Northern Trust
Network/Systems Architect (IT) (contract)
Northern Trust, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290
Overview
Network/Systems Architect (IT) (contract) — Northern Trust. The Principal Network Architect is a seasoned techno-functional leader with deep expertise in Network Engineering, Cloud Networking, Colocation Services, and Private Data Center infrastructure. This role requires a proven track record in leading solution and technical architecture functions, with the ability to translate strategic vision into actionable execution. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership in driving complex initiatives, aligning technology with business goals, and delivering scalable, resilient network solutions across hybrid environments. The Network Architect will spearhead the design, implementation, and support of network infrastructure and services across Northern Trust global footprint, contributing to enterprise-wide transformation and modernization initiatives while guiding engineering and operations teams. Responsibilities
Drive the Network Architecture Council to define and drive modernization strategies and technology roadmaps for both on-prem and cloud networking services. Lead vendor evaluations and manage third-party technology partnerships. Architect, deploy, and optimize scalable, secure network solutions across public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud). Oversee the implementation of connectivity hubs in global colocation facilities to support high-performance business applications. Design and enforce comprehensive security frameworks for hybrid cloud network services, including system hardening and secure configuration management. Ensure all network solutions align with industry standards (CIS, NIST, SOC 2). Lead engagements with internal and external auditors to maintain compliance and operational integrity. Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to monitor and scale network services, ensuring seamless connectivity for business applications and office locations. Lead and coordinate network infrastructure deployments across data centers, cloud environments, and mission-critical office sites. Champion network automation initiatives by identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing IaC and GitOps practices. Create comprehensive documentation for network designs, solutions, and infrastructure states—past, present, and future. Serve as the highest-level escalation point for Network Engineering and Operations, providing expert guidance and resolution. Qualifications
Deep Expertise in Networking Technologies: Demonstrated mastery in designing enterprise-wide solutions involving Routing, Switching, Load-Balancing, Firewalling, SD-WAN, and DNS technologies. Extensive Industry Experience: Over 15 years of hands-on experience architecting, deploying, and evolving network solutions in on-premises and colocation settings. CCIE certification or multiple CCNPs strongly preferred. Cloud Networking Proficiency: Minimum 10 years of experience designing and operating network infrastructures in public cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Relevant certifications are a plus. Automation & Orchestration Leadership: Proven ability to implement and scale automation practices using tools like Terraform, Ansible, Python, GitHub, and GitHub Actions. Experience with additional orchestration platforms is highly preferred. Network Observability & Performance Optimization: Deep understanding of observability tools to extract actionable insights, drive performance improvements, and accelerate issue resolution. Global Collaboration & Teamwork: Exceptional time management and collaboration skills within cross-functional teams spanning three global regions. Problem Solving: Expert-level analytical skills for diagnosing and resolving complex network issues across hybrid environments including on-prem, office sites, and cloud. Security-First Mindset: Strong grasp of security best practices for deploying network services across hybrid cloud ecosystems (on-prem, private, and public cloud). Strategic Communication & Influence: Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to facilitate decision-making and alignment across teams supporting mission-critical applications. Product Ownership & Iterative Delivery: Experience as a product owner with a track record of evolving services through customer-driven feedback and agile iteration. Agile Methodology Experience: Solid background in Agile environments, including the use of Agile tools for managing daily tasks, feature development, and infrastructure initiatives. Familiarity with Azure DevOps (ADO) is preferred. Continuous Improvement & Self-Motivation: Self-starter with a passion for ongoing learning and identifying opportunities to continually enhance network products and services. Pay & Benefits
Pay Rate Range : Min Pay Rate / Max Pay Rate / Currency / Unit — 87 / 97 / USD / hourly Additional Notes : The above listed pay range is a good faith estimate of what the employer reasonably expects to pay for this position. Benefits Information : Optional benefits offering includes medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits via Hiregenics. Note : The above information is provided for guidance and may be subject to change.
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Network/Systems Architect (IT) (contract) — Northern Trust. The Principal Network Architect is a seasoned techno-functional leader with deep expertise in Network Engineering, Cloud Networking, Colocation Services, and Private Data Center infrastructure. This role requires a proven track record in leading solution and technical architecture functions, with the ability to translate strategic vision into actionable execution. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership in driving complex initiatives, aligning technology with business goals, and delivering scalable, resilient network solutions across hybrid environments. The Network Architect will spearhead the design, implementation, and support of network infrastructure and services across Northern Trust global footprint, contributing to enterprise-wide transformation and modernization initiatives while guiding engineering and operations teams. Responsibilities
Drive the Network Architecture Council to define and drive modernization strategies and technology roadmaps for both on-prem and cloud networking services. Lead vendor evaluations and manage third-party technology partnerships. Architect, deploy, and optimize scalable, secure network solutions across public cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud). Oversee the implementation of connectivity hubs in global colocation facilities to support high-performance business applications. Design and enforce comprehensive security frameworks for hybrid cloud network services, including system hardening and secure configuration management. Ensure all network solutions align with industry standards (CIS, NIST, SOC 2). Lead engagements with internal and external auditors to maintain compliance and operational integrity. Collaborate with Engineering and Operations teams to monitor and scale network services, ensuring seamless connectivity for business applications and office locations. Lead and coordinate network infrastructure deployments across data centers, cloud environments, and mission-critical office sites. Champion network automation initiatives by identifying opportunities for efficiency and implementing IaC and GitOps practices. Create comprehensive documentation for network designs, solutions, and infrastructure states—past, present, and future. Serve as the highest-level escalation point for Network Engineering and Operations, providing expert guidance and resolution. Qualifications
Deep Expertise in Networking Technologies: Demonstrated mastery in designing enterprise-wide solutions involving Routing, Switching, Load-Balancing, Firewalling, SD-WAN, and DNS technologies. Extensive Industry Experience: Over 15 years of hands-on experience architecting, deploying, and evolving network solutions in on-premises and colocation settings. CCIE certification or multiple CCNPs strongly preferred. Cloud Networking Proficiency: Minimum 10 years of experience designing and operating network infrastructures in public cloud platforms such as Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud. Relevant certifications are a plus. Automation & Orchestration Leadership: Proven ability to implement and scale automation practices using tools like Terraform, Ansible, Python, GitHub, and GitHub Actions. Experience with additional orchestration platforms is highly preferred. Network Observability & Performance Optimization: Deep understanding of observability tools to extract actionable insights, drive performance improvements, and accelerate issue resolution. Global Collaboration & Teamwork: Exceptional time management and collaboration skills within cross-functional teams spanning three global regions. Problem Solving: Expert-level analytical skills for diagnosing and resolving complex network issues across hybrid environments including on-prem, office sites, and cloud. Security-First Mindset: Strong grasp of security best practices for deploying network services across hybrid cloud ecosystems (on-prem, private, and public cloud). Strategic Communication & Influence: Superb verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills to facilitate decision-making and alignment across teams supporting mission-critical applications. Product Ownership & Iterative Delivery: Experience as a product owner with a track record of evolving services through customer-driven feedback and agile iteration. Agile Methodology Experience: Solid background in Agile environments, including the use of Agile tools for managing daily tasks, feature development, and infrastructure initiatives. Familiarity with Azure DevOps (ADO) is preferred. Continuous Improvement & Self-Motivation: Self-starter with a passion for ongoing learning and identifying opportunities to continually enhance network products and services. Pay & Benefits
Pay Rate Range : Min Pay Rate / Max Pay Rate / Currency / Unit — 87 / 97 / USD / hourly Additional Notes : The above listed pay range is a good faith estimate of what the employer reasonably expects to pay for this position. Benefits Information : Optional benefits offering includes medical, dental, vision and retirement benefits via Hiregenics. Note : The above information is provided for guidance and may be subject to change.
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