Network Architect

Job title : Network Architect

Location : Kansas city, KS

Type : Contract to hire

Heavy focus on architecture, network performance monitoring, and modern segmentation

SUMMARY : Under the direction of the Chief Technology Officer and IT Infrastructure leadership, the Network Architect serves as the primary technical authority for the Network Engineering team. This role is responsible for ensuring the stability, integrity, security, and optimal performance of the enterprise network supporting all critical organizational operations. This position is a local hybrid position, with on-site.

The Network Architect partners closely with IT leadership to shape long‑term infrastructure strategies and technology roadmaps. This includes providing expert guidance in the architecture, design, deployment, and lifecycle management of complex enterprise network systems. The role leads high‑impact initiatives such as building, testing, implementing, and troubleshooting advanced network solutions across the health system including design, implementation, and optimization to ensure high performance, security, and scalability. This role involves creating detailed network blueprints, selecting appropriate hardware and software, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems.

Key responsibilities include evaluation, recommendation, and championing emerging technologies that strengthen NKC Health’s capabilities, supporting strategic objectives across health system environments. The Network Architect is accountable to ensure the Network Engineering team maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation for existing infrastructure as well as newly introduced systems and services. The NA is responsible for developing and reporting of network performance compared to benchmarks.

Acting as a subject matter expert across a broad array of technologies, this role delivers technical oversight for all operations under the Network Engineering function and provides mentorship, and direction to ensure consistent execution of architectural standards, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

EXPERIENCE :  Seven years' experience designing, configuring, and troubleshooting enterprise network systems. Seven years' experience managing Cisco routers, switches and managing Cisco Collaboration and VoIP systems. Six years' experience managing Cisco and Palo Alto firewalls, as well as managing and troubleshooting wireless networks.

SPECIAL SKILLS :  Packet capture analysis and troubleshooting with Wireshark or like products.

LICENSE / CERT :  Required : CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) Preferred : ASE (Architecture Systems Engineer ), CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional)

EDUCATION :  Preferred : Bachelors - Information Technology