Sr. Solutions Architect - SHI Labs

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced and customer-facing networking expert to serve as a senior technical leader within our organization. This role operates at the intersection of consulting, pre-sales, and engineering-partnering with customers, internal stakeholders, and vendors to design, validate, and deliver modern network solutions.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable advising executive stakeholders and executing hands-on technical work in complex lab environments. This individual will drive innovation, influence network strategy, and play a critical role in shaping both customer outcomes and internal technical capabilities.

Role Description

Customer Engagement & Advisory

• Serve as the lead technical voice providing solution demonstrations to customers
• Act as a trusted advisor to presales Field CIOs, CISOs, and engineering teams, influencing network strategy and technology decisions
• Translate business and security requirements into structured use cases and test plans
• Lead workshops, technical deep dives, and executive briefings

Architecture, Design & Lab Execution

• Design and build complex lab environments simulating enterprise architectures
• Develop and execute proof-of-concept (POC) and proof-of-value (POV) testing across multiple network solutions
• Validate vendor capabilities, integration points, and real-world operational impact
• Produce reference architectures, design documentation, and validation reports

Pre-Sales & Post-Sales Leadership

• Partner with account teams and presales engineering to develop new network solutions, evaluate partnerships, and guide overall network support strategy
• Lead the development and validation of clearly defined use cases and test cases
• Lead technical scoping, sizing, and delivery planning for pilot engagements
• Ensure successful project execution, stepping in to resolve complex or at-risk deployments when needed

Lab Innovation & Practice Leadership

• Drive innovation within the networking team by evaluating emerging technologies
• Provide feedback to vendors on product gaps, limitations, and enhancement opportunities
• Mentor and develop engineers across the practice, from junior to senior levels
• Assist in talent identification and technical interviewing

Behaviors and Competencies

• Problem-Solving: Can proactively identify and take ownership of complex problem-solving initiatives, initiate preventative measures, collaborate with others to find solutions, and drive successful outcomes.
• Communication: Can effectively communicate complex ideas and information to diverse audiences, facilitate effective communication between others, and mentor others in effective communication.
• Adaptability: Can lead others through change, help teams adapt to new directions, and create a culture open to change.
• Leadership: Can take ownership of complex team initiatives, collaborate with others in decision-making processes, and drive team performance.
• Teamwork: Can build and lead multiple teams, fostering a cooperative environment and ensuring effective communication between team members.
• Self-Motivation: Can take ownership of complex personal or professional initiatives, collaborate with others when necessary, and drive results through self-motivation.

Skill Level Requirements

Technical Expertise

• Strong expertise across multiple domains, including:
• Secure Access & Network Security (ZTNA, SASE, VDI, browser isolation, remote access, NGFW, segmentation, SD-WAN, etc.)
• Network Design and Routing (WAN/LAN, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS)
• Cloud and Virtualization (VPCs, VPNs, hybrid data centers)
• Automation and Scripting (Python, Terraform, Ansible)
• Ability to design, build, and troubleshoot complex integrated environments (hands-on)
• Experience with multi-technology integrations and interoperability testing

Other Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in network engineering, architecture, or consulting roles
• Experience in a VAR, consulting firm, or systems integrator strongly preferred
• Proven success operating in a hybrid pre-sales/post-sales capacity
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, multi-vendor network engagements

Demonstrated Impact

• History of driving measurable outcomes, including:
• Significant service revenue generation
• Influence on large-scale network purchasing decisions
• Experience mentoring teams and shaping national or enterprise-level practices

Technology Exposure

• Experience working with leading networking and infrastructure vendors such as:

Additional information

Arista, Aruba/HPE, BlueCat, Cisco/Meraki, Cradlepoint, Dell, Extreme, Fortinet, Juniper/HPE, LogicMonitor, Netgear, Ruckus, SolarWinds

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Experience operating as a Principal Consultant or Senior Architect in a VAR or consulting environment
• Equally comfortable in executive whiteboard sessions and hands-on lab environments
• Thrives in complex, ambiguous environments and brings structure through engineering rigor

Pay and benefits

The estimated annual pay range for this position is $175,000 - $240,000 which includes a base salary and bonus. The compensation for this position is dependent on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and market location and, therefore, will vary from individual to individual. Benefits may include, but are not limited to, medical, vision, dental, 401K, and flexible spending.

Equal Employment Opportunity - M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status