Principal Network Solutions Architect

Job Description Job Description Job Title: Principal Network Solutions Architect.
Location: Washington, DC (On-site).
Employment Type: Contract (W2 through ZipStaff - No C2C or 1099).
About the Opportunity:
ZipStaff is seeking a Principal Network Solutions Architect to lead the strategic vision and tactical execution of complex enterprise network infrastructure for a major transportation organization.
In this role, you will bridge the gap between business strategy and technical execution, serving as a change agent who defines future-state network architecture, builds consensus across business units, and guides projects through the entire lifecycle-from initial kickoff to full deployment. You will collaborate closely with Network Infrastructure Services to design, validate, and deliver sustainable, high-performing network environments.
What You'll Do:

• Facilitate the development and adoption of future-state enterprise network architecture while actively aligning technology capabilities with overarching business strategies.
• Drive network solutioning across all phases-conceiving strategies, gathering requirements, leading engineering design, and supporting implementation and execution.
• Act as a technical advisor and visionary across business areas; present design proposals to Network Infrastructure Services teams to gain cross-functional buy-in and approval.
• Generate comprehensive technical documentation, including 15%, 30%, 60%, 90%, and 100% design review feedback for construction projects, Network Topologies, site Wi-Fi/cellular heatmaps, Statements of Work (SOWs), and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for CapEx projects.
• Architect high-performing, reusable, and secure network infrastructure leveraging advanced routing, switching, wireless, and cellular technologies.
• Balance long-term architectural standards with pragmatic, short-term tactical solutions to maintain system reliability and business agility.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent work experience/specialized training) with a minimum of 10 years in IT, including 10+ years of hands-on technology network operations, architecture, and engineering experience.
• High-level, hands-on expertise in enterprise routing and switching architectures, with deep command of protocols including BGP, EIGRP, and OSPF.
• Demonstrated track record of network solutioning (switches, WAPs, cellular) for multi-million dollar, large-scale heterogeneous IT programs.
• Functional knowledge of Enterprise Architecture (EA) frameworks, Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), and architectural modeling principles.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills with proven experience presenting technical vision to internal engineering teams and executive stakeholders.
• Ability to work on-site in Washington, DC.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience in the transportation sector or supporting mission-critical enterprise environments.
• Background leading large-scale network architecture initiatives from strategy through full deployment.
• Experience producing multi-stage design documentation (including heatmaps, SOWs, and BOMs) for CapEx and construction projects.
• Strong ability to balance long-term enterprise architecture standards with tactical delivery needs.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance.
• Dental Insurance.
• Vision Insurance.
• 401(k) + 401(k) matching.
• Paid time off.
• Referral Program.

About ZipStaff
ZipStaff partners with leading organizations to connect skilled technology professionals with high-impact contract opportunities. We focus on quality matches, clear communication, and long-term success for candidates and clients.
To apply, submit your resume highlighting your principal-level network architecture experience, 10+ years of hands-on routing/switching (BGP, EIGRP, OSPF), large-scale program delivery, and technical documentation work. Pure research or junior experience will not be considered.