Network Architect at Equinix in Ashburn, Virginia

Job Description:

Network Architect

Equinix is one of the fastest-growing data center companies, growing connectivity between clients worldwide. That’s why we're always looking for creative and forward-thinking people who can help us achieve our goal of global interconnection. With 200+ data centers in over 24 countries spanning across five continents, we are home to the Cloud, supporting over 1000 Cloud and IT services companies that are directly engaged in technological innovation and development.

We are passionate about further evolving the specific areas of software development, software and network architecture, network operations, and complex Cloud and application solutions. At Equinix, we make the internet work faster, better, and more reliably. We hire talented people who thrive on solving challenging problems and give them opportunities to hone new skills, try new approaches, and grow in new directions. Our culture is at the heart of our success, and it’s our authentic, humble, gritty people who create The Magic of Equinix. We share a real passion for winning and put the customer at the center of everything we do.

The Network Architect is a senior-level position that provides enterprise network design expertise to internal Equinix customers. The individual will architect and design global network security and LAN/WAN standards for Equinix data centers, IBXs, Offices, and CP locations. Also, the Architect will regularly interact and work directly with all Vendors, Equinix Enterprise Architecture, and Infosec teams to understand requirements, develop global standards, and select next-gen network architecture.

Responsibilities

• Translate Equinix IT business requirements into a clear & concise, cost-effective network architecture 




• Research industry best practices and determine the relevance and feasibility of incorporating them into the Global Enterprise Network. 




• Author and maintain all network architecture and standards documentation 




• Develop network automation playbooks and drive towards infrastructure as code




• Works in creating the roadmaps for products and deployments 




• Drive network and process innovation through research and evaluation of both cutting edge and well-established technologies. 




• Participate in industry events and forums in an effort to further close that infinite gap between what we know and what we still have yet to learn 




• Participates in requirements/architecture discussions, design reviews, UAT, and deployment/training processes of various projects and products 




• Defines network requirements and aligns technology roadmaps 




• Understands cloud designs and associated models Vendor Management 




• Builds and maintains effective working relationships and partnerships with stakeholders 




• Architect solutions utilizing industry best practices. 




• Determine operational weaknesses within the existing network infrastructure, and present execution plans to remediate problem areas.




• Evaluate and identify opportunities to improve the security and/or performance of existing environments.




• Interact with other teams to provide escalation support during outages and customer issues, even if the problem might not be directly related to the network infrastructure.




• Work to complete all projects assigned and exhaust all possible resources in order to provide results on time and within specifications.




• Implementation and enforcement of existing and self-designed security measures and policies to protect the Equinix from both external and internal attacks and/or abuses.




• Travel may be required to meet project objectives. Approximately <5% travel.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience, 10 years of progressive network architecture experience in global large-scale enterprise and data-center environments desired.




• Bachelor's Degree.




• Strong technical background covering Layer 3 protocols (BGP/OSPF) in large scale designs.




• In-depth knowledge and experience with the design and implementation switched and routed networks and associated protocols: TCP/IP, NAT/PAT, HSRP, STP, PBR, BFD.




• 5+ years’ experience with large carrier networks and connectivity such as P2P, VPLS, MPLS, ISP.




• Network Security experience around securing network designs using firewalls, protocols, and, features.




• Experience automating network tasks; service now and Ansible preferred.




• WiFi technologies and associated Design experience.




• Ability to work as a member of a cross-functional team.




• Ability to document solutions with Visio, Word, and PowerPoint.




• Must have the ability to effectively communicate with clients, management, and peers.




• Must possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desired Experience/Knowled

• WAN design and optimization.




• Palo Alto Engineering and Deployment experience.




• Hands-on experience with AWS and Azure cloud architectures.




• Experience with F5 Load Balancers.




• Experience and/or knowledge of Docker Containers with Kubernetes.




• Network automation tools such as Service Now and ansible.




• Application stack layer 3-7.




• Positive attitude with a love of learning new tech.

Equinix is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.