Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Cognizant is an information technology services company. The Infrastructure Network Architect will lead the design, implementation, and optimization of large-scale enterprise WAN and network security solutions, including Cisco SD-WAN and Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE/SASE. The role also provides technical leadership, manages network lifecycle activities and telecommunications providers, and supports global network transformation initiatives.
Responsibilities
- Lead the design, architecture, and deployment of enterprise WAN solutions, including circuit migrations, network modernization initiatives, Cisco SD-WAN implementations, and secure connectivity solutions across geographically distributed environments
- Architect and implement Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) solutions, leveraging vManage, vSmart, vBond, and vEdge components to improve network performance, resiliency, scalability, and operational efficiency
- Design and deploy Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE/SASE solutions to deliver secure remote access, cloud security, zero-trust connectivity, and enhanced user experience across global networks
- Develop High-Level Designs (HLDs), Low-Level Designs (LLDs), implementation plans, and change management documentation, while coordinating deployment activities with internal teams and external stakeholders
- Provide advanced routing and switching expertise, including configuration, optimization, and troubleshooting of BGP, OSPF, route-maps, ACLs, redistribution policies, and traffic engineering strategies
- Ensure adherence to network security standards and best practices, including VPN technologies, IPsec tunnels, Quality of Service (QoS), segmentation, access controls, and secure connectivity frameworks
- Lead network lifecycle management activities, including hardware and software upgrades, firmware maintenance, vulnerability remediation, configuration standardization, and technology refresh initiatives
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, business stakeholders, security teams, infrastructure teams, and project managers to ensure network standards are maintained and business operations remain uninterrupted
- Manage telecommunications service providers and vendors, including circuit procurement, renewals, upgrades, SLA management, escalation handling, delivery coordination, and issue resolution throughout the circuit lifecycle
- Provide technical leadership and mentorship, guiding engineering teams through design reviews, troubleshooting efforts, best practice adoption, operational governance, and continuous service improvement initiatives
Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related discipline, or equivalent experience
- 10+ years of experience in enterprise network design, implementation, and architecture
- Deep expertise in WAN architecture and design
- 10+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela) technologies including:
- VManage
- VSmart
- VBond
- VEdge
- Strong experience with Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE/SASE solutions
- Advanced knowledge of:
- BGP
- OSPF
- Route-maps
- ACLs
- Traffic engineering
- Strong understanding of:
- VPN technologies
- IPsec
- QoS
- Network security architecture
- Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
- Proven experience designing, deploying, and supporting large-scale global WAN environments
- Experience coordinating with telecommunications providers and managing carrier services
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing projects, initiatives, or technical teams
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills
- Valid Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Enterprise) certification
- The role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future
- SASE or SSE-related certifications
- Palo Alto Networks certifications
- Experience supporting global enterprise network environments across multiple regions
- Exposure to cloud networking and security platforms
- Experience leading network transformation and modernization programs
Benefits
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans
- Remote role in USA
- Various wellbeing programs
Company Overview