Network Architect

Network Architect Contract One-year B2B contract Location 50% onsite Brussels OR fully remote EU Position Summary We are seeking an experienced Hands-on Network Architect to design, evolve, and support the implementation of secure, scalable, and resilient network solutions across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments. The role covers network architecture, high-level and low-level design, technical governance, migration support, implementations and close collaboration with delivery and operations teams to ensure solutions meet business, security, performance, and operational requirements. Key Tasks and Responsibilities
• Define, design, and evolve secure, scalable, and resilient network architectures across data centre, campus, WAN, hybrid cloud, and multi-cloud environments.
• Lead or support network design activities for cloud migration, WAN evolution, segmentation, secure connectivity, and network modernisation initiatives.
• Design and support network infrastructure solutions of SD-WAN, SASE, firewall, VPN, routing, switching, load balancing, DNS, DHCP, IPAM, and cloud networking solutions.
• Work with enterprise architecture, security, project delivery, and operations teams to produce and review HLDs, LLDs, migration plans, test plans, and operational handover documentation.
• Support network operations teams by assessing proposed changes, advising on operational impacts, identifying improvement opportunities, and ensuring effective knowledge transfer for the designed solutions.
• Promote automation, standardisation, and repeatable deployment practices using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, Python, or equivalent technologies.
• Provide technical guidance during implementation, testing, troubleshooting, service transition, and continuous improvement activities. Job Requirements Technical Competencies and Experience
• 5+ years of experience in network architecture, infrastructure design, and implementation support in enterprise environments.
• Proven experience designing connectivity for on-premises, hybrid cloud, multi-cloud, partner, and remote access environments.
• Strong knowledge of routing and switching, including BGP, OSPF, routing policies, route filtering, traffic engineering, VLANs, and network segmentation.
• Practical experience with VPN technologies, firewalls, load balancers, proxies, DNS, DHCP, IPAM, cloud networking, and network security controls.
• Experience with automation tools, infrastructure-as-code, configuration templates, and network deployment frameworks.
• Strong cross-domain understanding across network, security, cloud, applications, and operations environments.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams.
• Fluent in English, with the ability to explain complex technical topics clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders. Level of Education University degree of 4 years in a relevant domain (e.g. Computer Science, Information Technology). Preferred Qualifications
• Routing and switching: CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure, or equivalent certification.
• Network Security: CCNP Security or equivalent certification.
• Cloud networking: Azure Network Engineer Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, AWS Advanced Networking Specialty, or equivalent certification.
• Automation: Cisco DevNet Professional or equivalent.
• Relevant vendor or technology certifications in SD-WAN, SASE, firewall, cloud networking, automation, or network security are considered an advantage. Behavioural Competences
• Proactive, delivery-oriented, structured, and accountable, with a strong focus on quality and operational outcomes.
• Open-minded and adaptable, with the ability to assess new technologies pragmatically and align them with business and operational needs.
• Able to influence stakeholders, build consensus, and support adoption of modern network practices across established teams.
• Collaborative and communicative, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and geographically distributed environments.