WAN Networking Architect

Job Description: WAN Networking Architect

Role

The WAN Networking Architect is responsible for designing, deploying, and governing a global high-bandwidth, low-latency WAN backbone connecting large-scale data centers and AI/HPC sites. This role focuses on advanced routing architectures (BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, Segment Routing), optical networking (DWDM, OTN), and high-performance Data Center Interconnect (DCI) solutions to support distributed AI training, synchronous storage replication, and cloud connectivity. The architect will lead peering strategy, capacity planning, provider negotiations, and security designs to protect the WAN edge against volumetric attacks.

Core Responsibilities

Architect a resilient, high-bandwidth WAN backbone using a mix of Dark Fiber, DWDM, and MPLS to connect geographically dispersed sites.

Design and optimize massive-scale BGP configurations, including community tagging, multi-homing, AS-Path prepending, and traffic steering.

Lead the design of DCI solutions that support high-speed data replication and distributed AI training, including VXLAN-EVPN over WAN.

Minimize jitter and latency across the WAN to support synchronous storage replication and real-time data streaming between GPU sites.

Manage relationships with ISPs and IXPs, overseeing peering agreements and capacity planning to avoid congestion.

Create global WAN Handoff Templates and Low-Level Designs (LLDs) to standardize deployments across regions.

Architect edge-level security mechanisms to detect and scrub volumetric DDoS attacks before they impact the data center fabric.

Design highly available WAN paths with diverse physical entry points and automated failover to ensure zero downtime for critical AI pipelines.

Mandatory Skillset

Expert knowledge of BGP, IS-IS, OSPF, and Segment Routing (SR) for large-scale WAN environments.

Strong understanding of optical networking technologies including DWDM, OTN, coherent optics, and long-haul fiber communication.

Experience designing high-speed DCI solutions using EVPN-VXLAN and transport technologies over WAN.

Proven ability to optimize WAN performance for jitter, latency, and packet loss for AI and storage replication workloads.

Deep experience managing ISP and IXP relationships, peering strategy, contract evaluations, and capacity forecasting.

Hands-on experience architecting secure WAN edges including DDoS protection and BGP security hardening (RPKI, prefix filtering).

Strong documentation skills, including the creation of HLDs, LLDs, operational runbooks, and global standards.

Optional Skill Sets

Experience architecting cloud on-ramp connectivity (AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, Google Cloud Interconnect).

Knowledge of optical layer automation, telemetry, and performance monitoring platforms.

Experience with automation/IaC (Ansible, Python, Terraform) for WAN configuration and provisioning.

Familiarity with large-scale SD-WAN or hybrid WAN architectures.

Knowledge of TACACS/RADIUS, encryption protocols, and WAN security frameworks.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Networking, or equivalent experience.

10+ years of experience in WAN architecture, optical networking, and large-scale routing infrastructures.

Demonstrated experience leading high-impact WAN modernization initiatives across global data center environments.

Ability to influence cross-functional teams including networking, infrastructure operations, cloud teams, and executive leadership.

Excellent analytical and communication skills with the ability to present complex architectures to technical and non-technical audiences.

Note: Responsibilities and requirements may evolve based on WAN growth patterns, provider capabilities, and enterprise technology roadmap.