Network Architect

King County, WA

$160K — $203K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years as a Network Engineer or Architect with a focus on design and integration.
  • Strong knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, and security principles.
  • Experience with network diagnostic and monitoring tools like Wireshark or SolarWinds.
  • Familiarity with cloud computing and virtualization technologies.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Provide architectural oversight for networking in capital projects and public works.
  • Coordinate technology needs with civil engineers and construction teams.
  • Assess and integrate network requirements for systems like ITS and SCADA/ICS.
  • Review design submissions for compliance and scalability.
  • Develop and deploy secure, scalable network architectures.
  • Evaluate existing network setups and propose improvements.
  • Collaborate with project teams to ensure technical alignment.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model allowing both office and remote work.
  • Access to a robust collection of remote work tools and resources.
  • County-issued laptop for work purposes.
  • Opportunity to be part of a progressive team redefining work structures.
Full Job Description
Salary: $160,892.78 - $203,941.09 Annually
Location : King County Records - Graybar Building, 410 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, 98104, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number:
Department: KCIT - Information Technology
Division: Engineering Division
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: 9/24/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C19 : PROTEC17-Information Tech
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time

Summary
This position is open only to Internal King County employees. Only current King County employees will be considered.
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.

Job Duties
  • 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.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

  • 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.
Desirable Qualifications

  • 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.

Supplemental Information
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]

01

This position is only open to Internal King County employees. Are you a current King County employee?
  • Yes
  • No

02

How many years of demonstrated experience do you have as a Network Engineer, Network Architect, or in a similar role with a strong emphasis on network design and systems integration?
  • None, but willing to learn
  • One year but less than two years
  • Two years but less than three years
  • Three years but less than four years
  • Four years but less than five years
  • Five years but less than six years
  • Six years but less than seven years
  • Seven years but less than eight years
  • Eight years but less than nine years
  • Nine years but less than 10 years
  • Ten or more years

03

Please describe in detail your demonstrated experience

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at King County, WA

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Network Architect jobs: