Senior Network Architect

Zayo is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Architect with a deep expertise in Extreme Networks to serve as a top technical expert for network services and platforms at a large customer site. Our Senior Network Architect will work with the customer and our Buffalo-based team to design, implement, maintain, and troubleshoot enterprise network infrastructure. Our Senior Network Architect will play a crucial role in ensuring the reliability, security, and scalability of the network environment.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of networking concepts, proficiency in scripting and automation, and expertise in various technologies including LAN, WAN, Fortinet FortiGate firewalls, BGP, SPB, VRRP, routing, switching, VLANs, trunking, and LAGs. The candidate will also have significant experience with Aruba Wi-Fi solutions, Extreme XMC, Network Access Control (NAC), and Extreme Fabric. This role will be instrumental in designing, implementing, and managing advanced network infrastructures to meet our clients' evolving needs.

Location: Buffalo, NY (on-site at customer locations)

Responsibilities:

• Design and architect robust, scalable, and secure network solutions primarily using Extreme Networks technologies.

• Integrate and optimize Aruba Wi-Fi solutions within diverse network environments.

• Utilize Extreme XMC for network management and automation, ensuring efficient and effective network operations.

• Implement and maintain Extreme Network Access Control (NAC) solutions to ensure secure access to network resources.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.

• Conduct network assessments, performance tuning, and troubleshooting to maintain optimal network performance.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive network documentation and diagrams.

• Provide expert-level support and guidance to internal teams and clients.

• Stay current with the latest networking technologies, trends, and best practices to ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge.

• Participate in the change management process by submitting change requests.

• Participate in after-hours support as needed.

• Lead by example, mentor and assist with process and training needs; ensure process compliance and adherence to deployment best practices.

• Assist with continuous and measurable improvement in all key processes to deliver enhanced execution results and consistently high levels of customer satisfaction.

• Provide knowledge transfer, cross-training, and documentation for the team.

• Leverage and generate applicable technical 'best practices' design guides to be used throughout the support organization.

• Skilled in MS SharePoint and the MS Office 365 application suite, including Visio and/or other drawing tools.

• Strong self-initiative and the ability to identify and resolve needs outside the primary job requirements.

• Maintain technical competence by attending data seminars, training classes and reading publications and journals as appropriate.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field. Master's degree, preferred.

• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in network engineering, architecture, and design.

• Expert-level knowledge and hands-on experience with Extreme Networks products and solutions.

• Strong proficiency with Aruba Wi-Fi solutions, including design, implementation, and management.

• In-depth knowledge of Extreme XMC and its application in network management and automation.

• Experience implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting Extreme Fabric.

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to think critically and strategically to analyze complex network issues.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Comprehensive understanding of WAN/LAN technologies, protocols, and transport services.

• Extremely proficient in network diagnosis and troubleshooting utilizing a suite of network analysis tools (i.e. Wireshark, Packet Sniffers, SNMP, NMAP, etc.).

• Experience with additional networking technologies and vendors.

• Familiarity with cloud networking and hybrid cloud environments.

• Proficiency in scripting and automation tools.

• Experience leading technical projects.

• Experience working in a large-scale enterprise network environment.

• Strong scripting skills (Python, Bash, etc.) with the ability to automate network tasks.

• Proficiency in configuring and managing Fortinet FortiGate firewalls.

• In-depth knowledge of network protocols and technologies including BGP, SPB, VRRP, routing, switching, VLANs, trunking, and LAGs.

• Knowledge of network monitoring and management tools (e.g., Icinga, Wireshark, etc.).

• Relevant certifications such as Extreme Networks Specialist (ENS), Aruba Certified Design Expert (ACDX), or similar (including CCNA/CCNP/CCIE) are highly desirable.

• Experience supporting mission critical networks and services.

• Expert in implementing and configuring network devices such as switches, routers, firewalls, and access points and performing maintenance tasks such as firmware upgrades, patch management, and system audits.

• Ability to develop and implement scripts and automation tools to streamline network configuration, monitoring, management, optimization, and performance enhancements through automation.

• Experience implementing access control measures and security protocols to safeguard network infrastructure.

• Experience working with UNIX/Linux based hardware, operating systems and applications.

• Strong organization and analytical skills, project and vendor management skills, excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work on-site at customer locations in Buffalo, NY; minimal travel outside of the Buffalo, NY, area.

Estimated Base Salary Range: $116,700.00 - $179,500.00 USD/annually.