Overview HYBRID - Minneapolis, MN OR REMOTE - Chicago, IL Area Applicants Only The ideal candidate for the Network Solutions Architect position will have experience with the design, configuration and hands-on implementation of security and data center networking infrastructure. Technologies being supported include software-defined data center networking such as Cisco ACI and traditional Cisco Nexus OS architectures. Security infrastructure experience supporting edge, segmentation, SD-WAN and VPN use cases with hardware such as Fortinet, Meraki and Cisco is also desired. Responsibilities CORPORATE VALUES Respectful communication and cooperation: We prioritize respectful communication, fostering an environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Teamwork and employee participation: Collaboration and teamwork thrive through diverse perspectives, both within our teams and in our interactions with our customers. Work/life balance that supports our employees' varying needs: We value the well-being of our employees, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance is pivotal to our collective success. Embracing communities: We embrace and support the communities that nurture us. Our employees' dedication to fostering positive change is a source of immense pride for us. COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING We are an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate or allow discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. ePlus is dedicated to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture that represents diversity, enables inclusion, and makes our employees feel comfortable bringing their full, unique selves to work. YOUR IMPACT Primary Responsibilities: Collaborate with our customers to develop secure network architectures, meeting needs for performance, reliability and innovation. Design, implement and troubleshoot software-defined network (SDWAN) architectures such as Cisco ACI and traditional NX-OS architectures such as vPC, OTV, etc. Develop secure network architectures and designs that will allow business requirements to be met with a minimal degree of risk with the appropriate security controls present. Lead complex technology-based discussions to explain the architecture build and deployment plans and ongoing operational use. Design and implement security-driven infrastructure solutions to support segmentation such as virtual NGFW, physical firewalls and cloud-native security. Develop standards in partnership with customer teams such as Risk and Compliance, Engineering, Infrastructure Services, and Application Development. Lead initiatives designed to share knowledge across Customer and ePlus teams. Collaborate with the business and other technology experts to develop defense in depth security reference architectures, security architecture standards and frameworks spanning all layers of security from host, server, and network to application and data security. QUALIFICATIONS (BS) in Electrical and/or Computer Engineering, or Associate Degree At least one professional certification such as CCIE, CCNP or CISSP 10-12 years of experience with Network Architecture and/or Engineering. Hands-on experience with traditional Cisco NX-OS and related technologies background is a must. Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI and/or SD-WAN is a must, including design and implementation of policy (including contracts, segmentation and PBR) as well as scripting and automation using REST APIs, Python and other automation tools. Hands-on experience providing networking and security infrastructure services for an internal or external customers is a must. Deep routing protocol experience, including BGP, EIGRP and OSPF is a must. Familiarity with emerging fabric technologies such as MP-BGP (EVPN) with VXLAN and Cisco Software-Defined Access is benefic al. Familiarity with non-Cisco data center switching solutions such as Arista is beneficial. 5+ years of experience with Meraki (MX Firewall, SD-WAN, AutoVPN, Switching) is desirable. 5+ years of experience with NGFW OEM's (Fortinet, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco, Checkpoint, etc.) is desirable. Knowledge of Carrier Neutral Facilities such as Equinix and the networking options that are provided by such services is beneficial. Experience with Azure or AWS cloud platforms is beneficial. Experience with enterprise architecture and working as part of a cross functional team to implement solutions. POSITION SPECIFICS The base salary range for this position at commencement of employment is expected to be between $120,000 and $170,000 annually; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including commissions and discretionary bonuses, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits (including 401(k) eligibility and various paid time off benefits, such as vacation, sick time, and personal leave), dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. ePlus Benefits highlights can be viewed here. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors. Notice to Recruiting Agencies: ePlus only accepts unsolicited resumes when presented directly by a candidate. Unsolicited resumes submitted to ePlus from any other source will be considered ePlus property, and will not qualify for any placement or referral fees. ePlus will only pay such fees in connection with a valid written agreement between ePlus and the referring agency, and then only after providing advance written approval to the referring agency to submit resumes in connection with a particular opportunity. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS While performing this role, you will engage in both seated and occasional standing or walking activities. We provide reasonable accommodations, in accordance with relevant laws, to support success in this position. By embracing our values, you will contribute to our collective mission of making a positive impact within our organization and the broader community. We understand that this job description serves as a guide and is not an employment contract. #LI-DY1 #IND1 ePlus is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. ePlus promotes affirmative action for minorities, women, disabled persons, and veterans.