Architect Sr, Infrastructure

Infrastructure Architect, Sr

JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for:

• Strategy, planning, roadmaps, and working with Network Services and Infrastructure Solutions on lifecycle planning
• Strategic relationships with key infrastructure vendors, primarily Cisco
• Research industry guidance, frameworks, and best practices
• Lead efforts in conjunction with Network Services around:
• Setting and revising standards
• Creating reference architectures, engineering templates, and pre-engineered solutions
• Design/engineering of extremely complex infrastructure using Cisco technologies
• Partner with Network Engineers & Infrastructure Consultants on the design/engineering of new infrastructure for which standards do not yet exist
• Lead infrastructure design teams relevant to Network Services technologies
• Contribute to best practices sharing such as capacity planning and Cisco network technology design
• Participate in the Cloud Center of Excellence developing standards and best practices for cloud network connectivity in Azure and Oracle Cloud infrastructure
• Collaborate with architects in other TO organizations (e.g., Application Services, TO Security, Infrastructure Solutions, Telecom Engineering)
• Serve in on-call rotation as Escalation Manager for Critical Situation Process
• Communications, awareness, and high-level education about technology strategy to Network Services
  
  

The technology areas in scope for this position include all technologies owned by Network Services.

Network Services owns all data network technologies, which includes network routing protocols, quality of service, MPLS network transport, SD-WAN, Cisco Nexus data center and wide area data network routing and switching, integration of our network with an internet service provider, cloud network service, establishment of VPNs (virtual private networks), voice call management, VOIP (voice over IP), voice contact center, video infrastructure technology, remote wireless routers, wireless LAN, and firewalls.

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills )

Job Requirements

• Extremely strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience with all technologies owned by Network Services, and basic understanding of the technologies owned by other infrastructure services groups
• Understanding of rules and regulations that govern the use of technology, such as NERC CIP, Sarbanes-Oxley and FCC licensing, as well as internal policies
• Ability to define and articulate the “big picture” long-term vision for the infrastructure, and develop short term plans to achieve it.
• Ability to analyze information from multiple sources for complex problem resolution.
• Ability to design / engineer infrastructure solutions to maximize availability while minimizing cost.
• Ability to create and evaluate reference technical architectures and ensure enterprise-wide buy-in, adoption, adherence and implementation
• Ability to organize tasks and coordinate various employees, vendor / contractors, and customers / partners to meet project goals.
• Ability to work independently, prioritizing major tasks by overall impact to the company.
• Ability to communicate and work with all levels of management, vendors, and other internal and external groups.
• Ability to effectively to lead committees and teams, train personnel, and make presentations.
  
  

Education/Experience

• Bachelors in Computer Science or an Engineering field strongly preferred
• CCIE certification or equivalent experience preferred
• A minimum of eight (8) years of service (depending on job level), providing architect, engineering, and support for infrastructure technologies. When relevant technical experience is substituted for a degree, the minimum experience requirement increases by four (4) years.
  
  

Competencies

• Comprehensive leadership skills recognizable by others inside and outside the team
• Strategic thinker that can embrace, influence, and lead change.
• Effectively organize tasks, manage multiple priorities, meet schedules, and deliver on commitments
• Ability to negotiate with and influence others – internally as well as vendors
• Ability to establish and nurture relationships at all levels of the organization
• Takes ownership of work assignments and personal development
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written) as well as technical writing
• Excellent presentation skills and ability to relate and connect with a variety of audiences
• Ability to articulate business drivers and how information technology can be applied to meet the requirements in business terms.
• Ability to simplify complex subjects in a way that can be easily understood by less technical audiences
• High degree of focus on quality, reliability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness
• Recognition of cyber security threats and risks, and importance of protecting the infrastructure
• Capacity to learn and apply new technologies and concepts
• Superb diagnostic, troubleshooting, analysis and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated, takes initiative, is proactive, and habitually removes obstacles for success
• Curious and creative, always questioning, and never satisfied by the status quo
• Assess impact and quantify risk to ensure appropriate business decisions are made
• Demonstrate Southern Company values reflected in how we lead, engage, collaborate and perform as One team. Safety first, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity and Superior Performance.
  
  

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Job Identification: 4850

Job Category: Information Technology

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services