Senior Network Architect (1789)

Job DetailsJob Location: Avfuel Corp - Ann Arbor, MI 48108Position Type: Full TimeEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeJob Shift: DaySenior Network Architect

Employment Type: Full Time, Onsite in a corporate office environment
Department: Information Systems & Technology – Transformation
Reports To: Sr. Director, Infrastructure & Operations
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid Vacation, Sick & Holidays; Company paid Life and Disability Insurance; 401k savings plan with employer matching
Voluntary Benefits: Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident Coverage, & Pet Insurance

Position Summary

Avfuel is seeking a Senior Network Architect to own and modernize our enterprise network environment while providing technical leadership across infrastructure initiatives. This role is responsible for defining network architecture, driving infrastructure strategy, and leading execution across our headquarters and approximately 30 remote locations nationwide.

This is a highly impactful, hands-on leadership role. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise with strong initiative and ownership. This person will assess our current environment, establish standards, and lead the design and delivery of a modern, scalable, and secure network infrastructure.

This role may have formal direct reports, and serves as the technical leader for network engineering, setting direction, guiding resources (including contractors), and ensuring successful execution of key initiatives. This position has clear growth potential into broader Infrastructure & Operations leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Network Architecture & Strategy

Assess current network infrastructure, identify gaps, and define a forward-looking architecture and roadmap
Lead standardization efforts, with a focus on Fortinet technologies across all locations
Own product selection, lifecycle management, and technology standards for network infrastructure
Design scalable, secure, and resilient network solutions to support business growth

Engineering & Project Leadership

Lead the execution of network refresh and modernization initiatives across HQ and remote sites
Define project scope, technical designs, and implementation plans
Serve as the technical lead on all network-related projects
Provide direction, mentorship, and technical oversight to engineers and contractors
Ensure projects are delivered on time, with high quality and strong operational outcomes

People Leadership (Current & Future)

May directly manage network architects and engineers, including performance, development, and coaching
Foster a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement
Identify and develop team capabilities, including mentoring junior engineers
Position has potential to expand into leadership of the broader Infrastructure & Operations team (network, systems, and related functions

Operations & Reliability

Own day-to-day network performance, availability, and reliability
Establish and enforce best practices for monitoring, alerting, and incident response
Lead change management processes related to network infrastructure
Ensure proper documentation, configuration management, and operational standards

Vendor & ISP Management

Manage relationships with ISPs, hardware vendors, and service providers
Oversee circuit provisioning, performance, and cost optimization
Evaluate and negotiate solutions that align with business and technical objectives

Security & Compliance

Partner with security leadership to ensure network security best practices are implemented
Support firewall strategy, segmentation, and secure connectivity across all sites
Align network architecture with compliance and risk management requirements

Organizational Scope

The Senior Network Architect / Technical Lead directly or indirectly manages 1 – 3 network architects and engineers and is a member of the Avfuel IT leadership team.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications

8+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture roles
Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise network infrastructure
Strong hands-on expertise with Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiManager, etc.)
Experience with Cisco switching technologies

Deep understanding of

Routing & switching (BGP, OSPF, VLANs, STP, etc.)
Firewall architecture and network security principles
WAN technologies, VPNs, and multi-site connectivity
Experience with network monitoring and management tools
Understanding of enterprise architecture and systems integration
Strong experience with ISP management, vendor management, and change management
Demonstrated ability to lead technical initiatives with minimal oversight

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in aviation, fuel distribution, logistics, or similar industries
Experience operating in regulated or compliance-driven environment
Experience leading cross-functional, matrixed transformation initiative
Financial management experience overseeing significant capital programs

Experience with

Windows Server administration
Linux systems administration
Active Directory and identity infrastructure
Storage and backup technologies
Experience in multi-site or distributed enterprise environments
Exposure to cloud networking (Azure, AWS, or hybrid environments)
Familiarity with modern ERP/CRM platforms (Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, etc.)
MBA or advanced technical/business degree

Success Metrics (First 90 days, 1 year)

90 Days

Develop network services assessment, prioritized risks and gaps, and plans to address
Stabilize and instill operational control, including monitoring
Build relationships within IT, across Avfuel and with external partners

1 Year

Drive network modernization program for Avfuel and Avflight
Achieve measurable improvements, utilizing a standard operating model
Lead in improving change management for network and broader IT within Avfuel
Optimize partner relationships and network finances
Develop team members through technical coaching and training

EEO/ADA

Apply at Avfuel Careers