Network Architecture Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Network Architecture Design Manager

Company: V2X

Location: Shaw AFB, South Carolina, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Network Engineering & Operations

Date Posted: April 24, 2026

Experience Level: 3-5 years (Associate's Degree) or 5+ years (No Degree)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design, engineering, and implementation of complex campus and datacenter network architectures.

• Ensure the operational integrity, performance, and security of V2X's network infrastructure, supporting critical government IT contracts.

• Drive continuous improvement in network performance, capacity management, and security incident response.

• Provide expert-level technical guidance and O&M support across LAN, WAN, and wireless environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical for V2X's IT contract support, requiring a seasoned network architect with strong design and operational skills. The emphasis on government contracts and specific certifications (CCNP, VCTA, ITIL) indicates a need for robust process adherence and security-focused network solutions. The role is likely to involve significant cross-functional collaboration with IT management and other engineering teams.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and engineer robust campus and datacenter network architectures aligned with client requirements and V2X's strategic objectives.

• Configure, design, and maintain datacenter network architecture equipment, ensuring high availability and optimal performance.

• Implement and manage advanced IP concepts, including routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS), VLANs, QoS, tuning, and capacity management.

• Develop and maintain comprehensive network security strategies, including strong understanding and implementation of 802.1x and other security protocols.

• Leverage extensive Wireless LAN expertise to design campus network architectures that ensure seamless user mobility and service continuity.

• Analyze a wide range of networking metrics to identify and resolve sub-par network performance issues proactively.

• Develop detailed reports and trend analysis documentation focusing on bandwidth utilization and network security incidents, providing actionable insights.

• Provide general IT and Networking management support, overseeing infrastructure operations and maintenance.

• Offer comprehensive LAN and WAN Enterprise support, ensuring reliable connectivity and performance across distributed environments.

• Deliver technical and general Operations & Maintenance (O&M) support as required, troubleshooting and resolving complex network issues.

• Generate necessary documentation, reports, and presentations for stakeholders and project teams.

• Facilitate and support meetings and briefings, effectively communicating technical information to diverse audiences.

• Provide functional training and knowledge transfer to help desk personnel and other engineers on network technologies and best practices.

• Support OCONUS and CONUS TDY travel assignments as required, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in deployment scenarios.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design and engineering role with a strong operational component. The inclusion of "General IT Management support" and "General Networking support" suggests the manager may also have oversight or direct involvement in broader IT functions beyond pure network architecture, particularly within the context of contract delivery. The requirement for OCONUS/CONUS TDY travel indicates a need for on-site support at various client locations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's degree in a related field, with one year of related experience substituting for one year of education if a degree is required.

• OR

Required Certifications:

• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

• VMware Certified Technical Associate (VCTA)

Experience:

• Demonstrated knowledge of network threats and security vulnerabilities.

• Proven ability to provide feedback to enhance future collection and analysis of network data.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in designing, engineering, configuring, and maintaining campus/datacenter network architectures.

• Thorough understanding of IP networking, routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS), VLANs, QoS, and capacity management.

• Strong proficiency in network security principles and implementation methods, including 802.1x.

• Extensive Wireless LAN design and troubleshooting experience.

• Skill in analyzing network metrics and identifying performance bottlenecks.

• Ability to develop comprehensive network documentation and trend analysis reports.

• Experience with Microsoft server technologies, Active Directory, and general IT infrastructure management.

• Proven ability to provide on-the-job training to IT personnel.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in government contracting environments, particularly with military IT contracts.

• Familiarity with infrastructure-as-code principles for network automation.

• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) if applicable to V2X's broader offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of CCNP and VCTA certifications points towards a role that requires deep knowledge of both traditional Cisco networking and virtualization technologies crucial for modern datacenters. The ITIL Foundation requirement emphasizes process-oriented IT service management, essential for reliable contract delivery. The explicit mention of Microsoft server experience alongside networking skills suggests a need for understanding integrated IT infrastructure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of complex campus and datacenter network designs, including logical and physical diagrams.

• Case studies detailing network performance optimization projects, highlighting methodologies and achieved improvements.

• Examples of network security architecture designs, showcasing threat mitigation strategies and compliance considerations.

• Documentation illustrating the implementation and maintenance of routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS) and VLAN configurations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow designs for network change management, incident response, and problem resolution.

• Documentation showcasing experience in capacity planning and performance monitoring processes.

• Examples of network security policy development and implementation documentation.

• Process documentation for troubleshooting complex network issues across LAN, WAN, and wireless domains.

• Records of O&M procedures for datacenter networking equipment and related infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a "Network Architecture Design Manager," a portfolio should showcase not just technical diagrams but also the strategic thinking behind them. This includes demonstrating how designs meet specific business or contract requirements, manage risk, and enable future scalability. A strong emphasis on process documentation will be crucial, especially given the government contract context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on the experience level (3-5 years with Associate's, 5+ years without), required certifications (CCNP, VCTA), and location (Shaw AFB, SC), a competitive salary range for this Network Architecture Design Manager role is estimated to be between $95,000 and $130,000 USD per year. This estimate considers the specialized technical skills, management responsibilities, and the government contracting environment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

• Life Insurance and Disability Coverage

• Professional Development and Training Opportunities

• Per Diem and Travel Reimbursement for TDY assignments

Working Hours:

A standard full-time workweek of approximately 40 hours is expected. However, flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines, respond to critical network incidents, or support TDY assignments, which may include varied or extended hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry benchmarks for Network Architects with CCNP-level expertise and management responsibilities in the US, adjusted for the specific location and the demands of government contracting. Benefits are typical for a company of V2X's size and industry. The mention of TDY travel suggests that per diem and travel reimbursement are standard benefits for this role.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Defense Technology & Government Services. V2X operates at the intersection of physical and digital infrastructure integration, providing mission-critical support to defense and government clients globally. This sector demands high levels of security, reliability, and adherence to stringent compliance standards.

Company Size: 16,000+ employees. As a large organization, V2X likely offers structured career paths, robust HR support, and a wide array of resources. This size also implies a need for clear communication and standardized processes across departments and project teams.

Founded: V2X was formed through the merger of Vectrus and The Vertex Company, bringing together over 120 years of combined experience in mission support. This deep history suggests a company culture that values experience, stability, and long-term client relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Network Architecture Design Manager will likely lead or be a key member of a specialized IT infrastructure team, potentially part of a larger Network Operations Center (NOSC) or IT services division.

• Reporting structures may involve a Senior Director of IT Infrastructure or a Program Manager, depending on the specific contract and organizational alignment.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is crucial, utilizing network performance metrics, security logs, and capacity analysis to inform design choices and operational adjustments.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies will be applied to network deployment, maintenance, and incident response processes, aiming for increased efficiency and reduced downtime.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely encouraged, especially in large-scale environments like datacenters and campus networks, to manage complexity and ensure scalability.

Company Website: https://careers.gov2x.com

📝 Enhancement Note: V2X's background in mission support for defense clients means the company culture likely emphasizes professionalism, integrity, and a strong sense of duty. The "Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Professionalism" values are paramount. For operations roles, this translates to a focus on reliability, security, and meticulous execution of processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-to-Senior Level Management. This role involves strategic design, technical leadership, and potentially team oversight, placing it beyond a purely individual contributor role. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and the ability to manage complex projects and processes within a contract-driven environment.

Reporting Structure: The manager will likely report to a senior IT leader within the program or a dedicated infrastructure director. They will also be responsible for guiding and influencing junior network engineers and technicians, and collaborating extensively with cross-functional teams (e.g., cybersecurity, systems administration, project management) and client stakeholders.

Operations Impact: The Network Architecture Design Manager has a direct impact on the operational efficiency, security posture, and overall reliability of critical IT infrastructure. Their designs and operational strategies directly influence service delivery for government contracts, impacting mission readiness and client satisfaction. Effective network architecture is fundamental to the performance of all other IT services.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific vendor technologies (e.g., advanced Cisco solutions, VMware NSX) or emerging areas like Software-Defined Networking (SDN) or cloud networking.

• Leadership Advancement: Progress into roles with broader scope, such as Director of Network Operations, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for specific programs, or senior architectural roles overseeing multiple contracts.

• Project Management: Develop skills in managing large-scale network deployment projects, potentially leading to program management positions within V2X.

• Security Focus: Transition into a dedicated network security architecture role, leveraging deep understanding of security principles and threat landscapes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "Manager" title, this role is positioned for individuals looking to move into leadership. The growth opportunities should reflect a path from managing specific network domains to overseeing broader IT infrastructure or program-level technology strategy. The emphasis on government contracts suggests that experience in secure environments and compliance will be highly valued for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. This indicates a professional office environment within a military installation, likely requiring adherence to base access protocols and security clearances.

Office Location(s): Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina. This specific location implies the work environment will be integrated with military operations and IT infrastructure supporting the base.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be collaborative, requiring close interaction with fellow network engineers, IT support staff, and potentially government client personnel.

• Access to advanced networking tools, simulation software, and testbeds may be available for design and troubleshooting.

• Opportunities for direct engagement with IT operations teams and end-users to understand requirements and gather feedback on network performance.

Work Schedule: Standard 40-hour work week, but with the understanding that critical incident response, project deadlines, and TDY travel may necessitate flexible or extended hours. The nature of IT infrastructure support demands responsiveness.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working on a military base often means a highly structured environment with strict security protocols. The "workspace context" should reflect the potential for integration with military personnel and operations, which can differ significantly from commercial IT environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application and resume, verifying minimum qualifications and certifications.

2. Technical Interview: In-depth discussion with hiring manager and/or senior technical staff focusing on network design principles, protocol knowledge (OSPF, BGP, MPLS), datacenter architecture, wireless networking, and troubleshooting scenarios. Expect questions on CCNP/VCTA level topics.

3. Portfolio Review/Case Study: Presentation of architectural designs, successful project outcomes, and process improvements. Candidates may be asked to walk through a specific design or problem-solving example from their portfolio.

4. Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessment of alignment with V2X's core values (Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Professionalism), teamwork, communication skills, and ability to work in a government contracting environment.

5. Final Interview/Offer: May involve senior leadership or program management for final approval.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by project type (e.g., Datacenter Design, Campus Network Upgrade, Security Implementation). For each project, clearly state the objective, your role, the challenges, the solution designed, the technologies used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., performance improvement %, cost savings, downtime reduction).

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to deep-dive into the technical details of your designs. For network architecture, this means explaining routing decisions, redundancy strategies, security controls, and scalability considerations.

• Process Focus: Highlight your experience with network operations processes, including change management, incident response, and documentation standards. Showcase how your designs integrate with or improve these processes.

• Tailoring: If possible, tailor examples to scenarios relevant to government IT infrastructure or large-scale enterprise environments.

Challenge Preparation:

• Scenario-Based Questions: Be ready for hypothetical scenarios such as "Design a resilient network for a new datacenter," "How would you troubleshoot intermittent connectivity issues affecting 500 users?" or "How would you secure a network segment for classified data?"

• Protocol Deep Dive: Prepare to explain the nuances of routing protocols, how QoS policies are implemented, and the security implications of different network configurations.

• V2X Values: Think about how your past experiences demonstrate Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Professionalism, especially in challenging situations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is crucial for a design manager role. Candidates should focus on showcasing not just technical diagrams but also the strategic thinking, problem-solving process, and measurable outcomes. Emphasizing experience with secure environments and government contracts will be particularly beneficial.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Network Hardware: Cisco routers, switches, firewalls (e.g., ASA, Firepower), wireless access points and controllers.

• Network Monitoring & Analysis: SolarWinds, PRTG, Wireshark, Cisco Prime Infrastructure, Nagios, Zabbix.

• Configuration Management: Ansible, Puppet, Chef (potentially for automation of network device configuration).

• Virtualization: VMware vSphere, VMware NSX (for datacenter network virtualization).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Performance Metrics Tools: Built-in dashboards from monitoring tools, potentially integration with SIEM platforms for security event logging and analysis.

• Reporting Software: Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint for creating reports and presentations on network performance, capacity, and security incidents.

CRM & Automation:

• Network Automation: Scripting languages like Python with libraries such as Netmiko or NAPALM for automating network tasks.

• Ticketing Systems: ServiceNow, Jira Service Management for managing network incidents, requests, and change orders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified certifications (CCNP, VCTA) directly imply proficiency with Cisco networking hardware and VMware virtualization. The role's responsibilities suggest a need for strong skills in network monitoring, troubleshooting tools, and potentially network automation to manage complex environments efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in design, implementation, and reporting, especially in sensitive government environments.

• Respect: Valuing diverse perspectives within the team and fostering respectful collaboration with colleagues and clients.

• Responsibility: Taking ownership of network architecture and operational performance, ensuring reliability and security for mission-critical operations.

• Professionalism: Maintaining a high standard of conduct, communication, and technical execution in all interactions and tasks.

• Security-First Mindset: Prioritizing security in all network design and operational decisions, understanding the threat landscape for government IT infrastructure.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Proactively collaborating with cybersecurity, system administration, and IT service management teams to ensure holistic infrastructure solutions.

• Process Improvement Culture: Encouraging a culture of continuous feedback and improvement for network processes, from design reviews to incident post-mortems.

• Knowledge Sharing: Actively sharing technical expertise and best practices with team members through documentation, training sessions, and mentoring.

📝 Enhancement Note: V2X's stated values are critical. For an operations role, demonstrating how these values translate into daily work – such as meticulous documentation (Integrity), effective communication with diverse teams (Respect), reliable system uptime (Responsibility), and professional conduct during high-pressure situations (Professionalism) – will be key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complex Environments: Managing and designing networks within large, complex, and often legacy government IT environments with evolving security requirements.

• Rapid Technology Evolution: Keeping pace with advancements in networking, virtualization, and security technologies while ensuring compatibility with existing infrastructure.

• Security Threats: Constantly defending against sophisticated cyber threats targeting government and defense networks.

• OCONUS Deployments: Adapting to different operational environments, logistical challenges, and cultural nuances during overseas assignments.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Certifications: Pursuing higher-level certifications (e.g., CCIE, VCDX) or specialized security certifications (e.g., CISSP).

• Emerging Technologies: Gaining experience with cloud networking (AWS, Azure), Software-Defined Networking (SDN), and network automation frameworks.

• Leadership Training: Participating in V2X's leadership development programs to hone management and strategic planning skills.

• Industry Conferences: Attending relevant industry events and conferences to stay abreast of the latest trends and network with peers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges should be framed not just as obstacles but as opportunities for skill development and demonstrating problem-solving capabilities, aligning with V2X's value of responsibility.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex datacenter network you designed. What were the key considerations, and how did you address scalability and redundancy?" (Focus on technical design, problem-solving, and outcomes)

• "How do you approach network capacity planning and performance optimization in a large enterprise environment?" (Demonstrate analytical skills and proactive management)

• "Walk me through your process for designing a secure wireless network for a high-density user environment that supports seamless roaming." (Showcase understanding of WLAN protocols, security, and user experience)

• "Explain your experience with OSPF, BGP, and MPLS. When would you use each, and what are their key advantages/disadvantages?" (Test core protocol knowledge)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "How does your approach to network design align with V2X's core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, and Professionalism?" (Prepare specific examples)

• "Describe a time you had to collaborate with a challenging stakeholder or team member. How did you manage the relationship and achieve your objectives?" (Assess interpersonal and teamwork skills)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Select Strongest Examples: Choose 2-3 projects that best showcase your design capabilities, problem-solving skills, and impact.

• Quantify Results: For each project, clearly articulate the measurable outcomes (e.g., "reduced latency by 30%", "increased uptime to 99.99%", "enabled deployment of X new services").

• Explain the 'Why': Beyond just showing diagrams, explain the strategic rationale behind your design choices and how they met specific business or mission requirements.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions about your designs and be ready to defend your architectural decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should emphasize the blend of technical expertise, operational process knowledge, and cultural fit required for a role supporting government contracts. Candidates should practice articulating their experience in terms of value and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Network Architecture Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the V2X careers portal at https://careers.gov2x.com/why-gov2x/jobs/51505.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience in network architecture design, datacenter operations, specific routing protocols (OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, MPLS), wireless networking, network security, and any relevant certifications (CCNP, VCTA, ITIL). Use keywords from the job description.

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a portfolio that includes detailed network diagrams, case studies of successful design and optimization projects, and documentation of your experience with relevant technologies and processes. Be ready to present key examples.

• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical questions on networking fundamentals, advanced protocols, and troubleshooting. Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready to discuss how your skills align with V2X's values.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with V2X's mission, values, and work in the defense and government sector. Understand the significance of supporting contracts like the AFCENT NOSC IT contract.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.