Network Architect / Sr Network Engineer-W2 Only

Title: Network Architect / Sr Network EngineerLocation: 100% remoteContract: 2 yearsJob DescriptionA large retailer in NJ is embarking on a large-scale network modernization program spanning WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, voice, and security across our store, distribution centers, data centers, and corporate environments. As part of this effort, we’re evaluating multiple strategic partners and technology solutions. We need a senior, hands-on network expert to serve as the technical back-stop – pressure-testing proposed designs, validating architectures, surfacing risks, and ensuring that the solutions we select are technically sound, scalable, and implementable at enterprise scale.Top Skills' Details1) Candidates must have a high level of experience in Network Architecture and Engineering. This person is expected to be the expert in this field. While this person will not be planning or implementing, they will be reviewing proposals, so they must understand a company's holistic infrastructure at a high level2) Must have previous experience working with MSPs and reviewing presentations and proposals. 3) Must be willing to give input. The retailer will be relying on this person to "question everything" when it comes to proposals and make suggestions based on the current and future state of the organization.4) Previously worked on company-wide infrastructure migrations. What you’ll do (day-to-day)• Technical validation of vendor proposals:o Tear down designs for completeness, scalability, resiliency, manageability, and cost realism. o Challenge assumptions; run structured Q&A drive lab/PoC criteria and acceptance tests. o Collaborate with our sourcing partner to review vendor solutions, assess technical completeness, and provide scoring and recommendations for design soundness, scalability, and operational fit.• Design review & documentation:o Build and/or validate HLD/LLD artifacts, reference architectures, standards, and config patterns (WAN, campus, store, DC). o Contribute to the development of reference architectures, design standards, and implementation readiness materials, ensuring validated solutions can transition smoothly into deployment. • Current-state discovery:o Create accurate diagrams, asset/OS inventories, and dependency maps; identify “retail realities” (e.g., site types and resiliency tiers).• Cutover & migration readiness:o Collaborate with internal PMO and Infrastructure Project Managers to align technical validation activities, partner deliverables, and milestone tracking within the broader network modernization program. o Support development of implementation readiness plans – including high-level rollout sequencing, success criteria, and risk mitigation strategies – ensuring validated solutions can transition smoothly from design into deployment. • Security & compliance guardrails:o Ensure network/security interplay is correct (firewalls, segmentation, ISE/TACACS, logging), with PCI-aware patterns where applicable.• Stakeholder & vendor interface:o Serve as the technical advocate for the retailer in workshops and down-selects; translate engineering issues into executive-ready decisions. Additional Skills & Qualifications• Evaluating supplier solutions during the RFP process and conducting detailed technical reviews. • Asking probing, informed questions during supplier presentations. • Gaining a deep understanding of our current network environment to identify implementation risks. • Supporting bandwidth analysis and consolidation planning.• Partnering closely with the Infrastructure PM running the RFP to ensure technical and delivery alignment. • Reviewing and validating technical documentation ahead of executive presentation. • Irregular travel to Burlington, NJ for workshops and technical / review sessions will be required. Apply tot his job