Job Description

This is a senior-level strategic role supporting a key Randstad client in Washington, D.C. The Principal Network Solution Architect will define and drive the enterprise network architecture aligned with business strategy. The role combines strategic vision, technical expertise, stakeholder management, and leadership across the full project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

Define the enterprise network architecture direction aligned with long-term business goals.

Architectural Design

Develop conceptual and solution-level network architectures and present them to senior leadership and the Enterprise Architecture Review Council.

Stakeholder Management

Engage with business and IT teams to guide future project directions and build consensus on solutions.

Execution & Leadership

Drive solutions through the entire lifecycle: kickoff → requirements → design → implementation.

Standards & Best Practices

Ensure all new applications/servers comply with enterprise network standards and best practices.

Change Advocacy

Act as a Change Agent introducing improved methodologies and new technologies.

Mentorship

Provide strategic and tactical guidance ensuring solutions align with long-term architecture goals.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 15–20 years in IT, including 10–15 years in network architecture

Technical Expertise: Expert-level routing, switching, data center and enterprise network architecture

Certification: Current CCIE required

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Communication: Strong presentation and communication skills

Project History: Demonstrated success solving complex business problems

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of architectural modeling, SOA, Enterprise Information Management

Experience as Network Solution Architect for large, heterogeneous IT programs

Understanding of EA frameworks

Transportation industry experience

Broad networking technology background beyond routing/switching