
Sr Network Architect
McDonald's, Chicago, IL, United States
Job Description
Senior Network Architect – design and evolve network infrastructure across cloud and on‑premises environments.
Duties
The Senior Network Architect will participate in the design and evolution of next‑generation network infrastructure across cloud and on‑premises environments. This role will focus on integrating GCP and AWS cloud platforms, Carrier Neutral Facilities (CNFs – Equinix Datacenters) connectivity into a unified, secure, and automated global network. The architect will collaborate with multi‑functional teams to define architecture standards, build evaluations, drive innovation, and ensure operational excellence.
Technical
Extensive expertise in computer networking and routing, along with cloud networks and connectivity. Proficient in Microsoft and Linux/Unix operating systems. Experienced in systems networking and subsystems. Knowledgeable in Active Directory and DNS or equivalent experience.
Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of cloud networking and its methodologies across Azure, AWS, GCP, and OCI.
Skilled in deploying BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP protocols.
Experience with application hosting in on‑premises datacenters, cloud environments, and network security measures for hosting platforms, including WAF and application security.
Proficiency in designing and implementing large‑scale enterprise networks, as well as SDWAN solutions.
Experience
Experienced in troubleshooting networking issues using tools including Wireshark, monitoring solutions, firewall logs, cloud event logs, Cisco platforms, Palo Alto, cloud‑native software, and standard network monitoring utilities.
Proficient in developing and evaluating solutions with available resources and documenting test outcomes.
Capable of independently learning, initiating solutions, and offering consulting to various business collaborators.
Familiar with a range of technology platforms and vendors such as Cisco, Meraki, and Palo Alto and Platform providers like Equinix and their solutions.
Roles and responsibilities
Architect, design and develop network solutions that address enterprise business requirements.
Develop methods to assess solutions, define selection criteria, and perform cost‑benefit analyses.
Coordinate with managed service providers to assemble solutions that align with organizational needs.
Assist collaborators and partners in comprehending the current network, develop comprehensive documentation, and present networking matters to the architecture review board.
Technical change scrutiny, reviews and approvals, change plan validation, guidance, approvals.
Accountable for technology quality and business change results.
Prepare or review RACIs, SOWs, service offerings, and provide technical approval for outcomes.
Collaboration & Leadership
Partner with GTIO towers, Global Cyber Security, and market teams to align network capabilities with business needs
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge‑sharing across the organization.
Represent the network domain in enterprise architecture forums and organizational planning sessions.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
8+ years of experience in Enterprise network services, architecture, design and deployment, including hybrid cloud and datacenter environments.
Deep knowledge and expertise in GCP and AWS networking, including VPC design, Direct Connect, Interconnect, and Transit Gateways.
Hands‑on experience with datacenters, SD‑WAN, and Equinix Fabric or similar interconnect platforms
Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OMP, OSPF), DNS, IPAM, and network security.
Good communication, documentation, and collaborator management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Certifications: CCNP/CCIE, AWS/GCP Network Specialty, Terraform Associate.
Familiarity with restaurant or retail network architectures is a plus
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long‑Term Incentive: Yes
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $152,678.00 - $190,847.00 per year
Additional Information
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel‑good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job.
Requisition ID
2782
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Network Architect – design and evolve network infrastructure across cloud and on‑premises environments.
Duties
The Senior Network Architect will participate in the design and evolution of next‑generation network infrastructure across cloud and on‑premises environments. This role will focus on integrating GCP and AWS cloud platforms, Carrier Neutral Facilities (CNFs – Equinix Datacenters) connectivity into a unified, secure, and automated global network. The architect will collaborate with multi‑functional teams to define architecture standards, build evaluations, drive innovation, and ensure operational excellence.
Technical
Extensive expertise in computer networking and routing, along with cloud networks and connectivity. Proficient in Microsoft and Linux/Unix operating systems. Experienced in systems networking and subsystems. Knowledgeable in Active Directory and DNS or equivalent experience.
Demonstrates an in-depth understanding of cloud networking and its methodologies across Azure, AWS, GCP, and OCI.
Skilled in deploying BGP, OSPF, and EIGRP protocols.
Experience with application hosting in on‑premises datacenters, cloud environments, and network security measures for hosting platforms, including WAF and application security.
Proficiency in designing and implementing large‑scale enterprise networks, as well as SDWAN solutions.
Experience
Experienced in troubleshooting networking issues using tools including Wireshark, monitoring solutions, firewall logs, cloud event logs, Cisco platforms, Palo Alto, cloud‑native software, and standard network monitoring utilities.
Proficient in developing and evaluating solutions with available resources and documenting test outcomes.
Capable of independently learning, initiating solutions, and offering consulting to various business collaborators.
Familiar with a range of technology platforms and vendors such as Cisco, Meraki, and Palo Alto and Platform providers like Equinix and their solutions.
Roles and responsibilities
Architect, design and develop network solutions that address enterprise business requirements.
Develop methods to assess solutions, define selection criteria, and perform cost‑benefit analyses.
Coordinate with managed service providers to assemble solutions that align with organizational needs.
Assist collaborators and partners in comprehending the current network, develop comprehensive documentation, and present networking matters to the architecture review board.
Technical change scrutiny, reviews and approvals, change plan validation, guidance, approvals.
Accountable for technology quality and business change results.
Prepare or review RACIs, SOWs, service offerings, and provide technical approval for outcomes.
Collaboration & Leadership
Partner with GTIO towers, Global Cyber Security, and market teams to align network capabilities with business needs
Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge‑sharing across the organization.
Represent the network domain in enterprise architecture forums and organizational planning sessions.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
8+ years of experience in Enterprise network services, architecture, design and deployment, including hybrid cloud and datacenter environments.
Deep knowledge and expertise in GCP and AWS networking, including VPC design, Direct Connect, Interconnect, and Transit Gateways.
Hands‑on experience with datacenters, SD‑WAN, and Equinix Fabric or similar interconnect platforms
Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OMP, OSPF), DNS, IPAM, and network security.
Good communication, documentation, and collaborator management skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Certifications: CCNP/CCIE, AWS/GCP Network Specialty, Terraform Associate.
Familiarity with restaurant or retail network architectures is a plus
Compensation
Bonus Eligible: Yes
Long‑Term Incentive: Yes
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Salary Range
The expected salary range for this role is $152,678.00 - $190,847.00 per year
Additional Information
Benefits eligible: This position offers health and welfare benefits, a 401(k) plan, adoption assistance program, educational assistance program, flexible ways of working, and time off policies (including sick leave, parental leave, and vacation/PTO). Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on job classification and length of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
McDonald’s is an equal opportunity employer committed to the diversity of our workforce. We promote an inclusive work environment that creates feel‑good moments for everyone. McDonald’s provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities as part of the application or hiring process or to perform the essential functions of their job.
Requisition ID
2782
#J-18808-Ljbffr