Network Architect (W2)

Job role: Network Architect

Location: South Plainfield, NJ (Hybrid)

Duration: 12+ Months

W2 Contract, no C2C

Role Summary:

The Network Architect provides design leadership and technical documentation for the ADMS Hardware Upgrade Project. This role focuses on creating network architecture diagrams, defining secure communication paths, drafting firewall rules, documenting all IP addressing and hostnames, and performing network failure‑mode analysis to ensure reliability and real‑time performance.

Core Responsibilities:

1. Network & System Architecture Diagramming:

• Develop detailed, accurate network and system architecture diagrams for ADMS components and integrations (OMS, SCADA, DMS, DERMS, GIS).

• Document system processes, network flows, and interface points aligned with enterprise architecture standards.

• Support design and optimization of ADMS capabilities within the broader enterprise architecture.

2. Firewall Rule Definition & Security Design:

• Draft and verify firewall rules and communication paths required for ADMS, ensuring cybersecurity and real‑time performance.

• Define architecture standards and secured interfaces for ADMS components including OMS, SCADA, DMS, DERMS, and supporting systems.

3. IP Addressing, Hostnames & Network Segmentation Documentation

• Document IP schemes, hostnames, LAN/VLAN segments, and routing requirements for all ADMS hardware and integrated platforms.

• Maintain comprehensive documentation supporting ADMS hardware upgrades, data integrity, and cloud/enterprise integration.

4. Network Failure‑Mode Analysis & Testing

• Identify technical risks, potential failure modes, and mitigation strategies across the ADMS network architecture.

• Support or lead testing of failover scenarios, redundancy models, segmentation behaviors, and real‑time performance validation.

• Ensure network design supports reliability, outage management, switching operations, and real‑time situational awareness.

Collaboration & Communication:

• Work closely with Grid Operations, OT teams, SCADA engineers, cybersecurity, and vendors to ensure alignment of network designs with ADMS operational needs.

• Communicate complex technical subjects clearly to technical and business stakeholders.

Required Qualifications (Network Focus):

• Proven experience in enterprise network architecture, including LAN/WAN, routing, switching, firewall design, segmentation, redundancy, and security zoning.

• Experience designing networks for real‑time systems or mission‑critical operational technologies.

• Ability to document architecture clearly and proactively identify technical risks.

Highly Desirable Experience (ADMS / SCADA / OMS):

• Familiarity with ADMS systems, including SCADA, OMS, DMS, DERMS, and GIS integration.

• Experience supporting large‑scale ADMS modernization, hardware upgrade, or OT network transformation programs.

• Knowledge of secure OT/IT boundary architectures and real‑time operational technology requirements.

• Understanding of telemetry flows, control center operations, and connectivity requirements for grid modernization initiatives.

Top Skills:

1. Enterprise Network Architecture & Design

2. Firewall Rules & Security Design for OT/IT Environments

3. Network Documentation & Failure-Mode Analysis