IT Solutions Architect

Information Technology Solutions Architect

We are seeking a Information Technology Solutions Architect who is passionate about networking and security, and is eager to tackle the most challenging technical issues. In this senior role, you will lead network buildouts, perform advanced network analysis and support challenging customer issues. You will be a key contributor to our mission of providing "Cybersecurity by Design," ensuring our clients' infrastructures are secure, efficient, and tailored to their needs. This full-time hybrid role offers remote work flexibility, with travel within the Bay Area and some travel throughout the US, as required for client projects.

As an Information Technology Solutions Architect supporting the Waymo account, your day balances high-stakes technical precision with strategic leadership, moving seamlessly from remote performance tuning to on-site infrastructure deployments at autonomous vehicle depots. You lead the architecture and "rack and stack" of robust LAN/WLAN environments, ensuring the ultra-low latency for fleet communications while proactively hunting threats across Palo Alto and Ruckus stacks. Whether you are mentoring junior technicians on complex troubleshooting or acting as a trusted advisor in high-level stakeholder meetings, your focus remains on maintaining the impenetrable, high-availability network that keeps Waymo’s innovative technology moving safely.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and Implementation: Participate in the design, planning, and implementation of network infrastructure projects, including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and data center networks.

• Configuration and Management: Configure, install, and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless access points.

• Performance Monitoring and Optimization: Monitor network performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to optimize network efficiency and availability.

• Project Lead: Act as a project lead or key stakeholder, executing physical rack and stack installations for network deployments, while delivering timely and detailed status reports to stakeholders.

• Network Protection: Implement and manage network security solutions such as firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection and prevention systems, SIEM tools, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and data loss prevention to safeguard client networks.

• Expert Troubleshooting: Lead the resolution of the most complex technical issues involving network problems, security incidents, and most challenging client requests.

• Incident Leadership: Coordinate and lead incident response efforts for critical security events, working closely with clients and internal teams.

• Threat Analysis: Perform proactive threat hunting and vulnerability assessments to identify potential risks before they impact clients.

• Client Consultation: Serve as a trusted advisor to clients, providing strategic recommendations and being readily available for any and all requests

• Documentation and Reporting: Produce comprehensive reports on security incidents, threat analyses, and recommendations for clients and internal stakeholders.

• Mentorship: Mentor and guide Tier 1 and Tier 2 technicians, fostering professional growth and knowledge sharing within the team.

• Continuous Improvement: Lead initiatives to enhance our security processes, tools, and methodologies.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ experience configuring and maintaining Palo Alto Networks, Juniper, Ruckus, Cisco, Aruba, or Meraki hardware, with at least 3 years leading network architecture and implementation—including LAN, WAN, WLAN, and physical installation—and practical experience integrating cybersecurity measures, ideally within an MSSP or MSP environment.

• Technical Mastery: Deep expertise with various network architecture design, implementation and troubleshooting skills, WiFi design, analysis and troubleshooting, packet capture and analysis.

• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical skills with a track record of resolving complex critical technical issues efficiently including routers, switches, firewalls and wireless access points

• Client Relations: Exceptional communication skills with experience in client-facing roles, capable of explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

• Flexibility: Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and participate in on-call rotations.

Desired Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Networking, Cybersecurity, Computer Science or a related field.

• Certifications: Certifications such as the CCNP, CCIE, CISSP.

• Scripting Skills: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or PowerShell for automation.

• Threat Analysis: Perform proactive threat hunting and vulnerability assessments to identify potential risks before they impact clients.

• Compliance Expertise: Familiarity with compliance standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, or industry-specific regulations.

• Strategic Planning: Experience in developing cybersecurity strategies and roadmaps for organizations.

Working Conditions

• Primarily office-based with occasional travel to client sites (approximately 20-30%)

• May require occasional evening and weekend work to accommodate deployment schedules

• Fast-paced environment with multiple concurrent projects

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range is $140k to $220k USD

• Performance-based bonuses

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with company match

• Professional development opportunities and certification reimbursement

• Paid time off and company holidays

• Flexible work arrangements

Career Growth Opportunities

This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth, including advancement to senior project management roles, program management, or technical director positions.