Cloud Network Architect

About: 

The Cloud Network Software Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining our cloud-based network solutions. This role involves working closely with cross-functional teams to understand business needs and align the cloud network architecture to optimize performance, security, and scalability across Azure (primary), AWS, and private cloud environments.

What you'll do: 

• Design and architect secure cloud network solutions across Azure (primary), AWS, and private cloud environments. 

• Treat network infrastructure as software — build reusable, version-controlled IaC modules delivered through peer review, automated testing, and CI/CD pipelines. 

• Develop and enforce cloud network best practices, guidelines, and standards. 

• Partner with other architects to define the technical strategy across the network and drive its execution with teams. 

• Lead the use of automation to manage and maintain network infrastructure in public and private cloud environments, reducing manual toil across the estate. 

• Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate delivery and improve quality, and actively experiment with emerging capabilities as they evolve. 

• Monitor network performance and implement enhancements to optimize for speed, reliability, and cost efficiency across public and private cloud infrastructure. 

• Ensure network security in alignment with industry-standard best practice — including firewalls, intrusion-prevention systems, and encryption — and regularly assess and remediate vulnerabilities and threats using automation. 

• Collaborate with application, infrastructure, and security teams to plan and deploy cloud-based network strategies, and guide junior staff in troubleshooting and optimization. 

• Create network documentation for design, configuration, and standard operating procedures; present technical strategy and network performance to technical and non-technical stakeholders. 

• Stay current with industry trends, innovations, and best practices in cloud networking.
   

What you'll bring: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. 

•  15+ years of experience in network architecture and design, with a strong focus on cloud environments. 

• Proficiency in scripting and automation with Python or PowerShell, applying software engineering practices — version control, code review, and testing — to network automation, with strong analytical and troubleshooting skills. 

• Expert, in-depth knowledge of Azure (primary) and AWS cloud platforms.  

• Expert-level cloud architecture knowledge, evidenced by Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert — or equivalent demonstrated experience designing enterprise cloud network solutions. 

• Experience with networking protocols and technologies, and with network security practices and tools. 

• Mastery of infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tools such as Terraform and CloudFormation. 

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Network Engineer Associate, for specialized Azure networking depth (preferred). 

• Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) (preferred). 

• Excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders; strong teamwork, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities; and a passion for mentoring others. 

• Work flexibly as business priorities require, with availability for production-impacting incidents or key customer events affecting network services. 

• Ability to deliver work meeting all minimum requirements of quality, security, and operability. 

Leverage AI-assisted tools to accelerate delivery and improve quality and actively experiment with emerging capabilities as they evolve

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Blackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining an inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.