Network Infrastructure Architect

Remote | Travel Required | Contract-to-Hire Opportunity

CRI Advantage is seeking an experienced Network Infrastructure Architect to lead the design and deployment of enterprise infrastructure for a high-profile client entering the nuclear industry.

This is a hands-on architecture role focused on building a secure, compliant enterprise environment from the ground up. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in greenfield environments, can move strategically while still being technical, and has experience designing enterprise networks in regulated or security-focused industries.

This engagement is expected to last approximately 5 months, with strong potential for extension and/or long-term placement within CRI's Services Division.

What You'll Be Doing

Assess and document the client's current infrastructure environment across multiple locations

Design enterprise network architecture, segmentation strategies, and secure connectivity solutions

Lead deployment and configuration of enterprise firewalls, VPNs, and wireless infrastructure

Implement secure networking aligned with CMMC Level 2 and NIST 800-171 requirements

Coordinate infrastructure build activities with vendors, ISPs, and field teams

Support workstation deployment, Active Directory integration, and endpoint readiness

Create detailed network diagrams, technical documentation, and operational runbooks

Collaborate with security and compliance consultants supporting the client's audit readiness

Mentor support personnel who will assume ongoing operational ownership after deployment

Required Qualifications

8+ years of experience in: Network Engineering, Infrastructure Architecture, Enterprise Networking, and Network Security

Experience designing and deploying enterprise environments from the ground up

Strong hands-on experience with: Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA/Firepower or equivalent firewall platforms

Experience implementing: Site-to-site VPNs, SD-WAN, Remote access solutions

Working knowledge of: CMMC Level 2, NIST 800-171, Network segmentation for CUI environments

Experience with: Enterprise wireless solutions, Structured cabling projects, Active Directory / Azure AD, Windows Server environments

Strong technical documentation and communication skills

Willingness to travel regularly to client locations during deployment phases

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting: Nuclear, Defense, Energy, Government contracting environments

Familiarity with: NQA-1, SSPs, POA&Ms, Compliance remediation activities

Certifications such as: CCNP / CCIE, CISSP, PCNSE, Fortinet NSE

Consulting or managed services experience

ITIL and ServiceNow familiarity

Work Location & Travel

This role is primarily remote but requires travel to:Boise/Caldwell, Idaho

Field locations in: Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah

Travel frequency will vary depending on project phase and deployment schedules.

Compensation

W2: $75–85/hour DOE

1099: $115–130/hour DOE

Potential for: Extension beyond initial engagement and/or Long-term placement

About CRI Advantage

CRI Advantage delivers managed IT services, cybersecurity, compliance consulting, and enterprise technology solutions for clients operating in highly regulated industries, including nuclear energy, defense, and government contracting.

We offer the opportunity to work on high-impact projects with collaborative technical teams solving complex infrastructure and compliance challenges.

CRI Advantage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.