What Does a Network Architect Do?
A network architect designs the structural blueprint of an organization’s entire network ecosystem, including on-premises infrastructure, hybrid cloud environments, data centers, and remote access systems. These professionals plan and oversee the integration of networking technologies to ensure performance, scalability, security, and redundancy. Their work directly impacts an organization’s ability to grow, remain secure, and maintain business continuity.
Unlike network administrators or engineers who focus on daily operations, network architects develop long-term networking strategies and guide implementation efforts in collaboration with IT leadership and engineering teams. They analyze system requirements, anticipate future needs, recommend technology solutions, and lead infrastructure upgrades or migrations. Their expertise spans routing and switching, firewalls, cloud networking, SD-WAN, and secure connectivity models across multi-site or global environments.
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Network Architect Core Responsibilities
- Design and document scalable and secure network architectures for enterprise environments
- Evaluate business and technical requirements to recommend networking solutions
- Oversee implementation of network designs and provide technical leadership to engineering teams
- Assess and integrate emerging technologies (e.g., SD-WAN, zero trust, hybrid cloud networking)
- Define network standards, policies, and best practices
- Ensure performance optimization, fault tolerance, and disaster recovery readiness
- Collaborate with cybersecurity, cloud, and systems architects
- Manage vendor relationships and participate in technology selection
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Deep expertise in enterprise networking technologies (LAN/WAN, SD-WAN, MPLS, BGP, OSPF)
- Strong understanding of firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, and network segmentation
- Experience with hybrid cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP) and interconnectivity strategies
- Familiarity with network automation, monitoring, and orchestration tools
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking and long-term planning capability
- Clear communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Documentation and presentation skills for architectural proposals
- Leadership in cross-functional project teams
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, network engineering, or related field
- Master’s degree in information systems or business administration is recommended for enterprise-level roles
Certifications
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) required
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), AWS Advanced Networking, or Azure Network Engineer certifications are recommended
- CompTIA Security+ or CISSP is also beneficial for security-heavy environments
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in network engineering or infrastructure architecture
- Prior experience leading large-scale infrastructure migrations or redesigns
- Familiarity with regulatory compliance standards (e.g., HIPAA, PCI-DSS, ISO 27001)
- Experience integrating cloud-native networking with on-premises systems
National Average Salary
Network architect salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Network Architect is:
$125,456
Sample Job Description Templates for Network Architects
Associate Network Architect
Position Overview
We are hiring an Associate Network Architect to support senior architects in designing and implementing scalable, secure, and resilient network infrastructure. This entry-level role is ideal for candidates transitioning from hands-on network engineering into architecture, with responsibilities including network documentation, preliminary design input, and technical research. You’ll assist in creating architecture roadmaps and supporting infrastructure modernization efforts.
Responsibilities
- Support senior network architects with design documentation and diagrams
- Research and evaluate networking technologies and assist with vendor comparisons
- Collaborate with network engineers on implementing planned changes
- Create and maintain technical documentation, topology maps, and configuration templates
- Assist in audits of existing infrastructure and contribute to upgrade planning
- Participate in design meetings and communicate progress to stakeholders
Requirements
Hard skills
- Understanding of routing and switching protocols (OSPF, BGP, VLANs)
- Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, and cloud networking basics
- Proficiency in Visio, Lucidchart, or similar diagramming tools
Soft skills
- Eagerness to learn and grow into architectural responsibilities
- Clear communication and collaborative mindset
- Strong analytical and documentation skills
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in network engineering, computer science, or related field
Certifications
- Cisco CCNA required
- CCNP or cloud networking certifications (AWS, Azure) are recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 2–3 years of experience in network engineering or operations
- Exposure to multi-vendor environments and hybrid cloud networks
Mid-Level Network Architect
Position Overview
We are seeking a Mid-Level Network Architect to design and optimize enterprise network solutions across multiple locations and platforms. You’ll be responsible for creating scalable network frameworks, leading small-to-midsize infrastructure projects, and collaborating with IT teams to ensure secure and efficient system design.
Responsibilities
- Develop network architectures that align with business and security requirements
- Design and implement LAN, WAN, VPN, and wireless network solutions
- Participate in capacity planning, network segmentation, and security policy design
- Conduct technical assessments and recommend performance improvements
- Work with cloud teams to design secure hybrid interconnectivity
- Produce network diagrams, documentation, and deployment playbooks
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficient in routing, switching, and network segmentation design
- Hands-on experience with Cisco, Palo Alto, Fortinet, or similar platforms
- Familiarity with SD-WAN, MPLS, and cloud networking best practices
Soft skills
- Problem-solving and decision-making with attention to technical detail
- Effective project coordination and technical communication
- Ability to translate business needs into infrastructure solutions
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in IT, computer networking, or related field
Certifications
- CCNP required
- Cloud certifications (AWS Advanced Networking, Azure Network Engineer) recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 4–6 years of experience in network design and implementation
- Experience with network automation and monitoring tools (e.g., Ansible, SolarWinds)
Senior Network Architect
Position Overview
We are hiring a Senior Network Architect to lead the design of mission-critical network infrastructure, ensure architectural alignment across systems, and guide strategic technology initiatives. You’ll define standards, lead complex migrations, and mentor engineering teams in delivering secure, high-performance environments.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design of enterprise LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, and hybrid cloud network architectures
- Serve as the subject matter expert on network scalability, fault tolerance, and security
- Define enterprise network standards and governance models
- Collaborate with cybersecurity and cloud teams on zero trust and segmentation frameworks
- Oversee infrastructure upgrades and network redesigns
- Mentor junior architects and engineers on design best practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced expertise in routing (BGP, OSPF), firewalls, and load balancers
- Experience architecting cloud-integrated networks (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute)
- Familiarity with regulatory and compliance-driven networking standards
Soft skills
- Strong leadership and technical strategy skills
- Excellent communication with executives, vendors, and technical teams
- Ability to manage ambiguity and large-scale infrastructure complexity
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree is recommended for enterprise roles
Certifications
- CCNP required; CCIE or equivalent highly recommended
- Cloud certifications strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience in enterprise networking, with 3+ in architecture roles
- Proven success in large-scale infrastructure rollouts or transformations
Lead Solutions Architect – Network Focus
Position Overview
We are looking for a Lead Solutions Architect with a focus on networking to guide enterprise infrastructure strategy, align IT capabilities with business outcomes, and lead the design of secure, scalable systems. This hybrid role balances technical leadership with strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- Lead architecture planning for network systems across data centers, cloud, and remote locations
- Partner with business units to align infrastructure designs with operational goals
- Evaluate new technologies and make recommendations for adoption
- Oversee technical execution and implementation of network solutions
- Standardize architecture practices and enforce governance policies
- Represent network strategy in enterprise-level IT planning initiatives
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in multi-site network architecture and hybrid cloud connectivity
- Broad experience across routing, switching, firewalls, and security frameworks
- Familiarity with enterprise architecture models and frameworks (TOGAF, Zachman)
Soft skills
- Executive-level presentation and influence
- Cross-functional leadership and project alignment
- Ability to bridge the gap between business and technology
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree or MBA is recommended
Certifications
- CCNP or CCIE required
- AWS or Azure Architect certification strongly recommended
Preferred Qualifications
- 10+ years in IT infrastructure, including 5+ in architecture or solution design
- Experience leading multi-million-dollar infrastructure programs
Director of Network Architecture
Position Overview
We are seeking a Director of Network Architecture to lead all aspects of networking across the enterprise, from long-term architecture planning to innovation, risk mitigation, and operational excellence. This executive-level position sets the vision for scalable, secure, and efficient network design across global systems.
Responsibilities
- Define and own the enterprise network architecture roadmap
- Align infrastructure strategy with business goals and regulatory requirements
- Lead cross-functional architecture and engineering teams
- Oversee high-impact initiatives including data center migrations, SD-WAN deployment, and hybrid network evolution
- Develop vendor strategies and manage relationships with key service providers
- Report on performance, risks, and capacity to senior leadership
Requirements
Hard skills
- Deep understanding of global networking standards, security protocols, and cloud integration
- Experience managing multi-site, high-availability network systems
- Budgeting, resource planning, and vendor contract negotiation
Soft skills
- Executive leadership and IT governance experience
- Strong strategic vision and the ability to drive change
- Excellent communication with C-level executives and board members
Education
- Bachelor’s degree required
- Master’s degree in IT management, information systems, or business is recommended
Certifications
- CCIE or equivalent senior networking credentials
- Enterprise architecture or cloud strategy certifications (e.g., TOGAF, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional)
Preferred Qualifications
- 12+ years of progressive infrastructure experience
- Leadership of enterprise transformation initiatives in regulated or global environments