Architect-Network Engineer

Description  Lifepoint Health has an opportunity for an Architect-Network Engineer! You must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. Location: Remote  Travel: Travel up to 25% (To facilities) Job

Summary

The Network Security Architect is responsible for responsible for the enterprise architecture, design, and technical direction of Lifepoint Health’s network infrastructure across routing, switching, wireless, SD-WAN, data center, and cloud connectivity in a large, distributed healthcare environment. This role is within the Network Engineering team, who has responsibility for translating business, clinical, and security requirements into scalable, resilient, and supportable network solutions. The architect develops and maintains network design standards, reference architectures, and technology roadmaps; leads design and pilot efforts for new and emerging technologies; and provides technical leadership, mentoring, and escalation support from other network teams.

Working across Network Services, Network Security, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, application teams, and vendor partners, this role ensures solutions align with the overall IT infrastructure roadmap and are delivered in partnership with Network Services for ongoing operational support. The position serves as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to IT leadership, presenting solutions, diagrams, and cost analyses appropriate to technical, executive, and financial audiences. Essential FunctionsArchitecture & DesignLeads network architecture, planning, design, and engineering efforts across routing, switching, wireless, SD-WAN, data center, and cloud connectivity, ensuring solutions are scalable, resilient, and aligned with the overall IT infrastructure roadmap and business needs.

Designs, pilots, and validates network solutions and new technologies, and supports their implementation with Network Engineering, Network Services, and other IT teams. Evaluates emerging technologies and recommends adoption as they relate to the organization’s network strategy, including supporting business cases and cost analysis. Standards and GovernanceWorks with management to develop, communicate, implement, and maintain network design policies, standards, reference architectures, and procedures.

Ensures consistent design documentation and diagram standards, including high-level diagrams for IT leadership and low-level diagrams for engineering teams. Participates in lifecycle and standardization planning for network hardware, software, and licensing to maintain supportability and reduce risk. Collaboration and Stakeholder EngagementCollaborates with Network Services, Network Security, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and application teams to gain input and consensus and to deliver secure, compliant network solutions.

Builds and maintains relationships with the user community, remote IT staff, infrastructure teams, and vendors to understand business and clinical needs related to the design of new networking technologies. Leads virtual whiteboard and design review sessions describing current state and solution options for given use cases. Presents solutions in the format appropriate for the audience, including cost analysis for financial teams.

Technical Leadership and SupportSupports department staff in the analysis, resolution, and documentation of network issues; analyzes and resolves complex errors escalated by Tier 1 & Tier 2 teams. Participates in major incident response and root cause analysis, and recommends design changes that prevent recurrence. Coaches, mentors, and provides feedback to less experienced team members regarding departmental procedures, policies, and standards that pertain to Network Engineering.

Continually enhances knowledge of network architecture, emerging technologies, and company standards to support departmental objectives and professional growth.

Qualifications

• EducationBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related technical field, or equivalent technical experience.
• One or more intermediate to advanced industry-recognized certifications preferred, such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, Aruba ACMP/ACMX, Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN, Arista ACE, Fortinet NSE, or CompTIA Network+.
• Current or previously held certifications are acceptable. ExperienceMinimum of ten (10) years of experience as a Network Engineer in a large-scale inter-network environment with proven complex network design experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing network design standards, leading technical design initiatives, and delivering infrastructure projects at enterprise scale.
• Additional experience with SD-WAN solutions such as Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN, Viptela, Fortinet, or Meraki preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesEstablished expertise with enterprise network technologies, including configuration of Aruba, Arista, Cisco IOS, Meraki, and Fortinet equipment.
• Expertise in LAN/WAN design, wireless architectures (802.11), and data center networking, including Ethernet topologies and network segmentation.
• Expertise in routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, static routes) and SD-WAN policy design with Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN, Viptela, Fortinet, or other SD-WAN solutions.
• Knowledge of firewall platforms, and of network security integration.
• Knowledge of telecom services (MPLS, broadband, DIA) and of Azure and Google Cloud connectivity.