Note: Hybrid - Candidate must work 3 days onsite and 2 days remote

MUST HAVES:

• 5+ years' experience in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, cloud networking, and hybrid environments.
• 5+ years' creating and updating technology roadmaps aligned with business goals, industry standards, and emerging technologies.
• 5+years' experience with cloud network architecture (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and understanding how to integrate them with on-premises network systems.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with software-defined networking (SDN, SD-WAN)
• In-depth knowledge of cyber security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), best practices, threat mitigation strategies, and security architectures (e.g., Zero Trust, SASE).
• 5+ years' experience in preparing written materials (e.g., status reports, recommendations, briefing notes).
• Demonstrated experience providing design, development and delivery of technical solution and technical training courses to the Ontario Public Service or Broader Public Service, Ontario K-12 school boards preferred.

Nice to have:

• 5+ years' hands-on experience with Ontario K-12 school boards' networks (WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, internet service delivery) preferred
• 5+ years' experience in advanced SD network security preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• Postgraduate degree (e.g., M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) in computer science or engineering is preferred.

Description

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• * This contract will require the consultant to work up to 3 days per week in the office and the remaining days working remotely.
• The Senior Technology Architect role requires extensive knowledge of modern network technology, broadband connectivity industry options, network infrastructure, internet technologies and network security with demonstrated hands-on experience designing and developing modern networks and network security solutions; and analyzing, configuring, implementing, and troubleshooting software-defined networking (SDN) solutions and network security solutions in the Ontario K-12 school board environment. This resource is responsible for, but not limited to:
• Lead the update of the network reference architecture and technology roadmap for the sector, including cyber security convergence
• Providing subject matter expertise, advice, and consultancy on collecting and analyzing a range of school board network-related data
• Providing subject matter expertise, solution and architecture advice, consultancy, training, analysis, and solution recommendations for complex network performance issues using network performance management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark Network Analyzer, PRTG (Paessler Router Traffic Grapher), NetFlow, etc.) and network troubleshooting/ performance benchmarking techniques
• Providing subject matter expertise, solution and architecture advice, consultancy of network data monitoring and management systems including SolarWinds, FortiManager and Panorama
• Providing subject matter expertise, advice, consultancy, training, and guidance on SDN technology:
• Software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) including Fortinet, Cisco Meraki, Palo Alto, etc.
• Emerging SD-Edge such as VMware VeloCloud, Silver Peak, etc.
• Secure Access Service Edge (SASE)
• Providing subject matter expertise, solution and architecture advice, consultancy, training, troubleshooting, and implementation guidance with network operations centre (NOC) technologies including SolarWinds NetFlow Traffic Analyzer (NTA), Network Performance Monitor (NPM) and Network Configuration Management (NCM) tools
• Creating/updating detailed system documentation and technical specifications for various solutions and architecture, including SD-WAN, network technology, network security, network protection, and NOC solutions
• Presenting to various stakeholders, as needed
• Delivering on other duties as assigned
• The unit manager may assign school board-related work for other initiatives, as required.

Experience and Skill Set Requirements - TOTAL OF 100%

Network Technology 45%

• 5+ years' experience in designing, implementing, and managing large-scale network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, SD-WAN, cloud networking, and hybrid environments.
• 5+ years' creating and updating technology roadmaps aligned with business goals, industry standards, and emerging technologies.
• 5+years' experience with cloud network architecture (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and understanding how to integrate them with on-premises network systems.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with network infrastructure solutions and technologies including LAN/WAN, VPN, VLAN, wLAN, and hardware (servers, switches, routers, and firewalls).
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with Ontario K-12 school boards' networks (WAN, LAN, Wi-Fi, internet service delivery) - preferred
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with software-defined networking (SDN, SD-WAN), in particular Fortinet, Meraki, and Palo Alto preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience in data and performance monitoring, and management systems SolarWinds, FortiManager, and Panorama preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with network data traffic awareness, monitoring and analysis tools and technologies, including SolarWinds, PRTG, and Wireshark Network Analyzer preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience with data logging mechanisms and technologies including Syslog, IPFix and NetFlow preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience configuring, troubleshooting, and administering network protocols such as MPLS, VPLS, and VLAN Trunking Protocol (VTP).
• 5+ years' experience with machine learning tools in network data analysis and prediction.
• 2+ years of hands-on experience with data analysis and data visualization tools to develop network dashboards such as Tableau, AWS QuickSight and Microsoft Power BI.
• Hands-on experience performing network load testing, testing analysis, and risk assessments to ensure sound network architecture preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• Demonstrated experience assessing and evaluating new and emerging network technologies with pilots and proof-of-concepts.

Network Security 30%

• In-depth knowledge of cyber security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001), best practices, threat mitigation strategies, and security architectures (e.g., Zero Trust, SASE).
• 5+ years' experience in advanced SD network security preferably for Ontario K-12 school boards.
• In-depth knowledge of how to converge traditional network management with cyber security protocols, ensuring security measures are embedded across network infrastructure.
• Demonstrated experience assessing and evaluating new and emerging network security technologies with pilots and proof-of-concepts.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with SASE platforms and solutions.

Coordination Skills and Experience 15%

• Strong communication skills as demonstrated through:
• 5+ years' experience in effectively presenting to management teams and external stakeholders.
• 5+ years' experience in preparing written materials (e.g., status reports, recommendations, briefing notes).
• 5+ years' experience coordinating complex technical work with multiple IT teams, internal and external to the ministry.

Public Sector Experience 5%

• Knowledge of Government of Ontario standards (e.g., GO-ITS) and relevant policies and legislation.
• 5+ years' hands-on experience working with the Broader Public Sector, in particular Ontario K-12 school boards, on board LAN and WAN networks and network security.
• Demonstrated experience providing design, development and delivery of technical solution and technical training courses to the Ontario Public Service or Broader Public Service, Ontario K-12 school boards preferred.

Qualifications and Industry Certifications / Relevant Degrees 5%

• Postgraduate degree (e.g., M.Sc. and/or Ph.D.) in computer science or engineering is preferred.
• Relevant vendor certifications such as AWS or other certifications such as Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), advance network, CompTIA or courses in SASE.