Job Summary:
Hillcrest HealthCare System is part of Ardent Health, a leading provider of healthcare services across mid-sized urban communities in the U.S. The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for designing and evolving the enterprise network infrastructure, ensuring it aligns with business goals and supports digital transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities:
• Designs, configures, and supports enterprise-grade network infrastructure, including Cisco and Fortinet platforms, across data centers, cloud environments, and remote sites.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of network architecture, configurations, standards, and operational procedures.
• Ensures high availability, redundancy, and performance of critical network systems through proactive monitoring and capacity planning.
• Participates in network assessments, audits, and incident response efforts to ensure compliance and operational resilience.
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support infrastructure projects, cloud migrations, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Evaluates and recommends emerging technologies to improve network efficiency, scalability, and security. to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Deep understanding of enterprise IT operations and how network infrastructure supports business objectives.
• Creates and delivers technical presentations, network diagrams, and solution proposals.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Associates degree in Information Systems / Computer Science or equivalent technical experience
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking, preferably within healthcare or other highly regulated industries.
• 5+ years of experience with Fortinet networking solutions, including FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, and Fortinet SD-WAN.
• 5+ years of experience designing and supporting cloud network fabrics and interconnects using platforms such as Equinix Fabric, Megaport, or similar.
• Experience with high availability and redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP.
• Experience designing and implementing QoS strategies across WAN and LAN to support voice, video, and critical application traffic.
• Experience with network segmentation, microsegmentation, and Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA).
• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco technologies, including enterprise routing, switching, wireless (WLC, APs), and SD-WAN solutions.
• Active CCNP
• Strong background in managing and optimizing hybrid WAN architectures, including MPLS, Metro-E, and private fiber/Wave services.
• Strong experience with AAA services, including RADIUS, TACACS+, and integration with identity platforms such as Cisco ISE or Azure AD.
• In-depth knowledge of dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP; understanding of route redistribution, policy-based routing, and BGP peering in hybrid cloud environments.
• Proficiency with network packet analysis tools such as Wireshark, Live Action, and Cisco Stealthwatch for performance and security diagnostics.
• Solid understanding of core network services including DNS, DHCP, NTP, and IPAM platforms (e.g., BlueCat).
• Familiarity with Internet edge architecture, including BGP multihoming, DDoS mitigation, and cloud-based firewalls.
• Deep understanding of Ethernet technologies, including 1/10/40/100GbE, VLANs, VXLAN, and 802.1Q trunking.
• High proficiency with IPv4 addressing, subnetting, VLSM, and route summarization.
• Familiarity with container networking (e.g., Kubernetes CNI plugins) and cloud-native networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP.
• Proficiency with modern network monitoring and observability platforms, such as Cisco DNA Center, LogicMonitor, ThousandEyes, Live Action, or similar.
• Deep understanding of wireless networking, including Cisco WLAN design, RF planning, and troubleshooting using tools like Ekahau, Cisco Prime, or DNA Center.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust Network Architecture and SASE.
• High attention to detail, especially in areas of documentation, configuration management, and change control.
Preferred:
• Experience with network automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible, Terraform)
Company:
Hillcrest Healthcare System consists of seven hospitals in the Oklahoma area. Founded in 2004, the company is headquartered in Tulsa, USA, with a team of 1001-5000 employees. The company is currently Late Stage.