Principal Network Solutions Architect

About the Role

AFS is seeking an expert Principal Network Solutions Architect to lead the planning, architecture, and implementation of our large-scale, global network infrastructure. This role requires deep technical leadership in designing and deploying mission-critical on-premise, hybrid, and air-gapped networks.

The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of advanced routing protocols and extensive experience architecting secure, resilient, and high-performance networks for the Department of Defense (DoD). Your expertise will be the driving force behind our network strategy, from datacenter hardware to seamless hybrid cloud connectivity.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and implementation of secure, resilient, and scalable global network solutions.
• Develop and manage complex network architectures for DoD air-gapped environments, incorporating transport security and KG encryption devices.
• Engineer highly available and redundant network designs using advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, etc.) to ensure maximum uptime for critical systems.
• Architect and lead the implementation of hybrid cloud network strategies, establishing secure, robust, and low-latency connectivity using technologies like AWS Direct Connect and Azure ExpressRoute.
• Define requirements and provide expert recommendations for on-premise datacenter infrastructure, including rack hardware, power, and cooling.
• Collaborate with security, cloud, and application teams to ensure seamless integration and end-to-end security across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
• Create and maintain comprehensive documentation for network architecture, standards, device configurations, and operational procedures.
• Serve as the highest-level escalation point for complex network issues, providing expert-level troubleshooting and strategic resolution.
• Mentor other engineers and provide technical leadership across the organization on advanced networking and datacenter best practices.

Required Skills & Experience

• Must possess and maintain required DoD 8140 certifications.
• 10 years of experience in senior-level network engineering and architecture in the following areas:
• Expertise in planning and architecting large-scale, global networks with a deep understanding of advanced routing protocols, particularly BGP.
• Expert-level knowledge of on-premise datacenter design principles, including rack layout, power planning (PDU), and cooling.
• Proven experience designing redundant, high-availability networks using advanced routing and switching protocols.
• Deep expertise in hybrid cloud networking solutions, specifically AWS Direct Connect and equivalent technologies for other cloud providers.
• Strong background in designing and managing DoD air-gapped networks and their unique security constraints.
• Extensive hands-on experience with the architecture and integration of KG encryption devices (e.g., KG-175 TACLANE series).

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced networking certifications such as Cisco CCIE (Data Center or Enterprise Infrastructure) or Juniper JNCIE.
• Experience with network automation using tools like Ansible or Terraform.
• Knowledge of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technologies.
• Familiarity with multiple public cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency with network monitoring, analysis, and performance tuning tools.

Clearance

• An active TS/SCI is required

Pay and benefits

As required by local law, Accenture Federal Services provides reasonable ranges of compensation for hired roles based on labor costs in the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia. The base pay range for this position in these locations is shown below.

Compensation for roles at Accenture Federal Services varies depending on a wide array of factors, including but not limited to office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. Accenture Federal Services offers a wide variety of benefits. You can find more information on benefits here. We accept applications on an on-going basis and there is no fixed deadline to apply.

The pay range for the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia is:

$120,400—$234,700 USD

What We Believe

As a company wholly dedicated to serving the US federal government, we bring together the best talent to help reinvent how federal agencies operate and deliver greater value for their mission and the American people. As a business imperative, every person at Accenture Federal Services has the responsibility to create and sustain a culture where everyone feels welcomed and included.

This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who reflect different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds is key to driving innovation and delivering the results that our clients and the country count on.