Zero Trust Architect Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Lead Network Architect

Raleigh NC- onsite hybrid

US Citizens only

Long term contract, expected 2-5 years total duration

$70/hr w2 + benefits

Clearance required: Public Trust - OK if candidate doesn't have the clearance currently but must get it during the first months of the engagement.

The Network Engineer is a key strategist, implementer, and recognized thought leader responsible for envisioning, initiating, and overseeing major network projects and strategies. This role requires the ability to originate and develop scalable, secure, and efficient network infrastructures that align with security policies, Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) requirements, NIST 800-53 controls, Trusted Internet Connections (TIC) 3.0 guidance, Zero Trust Architecture principles, FedRAMP requirements, and federal IPv6 mandates.

As a thought leader, the Network Engineer will provide insights and recommendations leveraging best practices and industry standards, inspiring innovation. All solutions will align with organizational goals, industry standards, and best practices.

Must be available to travel as needed and the ability to convert to W2 not long after onboarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead for network initiatives, with a proactive approach to identifying needs and proposing creative solutions.

• Originate and develop new projects, strategies, and technical frameworks, frequently building concepts from the ground up to address requirements.

• Provide thought leadership by promoting forward-thinking network strategies and actively guiding the customer in adopting innovative technologies and methodologies.

• Continuously research, evaluate, and incorporate new and emerging technologies to ensure networks remain superior, secure, and future-ready.

Required Skills

General Abilities

• Network Blueprint Development:

o Collaborate closely with the customer to assess requirements, analyze existing systems, and architect detailed network designs that support current and future business initiatives.

o When appropriate, develop blueprint plans independently, introducing innovative approaches and leveraging advancements in technology tailored to objectives.

o Providing specific, direct oversight for technological deployments including Security Oversight (see immediately below).

• Security Oversight:

o Lead the establishment and maintenance of secure network architectures aligned with cybersecurity policies and federal security requirements.

o Ensure network designs support compliance with FISMA, NIST 800-53, Zero Trust Architecture initiatives, TIC 3.0 requirements, and applicable FedRAMP standards.

o Provide technical leadership for federal IPv6 adoption and implementation efforts across the network environment.

o Support security audits, architecture reviews, Authority to Operate (ATO) activities, and remediation efforts associated with federal compliance requirements.

• Vendor Evaluation:

o Direct research, assessment, and recommendation of third-party technology, ensuring products and services deliver optimal value and appropriateness for the environment.

o Oversee the integration of vendor solutions with a focus on leveraging modern technologies into existing infrastructure.

General Technical Skills

• Provide guidance and mentorship to the client and third-party teams, set technical standards, and ensure best practices in network design, security, and technology adoption are consistently applied. Demonstrate thought leadership through sharing expertise and influencing both peers and stakeholders.

• Provide specific network design coaching including identifying network components and determining protocols, redundancy, traffic filtering, and traffic prioritization requirements.

• Direct the efforts of implementation team members in design, engineering, implementation, installation, access coordination, provisioning, equipment configuration, hardware testing, and service activation, and coordinating installation activities with the customer to minimize the impact on the current networking environment.

Desired Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelors in computer science, Information Technology, or related field

• At least fifteen (15) years of enterprise networking experience: network design, architecture, and implementation

• At least five (5) years supporting federal agencies

• Demonstrated experience designing large-scale WAN environments

• Zero Trust architecture experience

• Strong knowledge of network security principles, firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection and prevention systems

• Understanding of IPV6

• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE, CISSP)

• Demonstrated experience incorporating new and emerging technologies into enterprise solutions

• Recognized thought leadership within the networking industry through publications, speaking engagements, or active participation in professional communities