Network Architect

at  RJ OBrien Associates LLC

Job Title: Network Architect
Business Unit: RJO Technology (CPBNET)
Location: Chicago, IL USA or London, England, GB
Reports To: Director, Global Networking and Telecom
Position Summary: The Network Architect will lead the design, deployment, and upkeep of RJO’s network infrastructure. This role is based in Chicago and involves collaboration with a dynamic, global team, with close coordination with RJO’s Information Security department. The Network Architect will play a crucial role in guaranteeing that the network remains reliable, scalable, and secure, meeting the changing requirements of our organization.

JOB REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• 5+ years of experience as a Network Architect or similar role, with a proven track record in designing complex network infrastructures.
• Expertise in network design principles, protocols, and technologies (TCP/IP, VLANs, VPNs, MPLS, BGP, OSPF, etc.).
• Hands-on experience with networking hardware and software from vendors like Cisco, Juniper, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.
• In-depth knowledge of cloud networking concepts and technologies (AWS, Azure,).
• Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices (firewalls, IDS/IPS, encryption, access control).
• Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds Orion, Wireshark).
• Proficiency in Capacity Planning, Traffic Analysis, and technologies such as DNS, DHCP, IPAM, Netflow, QoS.
• Prior experience with Routing Protocols via technologies such as BGP, OSPF, RIP, PIM.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, project management, communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
• Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, AWS Certified Solutions Architect, or equivalent are a plus.

SEARCH FIRM REPRESENTATIVES PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC (RJO) is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at RJO via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at RJO in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of RJO, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
It is the policy of R.J. O’Brien & Associates, LLC to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law

• Design and implement scalable, resilient, and secure network architectures that meet business requirements, and ensuring compliance with obligations that are externally required such as those from a regulatory and/or legal perspective.
• Develop network solutions and strategies to optimize performance, minimize downtime, and ensure high availability.
• Evaluate and recommend network technologies, hardware, and software to support business objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, across varying jurisdictions/time zones, to gather requirements, define network standards, and design integrated solutions such as designing multi-server environments.
• Lead network design reviews, technical discussions, and provide guidance to junior team members.
• Perform network capacity planning, traffic analysis, and troubleshooting to maintain optimal performance.
• Develop and maintain network documentation, diagrams, and configurations (SOPs- Standard Operating Procedures).
• Implement and enforce network security technologies, policies, protocols, and best practices.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in network architecture and security.
• Participate in project planning and effectively manage assigned projects and program components, in addition to participating in vendor management activities.
• Safeguard systems against cyber threats including malware, bugs, and hacking attempts.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain security platforms like firewalls, VPN Concentrators, Security appliances, anti-virus software, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and cryptography systems. In addition to continuously assessing and improving network security policies.
• Respond to security incidents, articulate methodologies, and support remediation efforts.
• Coordinate log analysis for managed services to ensure compliance with security policies.