Jobloria
Network Architect
The University Of California
Location : San Francisco, CA, 94102
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : $129,600 - $260,000
Date Posted : 1 December 2025
Network Architect
Job Summary
As the Network Architect, you will occupy a critical role in the strategic development and execution of our network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance, robust security, and scalability tailored to diverse organizational needs, including initiatives at campuses, medical centers, or the Office of the President. This expert-level position demands a sophisticated mastery of network architecture, deeply integrated with an understanding of organizational goals and technological imperatives. You will lead the design and implementation of advanced network solutions, collaborate with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to align network strategies with business objectives, and drive the analysis of complex business requirements into innovative network designs. Your role also encompasses elevating network security frameworks, optimizing network performance, and managing the full lifecycle of network services from conceptual design to continuous improvement. Additionally, you will develop and enforce high-level network standards, mentor network engineering talent, and lead the resolution of complex network issues using advanced troubleshooting skills. This position requires extensive experience in network architecture, advanced professional certifications such as CCIE, CCNP, or JNCIE, and demonstrated leadership in managing large-scale network projects in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. As the Network Architect, the visionary technical expertise will be instrumental in propelling our organization forward, leveraging cutting-edge technology to achieve strategic objectives and maintain high network availability and reliability.
The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy.
Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement.
The salary range for this position is $129,600 - $260,000 (Annual Rate).
To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit:https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is distinguished as a leading academic healthcare organization, home to groundbreaking discoveries, world-class education, and exceptional healthcare services. Infrastructure Services (IS) is the backbone of the technological infrastructure, assuring the technical services that enable the academic, medical, and research missions of the organization. Beyond a focus on maintaining systems and resolving issues, we are committed to nurturing the potential of our team members and empowering them to excel. UCSF Infrastructure Services provides 24/7 support to the University community, upholding the highest level of responsiveness and reliability at all times for our customers. IS values innovation and excellence in ensuring secure and efficient IT services, regardless of the hour or complexity of the issue.
The Network Services team within Infrastructure Services holds a critical role in managing, maintaining, and developing UCSF’s network infrastructure, particularly ensuring reliable technical accessibility for individuals engaged in vital medical and health research work. Their core responsibilities include providing secure internet and network services, managing IT services, and maintaining data systems. They support end-users, manage system updates, repairs, and connectivity issues, and play an essential role in troubleshooting network issues, optimizing performance, and implementing protocols. They also oversee software and hardware updates and manage data storage, disaster recovery, and network resilience. Beyond this, Network Services provides specialized technical support to other employees in the organization, with a focus on those involved in medical and health research.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, in one or more of the following fields: computer science, computer information systems, etc.
- 7 to 10+ years of Expert experience in one of the following fields: network engineering or network architecture.
- Certification:
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), or Juniper JNCIE, or Aruba ACSX
- AWS Solutions Architect – Professional, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- Advanced working knowledge of LAN, WAN, MAN, wireless, VoIP, cloud networking protocols, OSPF, BGP, IP, Multicast, QOS, MPLS, VPLS, IPv4, IPV6, VxLan and spine-and-leaf architecture.
- Advanced experience architecting scalable, diverse, and complex networks. Expert understanding of server architecture, system administration, and security. Experience working with a software development lifecycle (SDLC) model.
- Advanced experience with Automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Perl).
- Expert-level skillset in Enterprise Network design engineering analysis and configurations of multi-vendor routing, switching, wireless controller, wireless access points, firewalls, VPN, Load Balancing and DDI services. (i.e. Aruba, Cisco, Brocade, Palo Alto, F5)
- Expert ability to translate business needs into long-term architecture solutions. Expertise relating to the design and development of software across the organization.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including mentorship, negotiation, and change management.
- Advanced written and verbal communication skills and can communicate work assignments to medium-sized teams. Demonstrated experience presenting complex technical information to audiences of technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Advanced experience creating presentation materials, generating reports, and presenting to appropriate stakeholders, including executive leadership. Ability to explain advanced concepts to engineers, peers, and leadership.
- Advanced ability to collaborate across a large, diverse organization and effectively communicate or negotiate with others.
- Significant experience working in a project-based environment, leading project management practices including schedule management, status reporting, and communication of project risks and issues.
- Advanced experience working in a project-based environment, including the ability to report on project status, evaluate project risks, and escalate project issues. Experience with risk analysis frameworks. Knowledge of information management.
- Demonstrated effective communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to technical and non-technical personnel at various levels in the University.
- Extensive experience in problem-solving skills; ability to uncover the root of difficult problems and scope solutions based on knowledge of available resources and timelines, as well as awareness of vision and strategy. Seeks information from multiple and diverse sources to inform solutions. Demonstrated ability to make decisions with integrity.
- Inspires creativity in others and advises teams on industry-leading practices, such as the incorporation of new technologies or processes. Has demonstrated experience leading in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, in a relevant field such as computer science, computer information systems, etc.
- Experience in complex higher education environments, serving academic, medical, and research and administrative functions of a large public university.
- Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX) or equivalent
License/Certification
- Certification:
- Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE), or Juniper JNCIE, or Aruba ACSX
- AWS Solutions Architect – Professional, or Azure Solutions Architect Expert
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values.
In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available atdiversity.ucsf.edu
Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Job Code and Payroll Title
000532 IT ARCHITECT 5
Job Category
Clinical Systems / IT Professionals
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Mission Center Building (SF)
Additional Shift Details
Mon-Fri, 8-5, some after-hours required, on-call
Freqently Asked Questions
San Francisco's tech hub status makes network architect roles highly sought after, but competition remains tough. Employers prioritize candidates with advanced certifications like CCIE and cloud expertise. Staying updated on the latest network architectures and security protocols significantly boosts your chances in this competitive local market.
In San Francisco, certifications such as Cisco's CCIE, Juniper's JNCIE, and cloud credentials like AWS Solutions Architect Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert are highly valued. These demonstrate mastery over complex network designs and cloud integrations, aligning well with the region's innovative IT environments.
Mastering protocols like OSPF, BGP, MPLS, and VXLAN is crucial, along with expertise in spine-and-leaf architectures. Proficiency in automation tools and scripting languages such as Python enhances efficiency. Deep understanding of multi-vendor environments and cloud networking are essential for designing scalable, secure networks.
Network Architects often advance to senior leadership roles like Network Engineering Manager or IT Infrastructure Director. Gaining expertise in cross-functional project leadership and strategic planning can open doors to CTO positions or specialized consultancy roles focusing on enterprise network transformation.
Working at The University Of California involves balancing complex academic, medical, and research network needs. The architect must ensure high network reliability for critical health research while navigating multi-stakeholder environments, requiring advanced troubleshooting and the ability to align network strategies with diverse organizational goals.
UCSF fosters continuous learning through mentorship programs and encourages innovation within its Infrastructure Services team. Network Architects benefit from exposure to cutting-edge technologies in healthcare and research settings, promoting skill advancement and leadership development in a mission-driven environment.
The salary range for a Network Architect at UCSF in San Francisco spans from $129,600 to $260,000 annually. Actual compensation depends on experience, certifications like CCIE or JNCIE, and alignment with internal equity policies, reflecting the high cost of living and specialized skills required in this region.
Yes, positions like this often require some after-hours availability and on-call duties to maintain 24/7 network stability critical for healthcare and research operations. Candidates should be prepared for occasional off-hours troubleshooting and proactive network management.
They interpret organizational objectives and technical requirements to create scalable, secure network solutions. This involves collaborating with stakeholders, analyzing traffic patterns, and integrating advanced protocols and automation to ensure the network supports business continuity and future growth.
While network engineers focus on implementation and maintenance, architects lead strategic design and planning of network infrastructure. Architects oversee scalability, security frameworks, and innovation, often mentoring teams and aligning technical solutions with broader organizational goals.
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