Entry Level Network Architect Jobs

Duties Description The New York State Office of Information Technology Services (ITS) provides operational support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days of the year, supporting more than 4,900 applications for 53 New York State Agencies.

Under the direction of the Manager Information Technology Services 2 (Technical), M3, within the Chief Technology Office, Enterprise Network Services Bureau, Projects and Operations Section, the Information Technology Architect 2 (Network) will assume comprehensive responsibility for all Wide Area Network (WAN) projects, encompassing design, upgrades, ongoing management, and the provision of essential technical expertise. This oversight will extend across thousands of branch offices, hundreds of vendor relationships, and a vast 3,000-mile infrastructure footprint. Key initiatives under this position’s purview will include critical projects such as campus builds, new leasing deployments, and the strategic rollout of infrastructure in major metropolitan areas including Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, and New York City. The incumbent of this position will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) with specialized experience in enterprise WAN technologies, navigating the complexities of the organizational network, ensuring optimal performance, security, and cost-effectiveness across its geographically dispersed operations. This role is fundamental to maintaining business continuity and enabling future technological advancements, and is paramount to the stability, scalability, and future growth of our extensive network infrastructure.

Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

WAN Strategy & Design:

• Develop and maintain the overall WAN strategy and architecture aligned with business objectives.
• Design robust, scalable, and secure WAN solutions for new deployments, upgrades, and expansions.
• Evaluate and select appropriate WAN technologies, protocols, and vendor solutions.
• Create detailed network diagrams, documentation, and implementation plans.

Project Management & Execution:

• Lead and manage all WAN-related projects from conception to completion, including campus builds, office deployments, and infrastructure upgrades.
• Oversee the planning, budgeting, and resource allocation for WAN projects.
• Coordinate with internal teams (IT, operations, security) and external vendors for project execution.
• Ensure timely and successful deployment of WAN infrastructure across all designated locations.

Network Operations & Management:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations and performance of the enterprise WAN.
• Implement and manage network monitoring tools to ensure optimal uptime and performance.
• Develop and enforce network standards, policies, and procedures.
• Manage IP addressing schemes and routing protocols across the WAN.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with hundreds of WAN service providers and equipment vendors.
• Lead contract negotiations, service level agreement (SLA) management, and performance reviews with vendors.
• Ensure vendors adhere to company standards and deliver services as contracted.

Technical Expertise & Support:

• Serve as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all enterprise WAN technologies.
• Provide advanced technical support and troubleshooting for complex WAN issues.
• Mentor and guide junior network engineers and technical staff.
• Stay abreast of emerging WAN technologies and industry best practices.

Security & Compliance:

• Implement and maintain WAN security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Ensure WAN infrastructure complies with relevant industry regulations and company security policies.
• Participate in security audits and vulnerability assessments.

Capacity Planning & Optimization:

• Monitor network traffic and utilization to forecast future capacity needs.
• Identify opportunities for network optimization and cost reduction.
• Implement solutions to improve WAN performance, reduce latency, and enhance user experience.

Geographic Deployment Oversight:

• Specifically oversee the design, deployment, and management of WAN infrastructure for key locations such as downtown Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, and New York City.
• Manage the complexities of deploying and maintaining WAN connectivity for thousands of branch offices.

Minimum Qualifications Non-competitive: Seven years* of information technology experience, five years of which must be in the appropriate specialty**.

• Substitutions: Associate’s degree with 15 semester credit hours in computer science or related field substitutes for one year of general information technology experience. Candidates in a bachelor’s degree program with at least 15 semester credit hours in computer science or related field can substitute such credits for one year of general information technology experience.

Bachelor’s degree in any field including or supplemented by 15 semester credit hours in computer science or related field substitutes for three years of general information technology experience. Any bachelor’s degree substitutes for two years of general information technology experience. Master’s degree or higher in computer science or related field substitutes for one year of general information technology experience.

**Specialty includes experience as an IT architect in one or more of the following: artificial intelligence, cloud, data, enterprise, business, and solution.

Additional Comments ITS will not offer permanent employment to any candidate unless the candidate provides documentation that they are authorized to accept work in the United States on a permanent basis. It is the policy of ITS not to hire F1 or H1 visa holders for permanent employment or to sponsor non-immigrant aliens for temporary work authorization visas or for permanent residence.

Fingerprinting and a background check is required for employment with ITS.

Some positions may require up to 25% travel and/or lifting up to 50 lbs. Some positions are pending Civil Service approval. Details of position(s) will be described further if you are selected for an interview.

If eligible, positions located in New York City will receive an additional $4,000 downstate adjustment location pay with regular annual salary. Positions located in the Mid-Hudson will receive an additional $2,000 adjustment location pay.

Benefits of Working for NYS Generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:
Holiday & Paid Time Off

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually
• Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually
• Up to Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually
• Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF.
• Up to three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development

Health Care Benefits

• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost

Additional Benefits

• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• And many more.

The Office of Information Technology Services is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage all individuals with disabilities to apply.