Lead Network Architect

Position Summary

The Lead Network Engineer plays a crucial role in designing, implementing, and maintaining Carlyle’s global network infrastructure. Working closely with the VP of Infrastructure & Engineering, this position is responsible for ensuring that the network systems meet the highest standards of performance, reliability, and security. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in network engineering, an eye for detail, and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving network issues. This role requires strong collaboration with various departments to support IT initiatives and ensure seamless network operations. This role is also expected to stay current with the latest industry trends, technologies, and certifications to continuously drive improvements in Carlyle’s network infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage complex LAN/WAN/SDWAN/Cloud network infrastructure to support Carlyle’s global operations, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security.
• Configure and maintain network hardware and software, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless access points (WiFi).
• Monitor network performance using iPerf for synthetic traffic analysis, advanced network management tools and protocols, such as SNMP and NetFlow to identify and resolve issues proactively; and to ensure availability and operating expectations are being met.
• Troubleshoot and resolve network issues using a range of diagnostic tools and techniques, including deep protocol and packet analysis using Wireshark.
• Build and maintain network automations using infrastructure as code (Terraform) or Python libraries, such as Netmiko.
• Collaborate with IT and other departments to ensure seamless network integration and operations, providing network support for new and existing IT initiatives.
• Develop and enforce network policies, procedures, and standards, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and best practices.
• Conduct regular network assessments and audits to proactively identify and address potential issues and vulnerabilities, including supporting penetration testing and vulnerability scanning.
• Stay abreast of the latest networking technologies and industry trends, participating in training and professional development to drive continuous improvement.
• Drive, interact and work with network equipment, software, and circuit vendors.
• Provide guidance and direction to contract staff members.
• Provide guidance to more junior network and other IT staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Prepare and present technical documentation, reports, and recommendations to management, ensuring clear communication of network performance status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Professional certification (e.g., Cisco CCIE, CCNP, CCDP, AWS SA, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Expert at IP design and management (e.g., defining proper CIDR blocks, etc.)
• Proven hands-on network engineering experience with enterprise scale design of SDWAN, regional, and local networks.
• Extension hands-on experience configuring and supporting Cisco switches/routers (Nexus and Catalyst), Meraki WAPs, and Fortinet’s FortiGate devices.
• Proven ability to deep dive and troubleshoot complex issues to resolution at the protocol analysis level.
• Deep understanding of networking protocols and policy routing configurations (e.g., IPsec, HSRP, VRRP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, EVPN, VXLAN, STP, DMVPN, LACP, 802.11, 802.1x, QoS/DSCP, etc.).
• Expert understanding of the OSI model and TCP/IP based protocols.
• Experience with network diagnostic, monitoring, and analysis tools (e.g., ELK, PRTG, Wireshark, etc.).
• Extensive experience with network security (e.g., firewalls, IPS/IDS, VPN, ZTNA, SASE, etc.).
• Expertise in designing, building, and supporting networks on AWS and Azure Cloud infrastructures (e.g., VPCs, VNETs, Peering, Direct Connect and Transit Gateways, etc.).
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on and relevant experience in network engineering, specifically in designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures.
• Proven track record of working with a variety of network technologies, including but not limited to routing, switching, firewalls, VPNs, SDWAN, WiFi, SASE and load balancers.
• Extensive experience with network monitoring and diagnostic tools such as Nagios and ELK to proactively identify and resolve network issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale network projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints. Experience with project management methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall.
• Strong understanding of network security principles and practices, including the implementation of security protocols such as IPsec, SSL/TLS, and 802.1X, as well as safeguards like firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS), segmentation, and antivirus solutions to protect sensitive data.
• Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate network solutions that align with organizational goals and objectives. Experience with network design tools such as Cisco Prime, NetBrain, Visio, and Lucid.
• Experience in vendor management, including evaluating and selecting network hardware and software solutions to meet business needs. Familiarity with products from leading vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, and Palo Alto Networks.
• Strong experience with cloud networking solutions and hybrid environments, with an ability to build on Cloud technologies such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) to enhance network performance and scalability.

Benefits/Compensation

The compensation range for this role is specific to New York City and takes into account a wide range of factors, including but not limited to required or preferred skill sets, prior experience and training, and any relevant licenses or certifications.

The anticipated base salary range for this role is $180,000 to $200,000.

In addition to the base salary, the hired professional will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement benefits, health insurance, life and disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, family planning benefits, and various wellness programs. Additionally, the hired professional may also be eligible to participate in an annual discretionary incentive program, the award of which will be dependent on various factors, including, but not limited to, individual and organizational performance.

Due to the high volume of applicants, please be advised that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by The Carlyle Group.

Company Information

The Carlyle Group (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with $441 billion of assets under management and more than half of the AUM managed by women, across 612 investment vehicles as of September 30, 2024. Founded in 1987 in Washington, DC, Carlyle has grown into one of the world’s largest and most successful investment firms, with more than 2,300 professionals operating in 29 offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australia. Carlyle places an emphasis on development, retention and inclusion as supported by our internal processes and seven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, which range from public and private pension funds to wealthy individuals and families to sovereign wealth funds, unions and corporations. Carlyle invests across three segments – Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Investment Solutions – and has expertise in various industries, including: aerospace, defense & government services, consumer & retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrial, real estate, technology & business services, telecommunications & media and transportation.

At Carlyle, we believe that a wide spectrum of experiences and viewpoints drives performance and success. Our CEO, Harvey Schwartz, has stated that, “To build better businesses and create value for all of our stakeholders, we are focused on assembling leadership teams with the strongest insights from a range of perspectives.” We strive to foster an environment where ideas are openly shared and valued. By bringing together teams with varied expertise and approaches, we enjoy a competitive advantage and create a stronger foundation for long-term success.

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