. Familiarity with network hardware, cloud platforms, and certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP or CompTIA Network+ is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are critical to designing reliable, scalable, and secure network infrastructures that support organizational goals and adapt to evolving technologies.

Are network architects in demand?

Network architects are in high demand due to the increasing need for secure and efficient network infrastructure in organizations. They typically require strong skills in network design, security, and certifications such as Cisco or CompTIA, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as technology reliance expands.

What is the difference between Network Architect vs Network Engineer?

AspectNetwork ArchitectNetwork Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field, with certifications like CCNP or CCDPOften requires a bachelor's degree and certifications such as CCNA or CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesigns and plans large-scale network infrastructure, often in corporate or enterprise settingsImplements, maintains, and troubleshoots networks, working in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations needing network design and strategic planningUsed by organizations for daily network operations and support

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Network Architects focus on designing network systems and strategies, whereas Network Engineers handle the implementation and maintenance of these networks. Both roles are essential in maintaining robust network infrastructure within organizations.

How does a network architect typically collaborate with other IT teams during large-scale infrastructure projects?

Network Architects play a key role in cross-functional collaboration, especially during large-scale infrastructure projects. They work closely with system administrators, cybersecurity teams, and software developers to ensure network design aligns with operational needs and security protocols. Regular meetings and design reviews are common, allowing Network Architects to gather requirements, address technical constraints, and integrate feedback across departments. This collaborative approach helps ensure robust, scalable, and secure network solutions that support the organization's goals.
What cities are hiring for Network Architect jobs? Cities with the most Network Architect job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Network Architect jobs? The most popular types of Network Architect jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Network Architect jobs? The top employers for Network Architect jobs are:
What states have the most Network Architect jobs? States with the most job openings for Network Architect jobs include:
Infographic showing various Network Architect job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,680 per year, or $72 per hour.

Network Architect

Fervo Energy

Houston, TX • Hybrid

$61.75 - $82.75/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description

The Network Architect is a senior individual contributor responsible for designing and evolving Fervo's network architecture across corporate IT, hybrid cloud, and site environments. This role is the subject-matter expert for the Fortinet Security Fabric, with deep ownership of FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiNAC, and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN. The Network Architect will also define how the Fortinet platform integrates with Cisco-based OT networks, cloud services, and cybersecurity controls. 


This is a hands-on architecture role, not a strategy-only position. The Network Architect will establish standards, explain the rationale behind design decisions, and advise technical and executive stakeholders, while remaining close enough to implementation to support commissioning, major changes, and complex incident resolution. This individual will partner closely with the Hybrid Cloud Architect, cybersecurity, site teams, network engineers, and external providers to build a network platform that is repeatable, supportable, and increasingly delivered through automation and CI/CD. 

Requirements

Responsibilities 

Network Architecture & Technical Direction 

  • Design the target-state architecture for enterprise, cloud, WAN and SD-WAN, wireless, and site connectivity, balancing reliability, security, maintainability, scalability, and cost 
  • Own architectural standards and lifecycle strategy for the Fortinet Security Fabric, including high availability, capacity, firmware, licensing, and platform roadmaps 
  • Define secure integration patterns between Fortinet-based IT networks and Cisco-based OT environments, including routing, segmentation, access control, and resilient interconnects 
  • Produce reference architectures, topology diagrams, technical decision records, configuration standards, and implementation guidance that serve as the network source of truth 
  • Evaluate design options and clearly communicate recommendations, tradeoffs, and risk to engineers, business leaders, and executives 

Automation & Platform Engineering 

  • Develop and execute a roadmap to move network provisioning and change management toward version-controlled, automated delivery through CI/CD 
  • Build reusable templates and automation using FortiManager, APIs, Python, Ansible, Terraform, or comparable infrastructure-as-code tools 
  • Establish testing, validation, monitoring, and rollback practices for automated network changes 
  • Partner with the Hybrid Cloud Architect to design secure, scalable connectivity across cloud and on-premise environments 

Delivery, Reliability & Operations 

  • Remain hands-on with configuration, deployment, commissioning, upgrades, and troubleshooting of Fortinet and Cisco network infrastructure 
  • Serve as the senior escalation point for complex network incidents, leading root-cause analysis and durable remediation 
  • Lead network design and delivery for new site builds, plant commissioning, expansions, and infrastructure refreshes 
  • Guide routing and switching, BGP and OSPF, SD-WAN, VPN, QoS, wireless, network segmentation, and high-availability design 
  • Use FortiAnalyzer and related tooling to improve observability, performance management, capacity planning, and operational readiness 
  • Coordinate with managed service providers, vendors, Fortinet support, and Cisco partners to maintain service quality and drive issues to resolution 

Security, Governance & Team Enablement 

  • Design and enforce firewall policy, network access control, segmentation, secure remote access, and logging standards in partnership with cybersecurity 
  • Support incident response, risk assessments, audits, and remediation by providing network telemetry, evidence, and technical leadership 
  • Review network designs and changes, mentor engineers and contractors, and raise the team's ability to reason through design decisions rather than only execute configurations 
  • Create runbooks and operational standards that make the environment easier to support and reduce dependence on individual knowledge 

Qualifications 

Required 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, information systems, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience 
  • 8+ years of experience in network engineering or infrastructure operations, including meaningful responsibility for architecture, standards, or complex design decisions 
  • Deep, recent hands-on experience across the Fortinet Security Fabric, particularly FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiNAC, and Fortinet Secure SD-WAN 
  • Strong Cisco routing and switching experience and the ability to integrate enterprise IT networks with OT or industrial environments 
  • Advanced knowledge of BGP, OSPF, VLANs and VRFs, IPsec and SSL VPN, QoS, high availability, and network segmentation 
  • Experience designing and supporting hybrid cloud networking in Azure or AWS 
  • Experience with network automation, CI/CD, scripting, APIs, or infrastructure-as-code tools such as Python, Ansible, or Terraform 
  • Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills in complex, uptime-critical environments 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain architecture decisions and recommendations to executive stakeholders 

Preferred 

  • Fortinet certifications such as FCP or FCSS in Secure Networking or Network Security 
  • Cisco certification such as CCNP or CCIE 
  • Experience supporting industrial control systems, operational technology networks, or site commissioning, particularly in regulated infrastructure, plus familiarity with NIST, ISO 27001, IEC 62443, or NERC CIP