Network Solutions Architect

Network Solution Architect

Location: South Plainfield, NJ — Hybrid, 3 days onsite per week

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Network Architect / Solution Architect to provide network design leadership and technical documentation for an ADMS Hardware Upgrade Project . The role will focus on developing network architecture diagrams, defining secure communication paths, designing firewall rules, documenting IP addressing and hostnames, and conducting network failure-mode analysis to ensure reliability, security, and real-time performance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Network & System Architecture

• Develop detailed network and system architecture diagrams for ADMS components and integrations, including OMS, SCADA, DMS, DERMS, and GIS .
• Document system processes, network flows, communication paths, and interface points in accordance with enterprise architecture standards.
• Support the design, optimization, and integration of ADMS capabilities within the broader enterprise architecture.
• Define network connectivity and architecture requirements for mission-critical operational environments.

1. Firewall & Security Architecture

• Design, draft, and validate firewall rules and secure communication paths supporting ADMS environments.
• Define secure interfaces and architecture standards for ADMS components and supporting systems.
• Ensure network and security designs meet OT/IT cybersecurity requirements while supporting real-time operational performance.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to identify and address network security risks.

1. IP Addressing, Hostnames & Network Segmentation

• Document IP addressing schemes, hostnames, LAN/VLAN segments, routing requirements, and network dependencies.
• Maintain comprehensive technical documentation for ADMS hardware upgrades and integrated platforms.
• Define and document network segmentation and security zones across OT/IT environments.
• Ensure network documentation supports data integrity, enterprise integration, and future scalability.

1. Network Failure-Mode Analysis & Testing

• Identify technical risks, network dependencies, potential failure modes, and mitigation strategies.
• Support or lead testing of failover scenarios, redundancy models, network segmentation, and real-time performance .
• Validate network designs for reliability and availability across mission-critical systems.
• Ensure the architecture supports outage management, switching operations, grid reliability, and real-time situational awareness.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with Grid Operations, OT teams, SCADA engineers, cybersecurity teams, enterprise architects, and technology vendors .
• Translate complex network and architecture concepts into clear technical documentation.
• Communicate technical risks, design decisions, and recommendations effectively to both technical and business stakeholders.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure network architecture aligns with operational and business requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience in enterprise network architecture and design .
• Strong knowledge of LAN/WAN, routing, switching, firewalls, network segmentation, redundancy, and security zoning .
• Experience designing and supporting networks for real-time, mission-critical, or operational technology environments .
• Strong ability to develop architecture diagrams, network documentation, and technical design specifications.
• Demonstrated ability to identify technical risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Preferred / Highly Desirable Experience

• Experience with ADMS, SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, and GIS environments.
• Experience supporting large-scale ADMS modernization, hardware upgrades, utility network transformation, or OT infrastructure programs .
• Knowledge of secure OT/IT boundary architecture and operational technology security requirements.
• Understanding of telemetry flows, control center operations, and grid connectivity requirements.
• Experience working in the electric utility, energy, or critical infrastructure sector.
• Familiarity with high-availability and redundant network architectures for real-time operational systems.

Top 3 Skills

1. Enterprise Network Architecture & Design
2. **Firewall Rules & Security Design for OT/IT Environment…