Information Technology Network Architect

Job description

Job Title Information Technology Network Architect Agency Texas A&M University System Offices Department Director, RELLIS Campus Proposed Minimum Salary Commensurate Job Location Bryan, Texas Job Type Staff Job Description The System Offices is one of several system members within the Texas A&M University System representing one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a network of 12 universities, a comprehensive health science center, nine state agencies, and the RELLIS Campus. The Texas A&M University System mission is to provide education, conduct research, commercialize technology, offer training, and deliver services for the people of Texas and beyond. The System Offices, within the Texas A&M University System, provides an outstanding benefits package including, but not limited to: competitive health benefits; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; a defined benefit retirement plan to include an employer contribution through Teachers Retirement System of Texas (TRS); if applicable, a defined contribution retirement plan to include an employer contribution through an approved ORP vendor: additional voluntary tax deferred annuity (TDA) options; tuition assistance; and wellness programs to promote work/life balance. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Job Description Summary: The Network Architect serves as the technical and strategic lead for the RELLIS campus network. This position is responsible for developing, maintaining, and evolving the campus-wide network architecture, ensuring performance, scalability, reliability, and security. The role provides technical oversight, establishes engineering standards, and leads the Network Team in delivering Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) for all RELLIS partners and facilities. The architect leads complex design initiatives, coordinates enterprise-level implementations, and functions as the top technical escalation point for the network environment. Responsibilities: - Lead the design, implementation, and evolution of the RELLIS campus network architecture (LAN, WAN, wireless, data center, security overlays). - Develop and enforce network engineering standards, design methodologies, and technical best practices. - Review and approve network design plans and installation/testing standards - Evaluate emerging technologies for applicability to RELLIS strategic objectives. - Serve as the senior technical escalation point for complex network issues across the RELLIS environment. - Oversee problem management processes, including root-cause analysis and enterprise troubleshooting. - Ensure reliability, security, and performance of all network systems supporting RELLIS tenants. - Lead, mentor, and develop the Network Team, providing technical guidance and coordinating engineering activities. - Set priorities, assign work, and oversee execution of network projects and operational tasks. - Collaborate with campus leadership on planning, staffing, and long-term service delivery strategies. - Provide technical leadership for major expansion efforts, new facility integrations, and network build-outs. - Coordinate and supervise testing procedures to certify architectures meet required performance standards. - Prepare and deliver project documentation, design packages, reports, and technical summaries. - Manage technical relationships with equipment vendors, service providers, and external partners. - Work with RELLIS tenants, agencies, and academic partners to define requirements and align services. - Ensure network designs and operations comply with security, regulatory, and policy requirements. - Maintain documentation, diagrams, procedures, and audit-ready materials for continuity and quality assurance. Education and Experience: - Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. - Eight years of progressively responsible experience in network engineering, architecture, or related fields. Registration, Certifications, and Licenses: - Advanced networking certifications (e.g., Cisco CCNP/CCIE). Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: - Demonstrated expertise with enterprise-scale networking, including routing, switching, wireless, and security technologies. - Ability to manage diverse teams. - Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills. - Excellent written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience leading technical teams. - Experience with large-scale multi-tenant network environments. - Experience with ITIL methodologies. Other Requirements: This is a security-sensitive position and is restricted to U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents only. Only complete applications will be considered for employment at The Texas A&M System Offices. Incomplete job application data could result in your application being rejected without an option to reapply. A cover letter and resume may be required in addition to a completed employment application All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check. Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.