Network Solutions Architect

We are seeking an internally and externally recognized thought leader to serve as a Senior Leader Individual Contributor architect for the enterprise network portfolio. This role owns holistic network architecture direction across campus, data center, cloud, wide-area, and network security environments, setting standards and reference architectures that shape multi-year strategy. The ideal candidate operates as the top technical authority in the domain, recommends directly impactful strategies, and influences outcomes across the organization without relying on formal management authority. Key Responsibilities and Duties Define and own holistic network architecture direction, standards, and reference architectures across campus, data center, cloud, wide-area, and network security environments. Set multi-year technical strategy and roadmaps, balancing cost, risk, delivery schedule, and long-term architectural coherence. Provide the authoritative technical voice on large-scale programs such as network segmentation, data center and campus modernization, cloud and hybrid connectivity, and WAN transformation. Embed security into network architecture through segmentation, policy-based design, and secure connectivity patterns. Recommend directly impactful strategies and plans to senior technology and business leadership. Establish design patterns and guardrails that other architects and delivery teams adopt across the enterprise. Resolve the most complex, ambiguous, or high-risk architectural decisions that others cannot. Partner across application, cloud, infrastructure, and cybersecurity domains to drive integrated, secure solutions. Mentor and elevate the technical capability of the broader architecture community. Educational Requirements University (Degree) Preferred Work Experience 8+ Years Required; 10+ Years Preferred Career Level 10IC Key Competencies: Technical Leadership: Expert. Guides and influences technical teams and peers toward robust, secure architectural solutions across all network domains. Network Security: Expert. Designs segmentation, policy enforcement, and secure connectivity patterns integrated into network architecture. Scalability/Reliability: Expert. Anticipates system risks early and ensures growth and reliability requirements are met. Influence: Expert. Navigates difficult and collaborative circumstances to gain buy-in and align stakeholders across the organization. Innovation: Expert. Imagines possibilities and drives adoption of new solutions that advance business and client needs. Problem Solving: Expert. Identifies root causes in complex situations and reaches pragmatic, enterprise-effective decisions. Required Skills: 8+ Years experience as a network or infrastructure architect. Experience with network architecture strategy, standards, and/or reference architectures across multiple environments. Experience and Expertise routing, switching, wireless, data center, cloud networking, and/or network services (L3-L7), including segmentation and secure connectivity patterns. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred, or equivalent work experience. Relevant certifications (e.g., CCIE, CISSP, PCNSE, TOGAF, or equivalent) strongly preferred. Proven ability to influence senior technology and business leaders and drive alignment without formal authority. Related Skills Application Programming Interface (API) Development/Integration, Cloud Platforms, Data Management, Domain-Driven Design, Enterprise Application Integration, Enterprise Architecture, Influence, Innovation, Problem Solving, Scalability/Reliability, Software as a Service (SaaS), Software Development, Strategic Planning, Systems Design/Analysis Anticipated Posting End Date: 2026-08-27 Base Pay Range: $165,000/yr - $255,000/yr Actual base salary may vary based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, base salary of internal peers, prior performance, business sector, and geographic location.  In addition to base salary, the competitive compensation package may include, depending on the role, participation in an incentive program linked to performance (for example, annual discretionary incentive programs, non-annual sales incentive plans, or other non-annual incentive plans).  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Company Overview Every worker deserves a secure retirement. For more than 100 years, TIAA has delivered it for millions of people. Founded to help educators retire with dignity, today weʼre a market-leading retirement company fueled by world-class asset management. But weʼre not just another legacy financial services firm. Weʼre fighting harder than ever before for our clients and the many Americans who need us. Our Culture of Impact At TIAA, we're on a mission to build on our 100+ year legacy of delivering for our clients while evolving to meet tomorrow's challenges. We equip our associates with future-focused skills and AI tools that enable us to advance our mission. Together, we are fighting to ensure a more secure financial future for all and for generations to come. We are guided by our values: Champion Our People, Be Client Obsessed, Lead with Integrity, Own It, and Win As One. They influence every decision we make and how we work together to serve our clients every day. 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