Seeking an expert Lead IT Network Architect-Consultant to work directly with the IT Infrastructure and Operations networking team, I/O project manager, and project stakeholders (internal and external) to ensure the successful completion and ongoing maturation of IT network and server related projects. This is a broad position that will work with all aspects of the systems and network area. **DAILY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:** **Essential Responsibilities** + Configure and install network hardware and software to meet agency and industry standards. + Analyze network efficiency by conducting network tests and running diagnostics to forecast performance thresholds. + Monitors and reports on network traffic, usage, and performance + Reviews network changes and trends to forecast future needs while determining and correcting complex network problems. Review configurations on existing network infrastructure as well as make changes as needed. + Provide network design recommendations and solutions to network problems while determining feasibility, cost, equipment needs, and time constraints/allocations for assigned projects. + Assist in the development of strategic direction of the network infrastructure for both the current environment and potential future environment. + Travel to different SCDHHS offices throughout the state to provide network configuration, implementation, and maintenance on the SCDHHS network infrastructure. + Make recommendations on specific improvements in network efficiency and effectiveness using network diagrams and reports for I/O Leadership. + Troubleshoot network connectivity issues with emphasis in Routing, DNS, URL-Filtering, and IPSEC VPN tunnels. + Network security including proper configuration measures prior to devise deployment as well as retroactively on production systems in accordance with MARS-E standards. + Prepare Network infrastructure documentation and assist with daily operations on infrastructure management. **Program Experience:** Current experience with Medicaid, Social Services, or similar public benefit programs is strongly desired and will be given the highest weight. Experience should include well documented success with IT Networking configuration/implementation and network management. **Technical Knowledge:** Experience with documentation and artifacts related to any or all the following technologies would be considered desirable for this position: + Health Information Technologies + IT Network Infrastructure Operations/Implementations + Palo Alto Firewalls and CISCO devices + Extensive network wiring, configuration, and management **General Duties and Responsibilities:** + Extensive experience with configuring and installing Palo Alto network firewalls and software to meet agency and industry standards. + Detailed at analyzing network efficiency across the entire agency network + Constantly reviewing network changes and trends in order to forecast future needs while determining and correcting complex network problems to region offices + Ability to provide network design recommendations and solutions to network problems while determining feasibility, cost, equipment needs, and time constraints/allocations for assigned projects. + Providing backup support with development of strategic direction of the network infrastructure for the network environment. + Experience deploying and maintaining DNS/DHCP **REQUIRED SKILLS (RANK IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE):** + Minimum 5 to 10 years Networking experience + 5+ plus years of experience within network infrastructure, server, and system administration operations. + Ability to design, configure, and manage Palo Alto 3k and 5k Firewalls. + Ability to design, configure, and manage configurations within the SolarWinds environment. + Ability to assign appropriate priorities to work activities based on organizational goals and situational pressures. + Ability to work on multiple network projects concurrently and sometimes independently. + Knowledge of Cisco Routers/Switches + Deep understanding of networking protocols, and networking software/hardware + Knowledge of Meraki Wireless Access points **PREFERRED SKILLS (RANK IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE):** + HIPAA, CDC, and other network infrastructure and server frameworks + Configuration and troubleshooting experience with F5 + Knowledge of System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) Experience + Infoblox DNS/DHCP + FORESCOUT + VMWARE VSPHERE + VMWARE NSX + CISCO Umbrella **REQUIRED EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS:** + Bachelor’s degree and/or 8 years of IT networking related work experience + CCNA or CCNE Certification **About US Tech Solutions:** US Tech Solutions is a global staff augmentation firm providing a wide range of talent on-demand and total workforce solutions. To know more about US Tech Solutions, please visit www.ustechsolutions.com (http://www.ustechsolutionsinc.com/) . US Tech Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran