Sr Principal Network Architect, Ventus (Hopkins, MN - Hybrid)

Ventus, part of Digi International, is an industry leader in IT networking innovations, leveraging technology to produce market-driving network solutions. Operating from over 20 years of experience delivering secure enterprise class networks, Ventus develops cellular wireless and fixed line SD-WAN, Hybrid WAN, and Cellular WAN solutions for an expanding array of business connectivity applications. Position We are seeking a highly skilled Network Architect to design, evolve, and scale our next-generation managed service provider (MSP) network platforms. The ideal candidate is an expert in TCP/IP networking, site-to-site connectivity, and multi-site routing technologies, with extensive hands-on experience architecting large-scale, highly available, and secure network infrastructures across hybrid on-premises and AWS cloud environments. This role is both strategic and deeply technical: you will define network architecture blueprints, drive modernization initiatives, and set technical standards, while also being capable of diving into packet flows, routing tables, and VPN configurations when needed. What You Will Do • Design and architect large-scale MSP network infrastructures, including multi-tenant environments and distributed systems. • Develop and maintain reference architectures and network designs leveraging TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and modern routing protocols. • Architect and deploy VPN technologies, including IPsec, and GRE tunnels, ensuring resilient, secure interconnectivity across customer sites and cloud environments. • Design and optimize multicast routing strategies for real-time, large-scale data distribution and latency-sensitive applications. • Lead hybrid connectivity initiatives spanning on-premises datacenters and AWS using technologies such as Direct Connect, VPC peering, and route control policies. • Serve as the organization’s subject matter expert for Cisco-based enterprise and MSP-grade solutions, influencing vendor strategy, hardware selection, and lifecycle planning. • Collaborate closely with Engineering, DevOps, Security, and cloud architecture teams to deliver reliable, scalable, and secure network platforms. • Evaluate emerging technologies, conduct POCs, and recommend solutions to support growth, performance, and operational excellence. • Participate in tier-4 escalation support, mentoring, and peer reviews to elevate technical capability across the team. Who You Are and What You Bring • 10+ years of progressive experience in network engineering and architecture, with at least 5 years supporting MSP or multi-customer environments. • Deep, demonstrable expertise in: • TCP/IP networking and advanced routing • IPsec / GRE / SSL VPN technologies • Multicast protocols (PIM, IGMP, MSDP) • Layer 2/3 network design, segmentation, and QoS • Strong hands-on experience architecting hybrid network topologies spanning on-prem and AWS cloud, including core services like VPC, TGW, NACLs, Security Groups, and AWS networking best practices. • Expert-level experience with Cisco networking platforms (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless, SD-WAN). • Industry certifications, ideally active CCNP (preferred) or CCNA; CCIE is a significant plus. • Proven experience with network monitoring, diagnostics, and performance optimization. • Strong documentation skills and ability to create clear, actionable architecture diagrams and standards. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Zero Trust architectures and modern security frameworks. • Knowledge of AWS networking automation, including APIs, CloudFormation, or Terraform. • Exposure to SD-WAN solutions, for example Cisco Meraki or Cisco Viptela. • Familiarity with high-density, multi-tenant network designs common in MSP or carrier-grade environments. • Background in real-time communications, or latency-sensitive workloads. • Experience with DevOps tooling and CI/CD pipelines for network automation. Soft Skills & Attributes • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across diverse technical and business teams. • Strong leadership presence with the ability to mentor engineers and influence architectural direction. • Analytical thinker with a passion for solving complex network challenges. • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of driving large initiatives to completion. Why Join Us? • Opportunity to shape the next generation of large-scale MSP networking infrastructure. • Work with cutting-edge Cisco and AWS technologies in a rapidly evolving environment. • Collaborate with top engineering talent and drive impactful projects. • Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and career advancement opportunities. • Please note that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. This includes, but is not limited to, work visas, employment-based visas, or residency sponsorship. Candidates must have valid work authorization in the United States at the time of application. Visa applications of any kind will not be considered. Digi International offers a distinctive Total Rewards package including a short-term incentive program, new hire stock award, paid parental leave, open (uncapped) PTO, and hybrid work environment in addition to our competitive medical, health & wellbeing and compensation offerings. The anticipated base pay range for this position is $134,500 – $210,000. Pay ranges are determined by role, job level and primary job location. The range displayed reflects the reasonable range we anticipate paying for this position and reflects the cost of labor within several U.S. geographic markets. The specific salary offered within the range will depend on various factors including, but not limited to the candidate’s relevant and prior experience, education, skills, and primary work location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each position. Pay ranges are typically reviewed and updated annually. At Digi, we embrace diversity and inclusion among our teammates. It is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. We are committed to providing an environment of respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Apply tot his job