Principal Datacenter Networking Architect

Job Description
Join a Team that's Shaping the Future of IT Support
At BAE Systems, we're passionate about delivering innovative IT solutions that enable our customers to achieve their missions. As a Principal Datacenter Networking Architect, you'll play a critical role in providing exceptional IT support to the customer. You'll be part of a dynamic team that values innovation, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. If you're a motivated and skilled IT professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.
As a Principal Datacenter Networking Architect, you'll architect high-performance connectivity solutions for datacenters, including spine-leaf topologies, fabric interconnects, and VXLAN overlays to enable scalable, low-latency data center operations. You'll design redundancy and failover mechanisms, incorporating ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) or equivalent for automated policy enforcement and multi-tenancy segmentation.
By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to work on exciting projects, collaborate with a talented team, and make a significant impact on the customer's operations. You'll be expected to collaborate with datacenter operations, security, and application teams to integrate architectures with existing systems, performing load testing, capacity modeling, and vulnerability assessments. If you're a motivated and skilled IT professional looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply.
Location Requirement
The successful candidate must be located within 50 miles of Vicksburg, MS.
#Castle-Net
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• 6+ years of experience in datacenter networking architecture, with hands-on expertise in high-performance connectivity solutions for government or large enterprise networks
• Proven ability to architect scalable designs for datacenter environments, including switching fabrics and security integrations
• Active DoD Secret Clearance (must be current and transferable)
• Strong knowledge of federal network standards (e.g., NIST 800-53, DISA guidelines) and ITIL practices for service design and transition
• Proficiency in datacenter architecture tools (e.g., Cisco DCNM, Arista EOS) and simulation software
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills for technical collaboration in regulated settings
• Applies extensive expertise, and has full knowledge of other related disciplines, with the ability to exercise considerable latitude in determining objectives and approaches to assignment

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center and Cisco Certified Internetwork Specialist (CCIS) Data Center certifications
• Experience supporting DoD or large federal datacenters, including high-availability designs for classified or multi-cloud hybrid setups
• ITIL 4 Foundation or higher certification, with emphasis on infrastructure and platform management
• Background in SDN controllers (e.g., Cisco ACI, VMware NSX) and automation (e.g., Ansible, REST APIs)
• Master's degree in a relevant field or additional certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, CISSP)

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $94728 - $161038
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.