Post job

What does a senior network architect do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted expert
Christy Graves

A senior network architect specializes in designing and establishing networks and systems in a company. It is their responsibility to determine the network and communication needs of a company, conduct research and analysis, gather and analyze data from various operations, develop strategies to optimize operations, and oversee procedures from planning to execution, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflow. Moreover, as a senior network architect, they must lead and serve as a role model to junior architects, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.

On this page

Senior network architect responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real senior network architect resumes:

  • Control fully mesh MPLS network and relationship with manage services tie to the service.
  • Experience implementing and managing Cisco power networks, including QOS, IBGP and BGP.
  • Manage all application network impact studies, high availability needs and QoS traffic controls.
  • Manage Visio drawing for Aviva HQ as well as Aviva data center and remote branches.
  • Configure, install and manage enterprise network infrastructure (various Cisco routers switches, IPS and ASA firewalls).
  • Redesign and modernize the campus infrastructure as well manage and maintain the current LAN while implementing the new network.
  • Implement BGP, OSPF and EIGRP routing protocols for the enterprise network.
  • Implement policy-based routing and route filtering enterprise-wide, consisting of OSPF, EIGRP and BGP routing protocols.
  • Experience testing Cisco routers and switches in laboratory scenarios and then design and deploy them on site for production.
  • Design a cable modem provisioning system that utilize Linux and LDAP and include a PacketCable provisioning system with dynamic DNS.
  • Convert outsource DNS to in house.
  • Build, administer and support VMWare ESXi environment
  • Develop and implement VMWare ESX environment for client testing.
  • Implement NAT on the border routers for all third party connections.
  • Work on SNMP, syslog server for logging, and device management.

Senior network architect skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Senior Network Architects are proficient in Cloud, Azure, and OSPF. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.

We break down the percentage of Senior Network Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Cloud, 9%

    Provided technical expertise to assist with critical design challenges during Cloud development and Hosting migration projects.

  • Azure, 7%

    Designed and implemented multiple global Azure cloud solutions to support revenue generation.

  • OSPF, 6%

    Reviewed DELL/Force10 10/40Gb Ethernet based HPCC network infrastructure for Fabric, OSPF routing and general post deployment compliance.

  • EIGRP, 5%

    Supported Wan Lan Protocols - EIGRP, IGRP, BGP, HSRP.

  • Emerging Technologies, 5%

    Recommend new and emerging technologies that add value to the business needs.

  • VMware, 4%

    Assisted customers switch infrastructure to support for MS Hyper V, SAN and VMWARE connectivity.

Common skills that a senior network architect uses to do their job include "cloud," "azure," and "ospf." You can find details on the most important senior network architect responsibilities below.

Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a senior network architect to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what senior network architects do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a senior network architect resume shows how senior network architects use analytical skills: "implemented inter/intra as bgp, eigrp testing within & between visa global data centers in a lab environment. "

Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling senior network architect duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a senior network architect resume, here's how senior network architects can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "network closet equipment upgrade - successfully configured and installed foundry network switches in multiple communications closets. "

Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for senior network architects to perform their duties. For an example of how senior network architect responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a senior network architect: "installed and implemented citrix wanscaler solution based on cisco wccp protocol to accelerate traffic across the mpls wide area network. ".

Most common senior network architect skills

Choose from 10+ customizable senior network architect resume templates

Build a professional senior network architect resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your senior network architect resume.
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume
Senior Network Architect Resume

Compare different senior network architects

Senior network architect vs. Information technology administrator

An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.

The annual salary of information technology administrators is $41,127 lower than the average salary of senior network architects.Even though senior network architects and information technology administrators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require azure, vmware, and firewall in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a senior network architect are more likely to require skills like "cloud," "ospf," "eigrp," and "emerging technologies." On the other hand, a job as an information technology administrator requires skills like "customer service," "troubleshoot," "database," and "windows server." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Information technology administrators tend to make the most money working in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $93,678. In contrast, senior network architects make the biggest average salary, $138,787, in the finance industry.information technology administrators tend to reach lower levels of education than senior network architects. In fact, information technology administrators are 7.1% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Senior network architect vs. Administrator

Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.

On average, administrators earn a $41,440 lower salary than senior network architects a year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both senior network architects and administrators have skills such as "vmware," "linux," and "dns. "

Each career also uses different skills, according to real senior network architect resumes. While senior network architect responsibilities can utilize skills like "cloud," "azure," "ospf," and "eigrp," administrators use skills like "customer service," "data entry," "troubleshoot," and "payroll."

Administrators may earn a lower salary than senior network architects, but administrators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798. On the other hand, senior network architects receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $138,787.administrators earn similar levels of education than senior network architects in general. They're 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for senior network architects in the next 3-5 years?

Christy Graves

Professor/Program Manager, Seminole State College of Florida

BIM (building information modeling) technology will continue to become more important in the architectural engineering technology profession.

Senior network architect vs. Technical systems engineer

Technical Systems Engineers are responsible for maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure or systems network. They build, maintain, and repair all the systems and network infrastructure of the organization. They troubleshoot problems and find the best possible solution to address such problems. They also ensure that those problems will be resolved and would never be encountered again. Technical Systems Engineers also help out in information technology or network infrastructure projects of other departments. They provide expertise on the systems-related aspects of the project. They help guide project teams on the feasibility and the success factors of the project.

On average scale, technical systems engineers bring in lower salaries than senior network architects. In fact, they earn a $13,159 lower salary per year.Using the responsibilities included on senior network architects and technical systems engineers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "cloud," "azure," and "emerging technologies.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, senior network architects are more likely to have skills like "ospf," "eigrp," "ipv6," and "firewall." But a technical systems engineer is more likely to have skills like "troubleshoot," "windows server," "powershell," and "project management."

Technical systems engineers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $116,420. Senior network architects earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $138,787.Most technical systems engineers achieve a similar degree level compared to senior network architects. For example, they're 2.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Senior network architect vs. Systems administrator

Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.

Systems administrators typically earn lower pay than senior network architects. On average, systems administrators earn a $37,166 lower salary per year.According to resumes from senior network architects and systems administrators, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "azure," "enterprise architecture," and "virtualization. "

Even though a few skill sets overlap between senior network architects and systems administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a senior network architect might have more use for skills like "cloud," "ospf," "eigrp," and "emerging technologies." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of systems administrators require skills like "troubleshoot," "windows server," "database," and "powershell. "

Systems administrators enjoy the best pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,962. For comparison, senior network architects earn the highest salary in the finance industry.In general, systems administrators hold lower degree levels compared to senior network architects. Systems administrators are 5.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of senior network architect

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs