Job Description

We are seeking an Enterprise Network Architect (IT System Architect - Senior Principal) to serve as the enterprise domain authority for network architecture across on-premises, cloud, hybrid, edge, and secure-access environments. This highly influential individual-contributor role will define the architecture direction, patterns, standards, reference architectures, and roadmaps that guide how the company connects and secures users, applications, data, sites, cloud platforms, and business services.

The Enterprise Network Architect will lead architecture for complex, cross-functional network initiatives and serve as the lead architecture authority for the Network workstream within the company's Move-to-Cloud transformation. The role requires deep technical credibility across routing, switching, WAN, data center, cloud networking, network security, software-defined networking, automation, and next-generation SASE/SSE architectures, combined with the judgment to translate that depth into pragmatic enterprise standards and executable modernization roadmaps.

The successful candidate is a hands-on architect and innovator who can move comfortably between enterprise strategy, detailed network design, proof-of-concept work, vendor/platform evaluation, Infrastructure as Code, and executive communication. This role must build alignment across Enterprise Architecture, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Infrastructure, Operations, PMO, application teams, business stakeholders, and technology partners, leading through expertise, collaboration, and influence rather than formal authority.

Key Responsibilities

• Own Enterprise Network Architecture
• Serve as the enterprise architecture authority for the networking domain, defining current-state, transition-state, and target-state architectures across site/LAN, WAN, data center, cloud, remote-access, internet/edge, and hybrid environments.
• Create, manage, and advocate enterprise Network Patterns, Standards, Principles, Reference Architectures, and implementation guidance that are clear, reusable, and consumable by Solution Architects, engineers, Cybersecurity, Operations, and delivery partners.
• Define architecture direction across routing, switching, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, load balancing, VPN/secure access, wireless, network services, carrier connectivity, QoS, resiliency, observability, and related network capabilities.
• Develop network modernization and technology roadmaps that reduce unnecessary complexity, improve resiliency and supportability, enable cloud adoption, and align investments to business and mission outcomes.
• Act as a senior technical escalation point for complex network architecture decisions and provide clear recommendations based on business value, security, risk, cost, performance, scalability, operational impact, and long-term sustainability.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Telecommunications, or a related technical discipline; equivalent relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in network engineering, network architecture, infrastructure architecture, and/or enterprise architecture, including substantial responsibility for complex enterprise or service-provider-scale networks.
• Demonstrated experience serving as a lead architect or senior technical authority for major network transformation, modernization, cloud connectivity, or similarly complex multi-site/multi-system initiatives.

Pay Information

Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035

About BAE Systems, Inc.

BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.