Ardent Health is a leading provider of healthcare in growing mid-sized urban communities across the U.S. With a focus on people and investments in innovative services and technologies, Ardent is passionate about making healthcare better and easier to access. Through its subsidiaries, Ardent delivers care through a system of 30 acute care hospitals, 24,000+ team members and more than 280 sites of care with over 1,800 affiliated providers across six states.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Network Architect is a senior technical leader responsible for the strategic design, development, and evolution of Ardent?s enterprise network infrastructure. This role ensures the network is secure, scalable, resilient, and aligned with the organization?s business goals and digital transformation initiatives. The Network Architect works closely with the network engineering team, cross-functional IT groups, and business stakeholders to provide expert guidance on emerging technologies, cloud networking, and cybersecurity best practices.

1. Designs, configures, and supports enterprise-grade network infrastructure, including Cisco and Fortinet platforms, across data centers, cloud environments, and remote sites.
2. Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of network architecture, configurations, standards, and operational procedures.
3. Ensures high availability, redundancy, and performance of critical network systems through proactive monitoring and capacity planning.
4. Participates in network assessments, audits, and incident response efforts to ensure compliance and operational resilience.
5. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to support infrastructure projects, cloud migrations, and digital transformation initiatives.
6. Evaluates and recommends emerging technologies to improve network efficiency, scalability, and security. to both technical and non-technical audiences.
7. Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
8. Deep understanding of enterprise IT operations and how network infrastructure supports business objectives.
9. Creates and delivers technical presentations, network diagrams, and solution proposals.

Education & Experience:

• Associates degree in Information Systems / Computer Science or equivalent technical experience
• 10+ years of experience in enterprise networking, preferably within healthcare or other highly regulated industries.
• 5+ years of experience with Fortinet networking solutions, including FortiGate firewalls, FortiSwitch, FortiAP, and Fortinet SD-WAN.
• 5+ years of experience designing and supporting cloud network fabrics and interconnects using platforms such as Equinix Fabric, Megaport, or similar.
• Experience with high availability and redundancy protocols such as HSRP, VRRP, and GLBP.
• Experience designing and implementing QoS strategies across WAN and LAN to support voice, video, and critical application traffic.
• Experience with network segmentation, microsegmentation, and Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA).
• Extensive hands-on experience with Cisco technologies, including enterprise routing, switching, wireless (WLC, APs), and SD-WAN solutions.
• Active CCNP
• Experience with network automation and scripting (e.g., Python, Ansible, Terraform), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Strong background in managing and optimizing hybrid WAN architectures, including MPLS, Metro-E, and pri Strong experience with AAA services, including RADIUS, TACACS+, and integration with identity platforms such as Cisco ISE or Azure AD.
• In-depth knowledge of dynamic routing protocols, including OSPF, BGP, and EIGRP; understanding of route redistribution, policy-based routing, and BGP peering in hybrid cloud environments.
• Proficiency with network packet analysis tools such as Wireshark, Live Action, and Cisco Stealthwatch for performance and security diagnostics.
• Solid understanding of core network services including DNS, DHCP, NTP, and IPAM platforms (e.g., BlueCat).
• Familiarity with Internet edge architecture, including BGP multihoming, DDoS mitigation, and cloud-based firewalls.
• Deep understanding of Ethernet technologies, including 1/10/40/100GbE, VLANs, VXLAN, and 802.1Q trunking.
• High proficiency with IPv4 addressing, subnetting, VLSM, and route summarization.
• Familiarity with container networking (e.g., Kubernetes CNI plugins) and cloud-native networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP. vate fiber/Wave services.
• Proficiency with modern network monitoring and observability platforms, such as Cisco DNA Center, LogicMonitor, ThousandEyes, Live Action, or similar.
• Deep understanding of wireless networking, including Cisco WLAN design, RF planning, and troubleshooting using tools like Ekahau, Cisco Prime, or DNA Center.
• Familiarity with Zero Trust Network Architecture and SASE
• High attention to detail, especially in areas of documentation, configuration management, and change control.

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About Ardent Health

At Ardent Health, everything we do starts with people—including you. As a national healthcare provider, we’re united by a shared purpose: caring for our patients, our communities, and one another. When you join Ardent, you’re part of a team that’s making healthcare more accessible, compassionate, and easy to navigate.What makes Ardent different is where and how we work. Our hospitals and clinics are rooted in thriving mid-size communities across Idaho, Kansas, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas—offering a high-quality, more affordable lifestyle without sacrificing career opportunity. Here, you can build a meaningful career while enjoying more balance, flexibility, and connection to your community.You’ll be supported by the strength of a national organization—with 30 hospitals, 280 sites of care, and 24,000+ team members—while having the autonomy to make a real impact locally. Whether you’re growing your skills, exploring new roles, or advancing your career, Ardent gives you the resources and flexibility to succeed. At Ardent, your work matters—and so does your life outside of it.We have opportunities across Ardent's affiliate health systems, including:BSA Health System in ...TXHillcrest Healthcare System in OKLovelace Health System in NMMountainside Medical Center in NJPortneuf Health in IDPascack Valley Medical Center in NJSeton Medical Center Harker Heights in TXUT Health East Texas in TXThe University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus in KS

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