Director Stadium Network Architecture

The National Football League (NFL) is looking for a Director, Stadium Network Architecture with a strong background in network design, engineering, architecture and operations as well as experience with Wireless Design & Spectrum Analysis to join an innovative team of solutions engineers and architects.  The Senior Network Architect will be responsible for developing network architecture diagrams, defining technical requirements, and serving as the technical lead for football technology network infrastructure. We are looking for a candidate who can drive the implementation and maintenance of complex and specialized network services, ensuring the highest levels of reliability, performance, and uptime.  

This hands-on senior stadium network architect will act as a leader of technical engineering for the Infrastructure Engineering Team across a wide range of areas including the production Football Technology Network, NFL temporary Fan Event Setups, sideline wireless technology and more.  

This onsite role can be based out of our Manhattan or Mount Laurel, NJ offices, and requires 30% to 50% travel domestically and internationally.  

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of Football Technology network services considering performance, redundancy, scalability, and security. 
• Document standards and guidelines for best practice stadium network and wireless architecture as they align to industry standards and best practices.
• Develop and present comprehensive network design proposals to stakeholders, addressing business requirements and technical specifications.
• Assist in the research, design and documentation for upgrades and adoption of new network technologies.
• Provide hands on configuration and escalation support for all stadium network technologies.

• Responsible for the installation, operation, administration, and maintenance of wired and wireless networks at stadiums and corporate offices.
• Provide dedicated support for on-site stadium network and Wi-Fi technicians during NFL game days throughout the NFL season.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining network diagrams, configurations, support, and training documentation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including operations, security, Events, and others to align network strategies with business goals.
• Responds to technical escalations for wired and wireless service issues, working with product support teams, IT staff and business groups to ensure resolution.
• Provide reports for network KPIs to show service levels, capacity analysis, performance, troubleshooting, and areas for improvement in network infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to various activities and internal infrastructure within the Football Technology segment.
• Responsible for effectively engaging with IT project management and reporting project status.
• Establish and adhere to set project plans and release dates.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior network engineers, sharing expertise and knowledge.
• Remain on the cutting edge by studying state-of-the-art network technologies, participating in educational opportunities; reading professional publications; maintaining personal networks; participating in professional organizations
• Maintain and publish Football Stadium DAS and Wi-Fi Guidelines
• Review and plan DAS and Wi-Fi updates for NFL Tentpole Events.
• Lead audits of Cellular and DAS Performance around NFL stadiums to adhere to NFL guidelines.
• Collaborate with Cellular Vendors on stadium enhancements, and testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field preferred, with 10+ years of experience or equivalent military service.
• Extensive hands-on experience exceeding 10 years in network implementation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership with over 5 years in network architecture roles.
• 5+ years’ experience in wireless design, implementation, and support for large networks, including spectrum analysis and stadium DAS design.
• Proficient in network administration, particularly Cisco products, with expertise in controllers, access points, routers, and switches.
• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, DNS, STP, NAT, IPSEC, GRE, VPC/VSS, etc.)
• Advanced understanding of networking concepts and principles, including but not limited to routing static/dynamic (RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, & BGP) and multi-layer switching (standard and private VLANs, VTP, Spanning Tree, etc.)

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Strong grasp of network best practices, security principles, design architecture, and analysis with use of tools such as Wireshark, etc.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex network issues.
• Experience in troubleshooting networking device drivers and client system issues.
• Experience in troubleshooting video and voice performance over wired and wireless networks.
• Capability to research and evaluate new network technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled in creating and updating detailed infrastructure topologies using MS Visio, Excel, and Word.
• CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, or equivalent
• Familiarity with Cisco Identity Services Engine and DNA.

Travel

30% - 50%, domestic and international.