Principal Technical Architect - Los Angeles, CA

Job Description

Title : Principal Technical Architect

Desired Start Date :

Duration : 12 Months, Hrs / Wk : 40.00

Work Location : Los Angeles, CA (Westwood area, Hybrid / Onsite)

Non-local candidates who are willing to relocate to LA on their own expense would be considered.

CCIE is a must have and a copy of certification or a link is required.

Description :

Note : Frequent travel to the different offices / venues in Westwood, CA area and to around the LA / downtown will be required.

The Principal Technical Architect is a highly skilled subject matter expert responsible for providing architectural expertise in the design, development, and implementation of complex campus and branch network solutions . This role is focused on defining strategy, validating technical designs, and ensuring architectural solutions meet both functional and non-functional requirements, such as security, scalability, and performance. The Principal Architect is a senior-level leader who solves complex business and technical problems and actively mentors and guides other technical staff.

Core responsibilities :

Architectural design and strategy : Lead the end-to-end design and evolution of core network solutions for campus and branch environments. Define the technical vision, strategy, and standards for the network architecture.

System design and analysis : Conduct comprehensive system design activities to ensure that architectural solutions align with technical requirements and strategic business goals. Perform architectural analysis, evaluation, and design of complex network systems.

SME leadership : Act as a subject matter expert, providing deep technical expertise and guidance on network solutions to internal teams and stakeholders. Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies.

Technology implementation : Drive complex network modernization and migration projects, from lab validation and pilot phases to full-scale deployment and cutover planning.

Collaboration and stakeholder management : Partner with business leaders, engineering teams, and other technical staff to translate business requirements into effective technical designs. Communicate architectural concepts and design decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Policy-based automation and segmentation : Implement and operationalize policy-based automation and network segmentation strategies, leveraging technologies such as Cisco Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) and Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) .

Documentation : Create and maintain high-level and low-level design documents, "as-built" records, operational runbooks, and other critical documentation.

Technical expertise :

Expertise with Cisco SD-Access architecture and implementation, including Catalyst Center (formerly Cisco DNA Center) for automation and assurance .

Deep knowledge and implementation experience with Cisco ACI .

Strong background in policy-based automation and segmentation, including Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) and TrustSec .

Expert knowledge of routing protocols such as BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and multicast for large-scale enterprise environments .

Experience with campus wired and wireless networking .

Strong understanding of network security, including firewalls (e.g., Cisco FTD ), intrusion detection / prevention ( IDS / IPS ), and access control .

Required skills and qualifications :

Education : Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Experience : 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking, including extensive hands-on experience in network architecture and design .

Certifications : Professional-level or expert-level certifications such as Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) are highly valued .

Soft skills : Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills . The ability to build consensus and influence technical direction across teams.