Network Architect

Introduction
At IBM, work is more than a job – it’s a calling: To build. To design. To code. To consult. To think along with clients and sell. To make markets. To invent. To collaborate. Not just to do something better, but to attempt things you’ve never thought possible. Are you ready to lead in this new era of technology and solve some of the world’s most challenging problems? If so, lets talk.

Your Role and Responsibilities
The network architect will be responsible for business engagement, translating business requirements into technical solution designs, and providing technical ownership of solutions from the design phase through to the deployment and production stage. He/she will be responsible for the creation of technology roadmaps that support the network strategy. The network architect will ensure network solutions on which the business depends are fit for purpose, resilient, highly available, secure, and scalable. The role includes architecture governance, coordination and translation of business requirements, design, planning, configuration, optimization, and enhancement of the network solutions.

Responsibilities

• Understand the business strategy and communicate effectively with senior business leaders and C-level executives.
• Analyse technical needs, requirements, and the network’s infrastructure design, integration, and operations.
• Translate business requirements to create a network design that meets the requirements and is in line with the technology infrastructure roadmap.
• Focus on budling IT architecture that adheres to non-functional requirements, which include performance, security, reliability, and availability of service.
• Analyse the current technology environment to detect critical deficiencies in the infrastructure and recommend solutions for improvement.
• Identify the impact of IT infrastructure and ensure that project impacts on the infrastructure are identified, assessed, assured, and documented.
• Develop and define future roadmaps for the infrastructure according to industry trends and best practices.
• Ensure that the capacity planning process for the key systems is managed efficiently.
• Research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.
• Perform infrastructure audits on current client infrastructure to identify gaps and propose remediation measures.
• Maintain a deep understanding of competitive and complementary technologies and vendors and which solution or technology fits the requirement.
• Considering the organization’s needs and requirements, such as information security, and designing networks that meet business goals
• Develop network design best practices.
• Create documentation throughout the design and deployment process.

Required Technical and Professional Expertise

• Strong network architecture skills in architecting technology components across software, infrastructure, and networks
• In-depth knowledge of various communication technologies, such as LAN & WAN, telecommunications systems, wireless systems, and mobile networks
• Detailed knowledge of Windows and/or Unix infrastructure and respective operating systems
• Detailed knowledge of network designs, including wireless and security
• Detailed knowledge of public and private cloud technologies and trends
• Has experience designing business applications. Has an understanding of the non-functional requirements such as reliability, scalability, performance, and resilience.
• Ability to take a loose set of requirements and build a high-level architecture using common standards.
• Ability to develop low-level design (LLD) for proposed network architecture

Preferred Technical and Professional Expertise

• Knowledge of networking protocols, designs, and products: Ethernet, IP, switching, routing, fabric path, SD-WAN, etc.
• Advanced Network Design and Architecture Planning
• Proficiency in Network Simulation and Modelling Tools
• Knowledge of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Design & Implementation
• Deep Understanding of Routing Protocols and Configurations
• Understanding of Network Security Frameworks and Best Practices
• Knowledge of public and private cloud offerings and ecosystems
• Internet of Things (IoT) Infrastructure and Protocols
• Knowledge of Wireless and Mobile Networking Standards
• Knowledge of competitive offerings from Cisco, Juniper, Checkpoint, Palo Alto, Brocade, Riverbed, Dell, and Arista.