Principal Network Automation & Connectivity Solution Architect

The Solution Architect is responsible for delivering highquality solution designs that are fit for purpose, aligned with enterprise architecture standards, and optimized for total cost of ownership across the solution lifecycle. The role ensures technical integrity, security, and alignment with Shell's IT technology direction. The resulting HighLevel Designs have a measurable impact on business effectiveness and profitability.
The Solution Architect is accountable to the Project Manager for the solution architecture from design through successful deployment.
Key Responsibilities Act as the single point of contact for all solution architecture aspects of IT projects.
Design and integrate Business Process, Data, Application, Infrastructure, and Information Security aspects into endtoend solutions.
Ensure solution architecture is documented using approved templates, tools, and standards.
Review, assure, and approve detailed designs produced by designers and business analysts.
Coach project teams on architecture standards and best practices.
Support Segment Architects and participate in Architecture Review Boards as required.
Contribute to the development and maintenance of Reference Models in Bizzdesign, elevating project deliverables to conceptual and logical levels.
Monitor technology trends and ensure solutions are futureproof and aligned with evolving IT standards and services.
Actively contribute to the Architecture community and serve as an ambassador for architecture excellence.
Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR).
Champion Security by Design and Privacy by Design, working closely with Information Risk Management, Security, and Compliance teams. Solution Scope (Automation & Connectivity) Enterprise network automation solutions.
Enterprise connectivity tooling, including Single Source of Truth implementation.
Tool evaluation, integration, and data model alignment.
Technical architecture, design, and service operations solutions. Special Challenges Proactively identify, balance, and reconcile competing stakeholder requirements.
Escalate architectural conflicts appropriately and in a timely manner. Skills & Requirements (Critical) 7 10 years of IT experience, including some IT leadership exposure.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent in an ITrelated discipline.
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to articulate architectural decisions to both technical and business audiences.
Strong business acumen with the ability to link business value to technical architecture. Required Technical Expertise: Vendor engagement and product selection in collaboration with portfolio, operations, and procurement teams.
Deep expertise in networking technologies (Routing, TCP/IP, SSL).
Strong experience with AWS and Azure cloud networking (VPC/VNET, VPN, Transit Gateway, virtual Palo Alto firewalls).
Knowledge of Cisco data center design.
Knowledge of Aruba ESP, including Central, ClearPass, and wireless platforms.
Indepth knowledge of network automation (Infrastructure as Code, APIs, GitHub).
Identity and authentication: SAML, PingID, Entra ID.
Service solution and operational documentation delivery.
Indepth Ansible integration for infrastructure networks, including playbook development.
Workflow integration for infrastructure networks.
CI/CD pipeline creation for infrastructure networks, including virtual and physical testing.
Smart inventory systems (e.g. NetBox) and integration with Ansible and GitHub pipelines.