Principal Technology Infrastructure

Long Description

The Principal Technology Infrastructure is a senior leadership role tasked with setting the vision, strategy, and execution plans for the organization’s entire network. This position emphasizes cutting-edge networking powered by AI and ensures that all platforms—whether on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid—are secure, flexible, robust, and support overall business goals. The principal will champion innovative network architectures, guide modernization projects, and encourage a high-performing culture among geographically dispersed teams. An "AI-first" approach will be promoted in both architectural design and day-to-day operations.

We are looking for an experienced Network Technology Specialist with over 20+ years in IT and OT network design and deployment, especially within manufacturing settings. This individual will spearhead efforts in network security, scalability, and optimization, including implementing Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), advancing cloud networking, and automating network functions. Key duties include developing reference architectures, taking part in red team assessments, and ensuring integration across sites without compromising security or efficiency. Proficiency in cloud landing zones, collaboration tools, and industrial networks is required.

Responsibilities & Key Deliverables

• Strategic Network Leadership: Develop and articulate a clear, forward-looking network technology vision aligned with corporate goals. Lead the formulation of long-term infrastructure roadmaps emphasizing resilience and scalability.
• AI-Driven Networking & Automation: Design and implement AI-enabled network automation frameworks to enhance efficiency, reduce manual intervention, and improve predictive maintenance.
• Network Security & Compliance: Oversee comprehensive security strategies including Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) deployments, ensuring adherence to industry standards, regulatory frameworks, and internal policies.
• Operational Excellence in Networking: Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize network performance, availability, and fault tolerance across all enterprise sites.
• Team & Stakeholder Leadership: Inspire, mentor, and manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-impact projects. Collaborate with stakeholders across business units and vendors to secure network infrastructure and services.
• Cloud Networking & Integration: Lead integration of cloud networking architectures and landing zones, ensuring seamless interoperability between cloud and on-premises systems.
• Network Design and Architecture: Create scalable, modular reference network architectures supporting evolving technological landscapes and business needs.
• Zero Trust Security Implementation: Partner with cybersecurity teams to architect and deploy Zero Trust models, conduct red team assessments, and continuously monitor threat landscapes.
• Operational Technology (OT) Expertise & Collaboration Tools: Leverage in-depth knowledge of industrial networks and collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams and Zoom to enhance network capabilities tailored to specialized requirements.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline is required. An advanced degree such as a Master's or MBA is considered a strong asset, enriching strategic and managerial capabilities.
• Professional certifications such as CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), or CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) are highly desirable, demonstrating mastery in networking and cybersecurity.
• Extensive knowledge of network design principles, cloud architecture, and regulatory compliance frameworks such as GDPR, DPDP, and ISO 27001.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and delivering complex infrastructure projects within large scale, geographically dispersed organizations.
• Exceptional communication skills, enabling clear articulation of complex technical concepts to diverse audiences including technical teams and senior business stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and team development skills to effectively manage and inspire multidisciplinary teams.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and staying abreast of emerging industry trends, technologies, and best practices.

Experience

• Over 20 years of comprehensive experience in technology infrastructure with a strong concentration on network architecture, engineering, and security, particularly within manufacturing or industrial settings.
• At least 10 years in senior leadership roles focusing on the development and management of enterprise-level network operations, including IT and OT environments.
• Proven expertise in implementing and managing advanced networking technologies such as LAN/WAN, Software-Defined Networking (SDN), SD-WAN, Secure Access Service Edge (SASE), and cloud networking frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with network hardware including routers, switches, firewalls, and VPNs, alongside cloud networking solutions provided by major cloud platforms.
• Track record of successful integration and support of collaboration platforms like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, ensuring network infrastructure aligns with real-time communication demands.
• Practical knowledge or direct involvement with industrial control systems and protocols such as SCADA and PLCs, contributing to enhanced operational technology network performance.
• Experience working with security and compliance teams to embed Zero Trust models at scale and conducting red team assessments to pre-emptively identify and mitigate threats.

Preferred Skills

• A visionary mindset with the ability to anticipate future networking trends and translate them into actionable strategies and innovative solutions.
• Exceptional leadership skills to foster team cohesion, encourage continuous learning, and drive performance excellence across diverse and distributed teams.
• Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills, capable of navigating complex technical issues and delivering scalable, sustainable solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, facilitating effective collaboration across various organizational levels and functions, including executive engagement.
• Proficiency in multitasking and prioritizing in dynamic environments while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Up-to-date expertise in AI-driven network automation techniques and the latest cybersecurity frameworks, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of network technology advancements.
• Experience in vendor management, contract negotiations, and budget oversight to maximize resource utilization and drive cost-effective infrastructure development.