About the Role: AFS is seeking an expert Principal Network Solutions Architect to lead the planning, architecture, and implementation of our large-scale, global network infrastructure. This role requires deep technical leadership in designing and deploying mission-critical on-premise, hybrid, and air-gapped networks. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of advanced routing protocols and extensive experience architecting secure, resilient, and high-performance networks for the Department of Defense (DoD). Your expertise will be the driving force behind our network strategy, from datacenter hardware to seamless hybrid cloud connectivity.

Core Responsibilities:

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of secure, resilient, and scalable global network solutions.
• Develop and manage complex network architectures for DoD air-gapped environments, incorporating transport security and KG encryption devices.
• Engineer highly available and redundant network designs using advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, etc.) to ensure maximum uptime for critical systems.
• Architect and lead the implementation of hybrid cloud network strategies, establishing secure, robust, and low-latency connectivity using technologies like AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute.
• Define requirements and provide expert recommendations for on-premise datacenter infrastructure, including rack hardware, power, and cooling.
• Collaborate with security, cloud, and application teams to ensure seamless integration and end-to-end security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architecture, standards, device configurations, and operational procedures.
• Serve as the highest-level escalation point for complex network issues, providing expert-level troubleshooting and strategic resolution.
• Mentor other engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization on advanced networking and datacenter best practices.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Must possess and maintain required DoD 8140 certifications.
• 10 years of experience in senior-level network engineering and architecture in the following areas:
  • Expertise in planning and architecting large-scale, global networks with a deep understanding of advanced routing protocols, particularly BGP.
  • Expert-level knowledge of on-premise datacenter design principles, including rack layout, power planning (PDU), and cooling.
  • Proven experience designing redundant, high-availability networks using advanced routing and switching protocols.
  • Deep expertise in hybrid cloud networking solutions, specifically AWS Direct Connect and equivalent technologies for other cloud providers.
  • Strong background in designing and managing DoD air-gapped networks and their unique security constraints.
  • Extensive hands-on experience with the architecture and integration of KG encryption devices (e.g., KG-175 TACLANE series).
  • Expert-level knowledge of on-premise datacenter design principles, including rack layout, power planning (PDU), and cooling.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced networking certifications such as Cisco CCIE (Data Center or Enterprise Infrastructure) or Juniper JNCIE.
• Experience with network automation using tools like Ansible or Terraform.
• Knowledge of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies.
• Familiarity with multiple public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency with network monitoring, analysis, and performance tuning tools.

Clearance:

• An active TS/SCI is required