Principal Technical Consultant - Network & Security Solution Architect

Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation. At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD. We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived. ***We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.*** **The Solution Architect – Network & Network Security** will act as a senior technical leader and trusted advisor within a complex, high-demand Fortune 10 client environment. This role requires designing, validating, and guiding the implementation of enterprise-scale network and security solutions across multiple concurrent workstreams. The role demands a professional who is outspoken, results-driven, and an exceptional communicator, capable of influencing stakeholders, driving technical decisions, and ensuring delivery excellence while maintaining alignment with AHEAD standards and client expectations. ### Key Responsibilities: - Lead the architecture and design of large-scale network and security solutions, including data center, WAN/LAN, cloud, and hybrid environments. - Collaborate with and drive teams to assess requirements, define solutions, and ensure alignment with enterprise standards, compliance frameworks, and strategic objectives. - Delegate and lead small teams of engineers, providing guidance and oversight to ensure high-quality, on-time delivery. - Oversee multiple workstreams concurrently, managing dependencies, priorities, and risks to maintain solution integrity and on-time delivery. - Provide technical governance and quality assurance throughout solution lifecycle, from initial design through deployment, validation, and optimization. - Develop, review, and present architectural documentation, high-level designs (HLDs), and detailed designs (LLDs) to technical and executive audiences. - Act as a primary escalation point for complex network and security challenges, applying independent judgment to recommend actionable solutions. - Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and vendor roadmaps (Arista, Cisco, Palo Alto, etc.) to inform strategic decisions. - Communicate with authority and professionalism in client meetings, architecture reviews, and steering committees to influence direction and build consensus. - Collaborate with internal AHEAD teams to ensure solution consistency, knowledge sharing, and alignment with delivery methodologies. - Drive results proactively, anticipating challenges, mitigating risks, and ensuring commitments are met with a focus on client satisfaction and operational excellence. ### Requirements: - WAN/LAN, Network and Cloud expertise including Azure. GCP is a plus - Ability to architect, design and deliver solutions. - Consultative experience. Leadership experience. - Excellent communication skills.