Senior Infrastructure Network Architect

Chicago, Illinois, Dentons US LLP is currently recruiting for a Senior Infrastructure Network Architect to provide technical leadership for the design, security, and evolution of our network infrastructure. This role will lead the architecture of secure, resilient, and highly available network solutions across on-premises, cloud, branch, and remote-access environments. The ideal candidate will bring strong experience with Microsoft Azure networking, Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Meraki and Silver Peak. In addition to architecture and design, this position will help improve the Firm’s security posture, support the ongoing management and administration of the network environment, maintain strong technical documentation and standards, and provide leadership and knowledge sharing across the team. Responsibilities Network Architecture & Design

Build secure, scalable, resilient, and supportable network solutions. Lead the architecture and design of secure, scalable, resilient, highly available, and supportable enterprise network solutions. Define and evolve the Firm’s current and future-state network architecture, standards, and best practices. Lead network modernization, cloud connectivity, SD-WAN/SASE, technology refresh, office, and acquisition integration initiatives. Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend improvements that enhance security, reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.

Security Posture

Continuously identify and implement opportunities to strengthen the Firm’s security posture, reduce network risk, and improve segmentation, access controls, secure connectivity, and visibility.

Network Operations

Design, administer, and support technologies including Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Meraki, Silver Peak, and Azure networking. Remain hands-on in supporting the ongoing management, administration, troubleshooting, maintenance, and optimization of network services. Serve as a senior escalation point for complex network, connectivity, performance, and security issues.

Documentation & Standards

Establish and maintain high-quality network architecture diagrams, design documents, standards, configurations, and operational documentation.

Leadership & Knowledge Sharing

Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers through design reviews, knowledge sharing, collaborative troubleshooting, and training. Lead technical decisions and strengthen networking and security capabilities across the Firm. Partner with other technology teams to ensure network solutions align with objectives. Other duties as assigned to fully meet the requirements of the position. Experience and Qualifications

8+ years of enterprise networking experience, including experience in senior network engineering or architecture roles. Strong expertise in network architecture and design, including geographically distributed and highly available environments. Strong hands-on knowledge of routing, switching, firewalls, wireless, VPN, BGP, OSPF, SD-WAN, SASE/SSE, cloud networking, and hybrid connectivity. Experience with Microsoft Azure networking, Netskope, Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Meraki and Silver Peak. Strong understanding of network security, Zero Trust, segmentation, least privilege, secure remote access, and defense-in-depth principles. Demonstrated ability to identify architectural and security risks and develop practical solutions to address them. Experience supporting the management and administration of complex network environments. Strong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis capabilities. Excellent technical documentation and diagramming skills, including architecture diagrams, detailed designs, standards, and operational procedures. Proven ability to mentor technical teams, share knowledge, and provide technical leadership. Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex technical concepts and recommendations to both technical teams and leadership. Relevant certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, Palo Alto Networks, Netskope, Cisco Meraki, Microsoft Azure, or Aruba/Silver Peak are preferred.