Principal Network Architect

Company Description

At Brightspeed, we are reimagining how people live, work, play and connect by providing fast, reliable internet connections and an awesome customer experience in twenty states throughout the Midwest and South.

Backed by funds managed by Apollo Global Management, our vision is to accelerate the upgrade of copper to fiber optic technologies, bringing faster and more reliable internet service to many rural markets traditionally underserved by broadband providers, while delivering best-in-class customer experience.  

Be a part of the team that will make this vision a reality….designing and building a world class fiber network and creating a customer experience second to none.

Check us out on the web!  

Job Description

Brightspeed has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Network Architect to join our growing team. As Principal Network Architect, you will be responsible for the development of tactical and strategic solutions that deliver on the corporate vision while establishing architecture standards. The Principal Network Architect role is focused on foundational and transformational technologies that will enable the business, along with IT partners, to grow and thrive, while remaining cost effective and increasing stability and performance. As Principal Network Architect, you will work with Systems Engineers, Solution Architects, Development Staff and Business Leaders to develop solutions and establish architectural patterns. He/she will provide leadership and technical direction to Network Planning, IT and project staff.

As Principal Network Architect you will have the following responsibilities:

• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for network technologies
• Work with senior executives and customers as a trusted technical advisor
• Work closely with the Engineering and Operations staff to ensure the smooth operation of network infrastructure and establish Operational Best Practices
• Provide architectural guidance on strategic projects
• Lead the development of formalized solution methodologies
• Provide a bridge between business and technical teams
• Primary Network Planning leadership interface to functional domain management for developing strategy on specific solutions
• Make presentations to senior business and, Network Planning, and IT leadership
• Identify and propose specific strategies, initiatives, and remedies necessary to align technology infrastructure with corporate objectives
• Provide expertise to identify and translate system requirements into detailed design documentation
• Partner with the bid management organization to build out detailed RFP responses and contract development
• Perform proactive evaluation and assessment of new networking technologies
• Develop and maintain network standards and guidelines
• Continually assess the existing environment and identify opportunities for improving solutions and services
• Evaluate and provide recommendations of overall network requirements for performance, availability, utilization and reliability
• Ensure that all architectural deliverables are developed to the highest quality standards and provide architectural review and approval for major solutions

Qualifications

WHAT IT TAKES TO CATCH OUR EYE:

• Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred
• Certification from leading network vendors (Cisco, Juniper, Nokia)
• 15+ years of experience in technology positions
• 10+ years in network architecture role
• Expert knowledge of network protocols including BGP, OSPF, MPLS, Segment Routing
• Expert knowledge of Metro Ethernet technologies including MEF services, L2VPNs, loop avoidance
• Expert knowledge of Residential Internet technologies including BNG, DSL, GPON
• Experience with multicast and video distribution solutions
• Experience with virtualization and cloud solutions
• Experience in identifying potential design, performance, security, and support problems, including ability to identify technical risks/challenges and develop relevant mitigation strategies
• Extensive knowledge of the broad spectrum of technology areas, including technology trends, forthcoming industry standards, new products, and the latest solution development techniques; ability to leverage this knowledge to formulate technical solution strategy
• Must be able to understand, interpret, relay, and conduct technical network discussions
• Solid technical background with understanding and/or hands-on experience in Telecom service delivery standards
• Excellent client-facing and internal communication skills and the ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of executives, managers and subject matter experts