Network Architect

We’re seeking a skilled Information Technology Network Architect to join the King County’s Department of Information Technology (KCIT) Network Architect team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining network solutions that meet the organization's requirements. You will collaborate closely with various stakeholders to integrate different IT systems and ensure seamless communication across all platforms. Network Architects provides enterprise-level architectural leadership with a primary focus on network and communications infrastructure. The role is responsible for designing, evaluating, and governing network architectures that support both traditional IT environments and large-scale public works, transportation systems, and critical facilities. The position ensures that network designs, standards, and integration practices enable secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity across cloud, data center, field, and transportation environments.

About King County Department of Information Technology (KCIT)

King County is committed to being the best-run government in the nation, and King County Information Technology (KCIT) is helping lead that transformation. KCIT harnesses the power of technology to modernize operations, advance digital equity and social justice, and deliver innovative solutions that engage, empower, and serve our residents, businesses, and community partners.

Recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for excellence in vision, strategy, innovation, and collaboration, KCIT is focused on delivering smart, secure, and customer-centered technology services that strengthen county operations and support thriving, resilient communities. As the technology business partner to all 18 County departments, KCIT provides the foundational systems and services that power many of the region’s most essential functions. We work side-by-side with our partners to design and deliver technology solutions that enhance customer experience and advance King County’s mission. Learn more about KCIT at: http://kingcounty.gov/depts/it.aspx

• Provides architectural oversight for networking components within capital projects, public works programs, and transportation system upgrades.
• Coordinates with civil engineering firms, construction teams, program managers, and external agencies to ensure technology requirements are incorporated into infrastructure designs, drawings, and specifications.
• Assesses and integrates network requirements for systems such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), SCADA/ICS, communications-based systems, fare and revenue systems, wireless coverage, and field device networks.
• Reviews design submittals, fiber plans, site connectivity designs, and critical facility infrastructure to ensure technical compliance and future scalability.
• Design, develop, and deploy scalable, secure, and reliable network architectures that align with enterprise strategy, goals, and established architectural principles.
• Evaluate existing network environments and recommend improvements to enhance design, efficiency, performance, and security.
• Integrate diverse IT systems, applications, and infrastructure components into cohesive, optimized network solutions.
• Collaborate closely with project teams, software developers, and infrastructure engineers to understand business requirements and ensure architectural compatibility and performance.
• Implement and maintain robust network security measures, including firewalls, VPNs, intrusion detection systems, and other protective technologies.
• Conduct regular security audits, identify vulnerabilities, and drive timely remediation efforts.
• Monitor network performance, troubleshoot complex technical issues, and optimize configurations to improve speed, reliability, and overall efficiency.
• Document network architectures, standards, configurations, and procedures; prepare clear reports and provide insights to management regarding performance, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Provide direction, guidance, and definition for network architecture policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures to support enterprise-wide technology strategies.
• Offer technical leadership and serve as a key contributor in developing technology plans, reducing technical debt, and driving architectural initiatives that support organizational objectives.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for highly complex projects requiring deep expertise in network architecture and solutions integration; act as the final technical escalation point for network-related domains.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to gather requirements, translate them into technical solutions, and provide ongoing technical support and guidance to internal teams.

• Minimum of 10 years of demonstrated experience as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, or in a similar role with a strong emphasis on network design and systems integration.
• In-depth knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and network security principles.
• Hands-on experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark, SolarWinds).
• Strong understanding of cloud computing and virtualization technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to work well under pressure.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
  

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCDP, CISSP) are a plus.
• Experience with SD-WAN, SDN, and network automation tools.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in designing and implementing network solutions in large-scale enterprise environments.
• Project management skills and experience leading IT projects from conception to completion.

Hybrid Work: KCIT works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is the Graybar Building, 410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104. 

Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements.

King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.

Work Schedule: The normal workweek for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Alternative schedules may be considered by your manager.  

FLSA Status: This position is FLSA Exempt and is not eligible for overtime pay

Classification: Solutions Architect (Job code: 743801)

Union: This position is represented by Protec17: Information Technology

Who May Apply: This recruitment is open  only to internal King County employees. Applications from external candidates will not be considered. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all background to apply. This recruitment may be used to fill additional vacancies that may occur.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the online application to include:

1. Employment history going back at least seven years if possible (or more to include all relevant experience). 
2. A resume including all relevant experience.
3. A cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience in network architecture. Please include examples of relevant projects and achievements.

If you are interested in pursuing this position and supporting King County’s vision for unified, equitable, and high-performing government, please follow the application instructions carefully. Provide us with your work history as applicable, ensuring that you provide details that highlight your ability to fulfill the requirements for this position.

If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, or you would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process, please contact Shannon Hoeper at [email protected]

King County's Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values unite us.

King County serves residents with a relentless sense of urgency, delivering on commitments with transparency and accountability. We are action-oriented, creative problem solvers who collaborate across roles, engage directly with communities, and challenge the status quo to achieve meaningful impact. As a unified team, we uphold high ethical and stewardship standards, embrace change, stay curious, and continuously improve. Across all interactions, we listen first, act quickly, and stay aligned as a team to earn and sustain public trust. Learn more about our Vision, Mission, and ACTIVATE Values here and visit our Why work at King County page here.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on sex, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religious affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age except by minimum age and retirement provisions, pregnancy, status as a family caregiver, parental status, marital status, military status or status as a veteran who was honorably discharged or who was discharged solely as a result of the person's sexual orientation or gender identity or expression, citizenship or immigration status, genetic information, or other protected class. However, to the extent that distinction or differential treatment on the basis of citizenship or immigration status is authorized by either federal or state law, regulation, or government contract, it is not an unfair practice.

Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.