Principal Architect – Networking

The Principal Architect – Networking reports to the VP of Pre-Sales Architecture and plays a critical role in building and delivering Red8’s Network Modernization Practice across both pre-sales and post-sales engagements. This senior technical leader drives networking strategy across data center, cloud, campus, WAN, and Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offerings. The role includes technical leadership, customer engagement, and team growth, with dotted-line alignment to the CTO. Responsibilities • Partner with VP of Pre-Sales Architecture and CTO on practice strategy and go-to-market direction. • Provide technical leadership across Red8’s networking practice. • Conduct discovery sessions to translate business needs into outcome-based solutions. • Develop and present architectures for wired, wireless, WAN, and data center environments. • Serve as escalation point for complex sales and delivery challenges. • Support NaaS initiatives with vendors like Nile, positioning consumption-based networking. • Lead/assist delivery teams to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction. • Define best practices and artifacts (HLDs, SOWs, BOMs, MOPs, and Playbooks). • Mentor and recruit team members to support growth. • Collaborate across practices (Security, Cloud, Modern Workplace) for integrated offerings. • Deliver training and knowledge-sharing sessions internally. • Support field-facing activities (customer briefings, workshops, executive presentations). • Contribute to customer success materials (use cases, blogs, reference designs). Growth Path This role provides the foundation for building a networking practice. The Principal Architect will define future technical roles, support hiring, and may transition into leadership of architects and engineers as the practice scales. Qualifications / Education • 10+ years’ experience in networking/infrastructure, including pre-sales and delivery. • Proven leadership in mentoring or building technical teams. • Excellent communication skills, comfortable with C-level audiences. • College degree preferred. • Industry expert certifications (e.g., CCIE, JNCIE) strongly preferred. Skills • Deep expertise in routing, switching, wireless, and network security (BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, firewalls, Zero Trust). • Experience with NaaS platforms (Nile, Meter, HPE GreenLake). • Background in data center, cloud, and hybrid environments. • Familiarity with automation/scripting (Ansible, Python, PowerShell). • Knowledge of virtualization, storage networking, and IaaS (AWS, Azure). • Strong experience producing deliverables (designs, SOWs, proposals). Insight Investments, Corp is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected classification. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • 401(k) matching • Dental insurance • Employee assistance program • Flexible spending account • Health insurance • Health savings account • Life insurance • Paid time off • Retirement plan • Vision insurance Ability to Commute: • Chicago, IL 60617 (Preferred) Ability to Relocate: • Chicago, IL 60617: Relocate before starting work (Preferred) Work Location: In person