Description

Network Architect/Senior Network Engineer
State of Connecticut Judicial Branch
East Hartford

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch is seeking a Network Architect/Senior Network Engineer (Information Technology Enterprise Specialist) for the Information Technology Division, Network and Network Security Operations Unit. The successful candidate will be primarily responsible for the design, implementation, support, maintenance, and administration of 80+ remote network locations and multiple active data centers.

The qualified candidate will have hands-on experience in network operations and thorough knowledge of BGP, EIGRP, OSPF, VXLAN, SDA, SDN & SDWAN.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Design, configuration, and maintenance of Cisco Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions, including SD-WAN, Software Defined Access (SDA), and DNA Center (DNAC).
• Deployment and administration of Cisco Nexus data center platforms (5K, 7K, 9K) leveraging VXLAN, FabricPath, OTV, and Nexus Dashboard for visibility and automation.
• Management of Cisco Wireless Controllers (C9800), including FlexConnect and Local Mode implementations.
• Perform advanced Layer 2/Layer 3 network troubleshooting across routing and switching environments.
• Support and optimization of dynamic routing protocols including EIGRP, OSPF, BGP, and IS-IS across enterprise and data center networks.
• Conduct network performance monitoring, fault isolation, and capacity planning using enterprise monitoring tools.
• Execute network hardware and software upgrades, configuration audits, and documentation of network designs and topology.
• Collaborate with architecture and operations teams to implement high-availability designs and multi-ISP BGP peering strategies.
• Provide operational support for LAN, WAN, and wireless infrastructure, ensuring high performance and uptime.

Preference will be given to qualified candidates who are proficient with:

• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco SDN/SD-WAN/SDA solutions, DNA Center, and Nexus Dashboard.
• Expertise in Cisco routing and switching technologies, including VXLAN, FabricPath, OTV, and data center interconnect architectures.
• Strong proficiency in Cisco ISE (802.1X, NAC, authentication, and posture validation).
• Solid understanding of Cisco wireless infrastructure, including C9800 WLC, FlexConnect, and RF optimization.
• Experience designing, implementing, and troubleshooting Layer 2/3 data center fabrics.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Azure networking and hybrid cloud connectivity.
• Strong documentation and network design skills, including Visio diagramming and standards creation.
• Proven ability to perform network assessments, identify risks, and recommend best practices for scalability and performance.
• Demonstrate experience in operation, administration, and management of Cisco QoS, FabricPath, OTV, EIGRP, BGP, OSPF and VXLAN protocols.
• Experience with IPSEC/GRE Tunnels.
• Palo Alto firewall knowledge.
• SSO and API integration for Cisco products (e.g., ISE, switches, routers) with SIEM solutions like Microsoft Sentinel for monitoring.

In addition to the preferred qualifications, preference will be provided to successful candidates that possess a positive attitude; proficient verbal skills; a collaborative approach to working in a close team environment; willingness to assist and share knowledge with peers and subordinates; strong writing skills, submitting reports, proposals, and postmortem analyses.

Upon hire, hybrid remote work may be available.

Salary Range: $105,951 - $157,400/year - plus State of Connecticut benefits.

Starting salary may be commensurate with experience.

The State of Connecticut Judicial Branch offers its employees a top notch array of health and retirement benefits including but not limited to: paid holidays, vacation, sick and personal leave, group life insurance, 457 Deferred Compensation, voluntary flexible spending account programs, discounted auto and home insurance policies and long and short term disability.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING
General Experience: Ten (10) years of experience in information technology (IT), programming, systems/software development or another IT related field demonstrating a growing and broadening base of knowledge and experience.

Special Experience: Two (2) years of the General Experience must have been at the expert working level with responsibility for performing a full range of highly complex technical support functions.

Substitutions Allowed:
1) College training in management information systems, computer science, electrical engineering or information technology related area may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling six (6) months of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

2) A Master's degree in management information systems, computer science, electrical engineering or information technology related area may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.

3) Relevant certification in management information systems, computer science, electrical engineering or information technology related area may be substituted for up to six (6) months of the general experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Incumbents may be required to travel within the State in the course of their daily work.

Applications must be received by December 8, 2025. Applications must be submitted through the on-line application site at: (CLICK BELOW). Resumes or paper applications will not be accepted.

Careers at the Branch play an essential role for the public and society. Our meaningful, challenging, and interesting positions have a long-lasting effect that serves to advance justice and ultimately provides for the greater good of all.

Please reference posting number 25-4000-026

EOE