Solarus

Network Architect

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

full_time

About This Job

We are seeking a Network Architect

to lead the design, implementation, and evolution of our IP core and edge network. As a locally owned telecommunications provider delivering high-quality internet, voice, and TV services, we operate a robust fiber and IP network across Central Wisconsin and beyond. Our network services team designs and maintains a high-availability infrastructure including core routing, transport, access networks, voice platforms, and security systems.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

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Architect, design, and maintain scalable Layer 2/3 network infrastructure, including core, distribution, and access layers

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Serve as technical lead for BGP, OSPF, MPLS, EVPN, QoS, and peering relationships

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Design and implement changes in Cisco IOS-XR, IOS-XE

•

and other network operating systems

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Collaborate with transport, voice, and access team members

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Support the provisioning and management of customer and internal services

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Analyze network performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and lead root cause analysis for outages

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Produce and maintain detailed documentation, diagrams, and change control records

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Mentor network team and participate in planning for future growth

Qualifications/Preferred Experience

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Successful track record

leading or coordinating large-scale network migrations, core upgrades, or ISP backbone transformations

, including risk mitigation and phased cutovers

•

Working knowledge of

Layer 1 transport technologies

, such as DWDM; understanding of fiber plant concepts and troubleshooting tools

•

Proficient with

network telemetry and monitoring tools

, and protocols such as SNMP, NetFlow/IPFIX, or syslog; able to design and deploy monitoring solutions or integrate with NOC tools

•

Familiarity with

network automation and scripting

, such as Python, Ansible, REST APIs, or templated config generation; bonus if used for provisioning or error reduction

•

Experience working in a

telecommunications/ISP environment

, with knowledge of industry-specific constraints like

•

vendor escalations, SLAs, and service layering

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Understanding of

IP address planning

, NAT strategies, subnetting, IPv6 deployment, and interconnection design

•

Experience integrating or supporting

datacenter infrastructure

, including rack layout, structured cabling, out-of-band management, and environmental monitoring

Requirements

•

bachelor’s degree

in computer science or equivalent

•

10+ years of experience

in network engineering within a Service Provider or Enterprise environment, with at least

3 years

focused on

architecture or core network design

•

Expert-level proficiency with Cisco hardware and software

, including IOS-XE, and IOS-XR; must be able to independently configure and troubleshoot routers, switches, and interconnects across multiple layers of the OSI model

•

Deep, hands-on experience with

dynamic routing protocols

— including full lifecycle design, implementation, and optimization of

BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and EVPN/VXLAN

environments

•

Demonstrated expertise in designing

high-availability architectures

, including dual-homing, failover routing, and link aggregation for both internal and carrier networks

•

Comfortable producing and maintaining

network documentation, diagrams, and change control records

using tools like Visio, Lucidchart, NetBox, or equivalent

•

Excellent written and verbal communication skills; capable of

explaining complex designs to non-technical stakeholders

and writing effective implementation plans and MOPs

•

Strong sense of ownership and accountability; able to

lead projects from design through implementation

, including collaboration with management, technical teams, and external vendors

Physical Requirements

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Work environment will be a climate-controlled office setting

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Ability to sit or stand for extended periods at a desk and use a computer for prolonged periods

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Performs repetitive hand motions such as typing, writing, and handling documents and equipment

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Clear verbal communication and adequate hearing for conversations and meetings

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Clarity of vision at approximately 20 inches or less, including use of computers and paper documents

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Frequently required to walk, reach, and grasp with hands and arms

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Occasionally required to use ladders, stoop, kneel, bend, twist and lift/carry up to 50 pounds

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Ability to perform physically exerting tasks with routine exposure to dust, dirt, and temperature extremes

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Occasional travel to other Company, customer, or training locations may be required

Benefits:

• 401k with generous employer matching

• Health, vision & dental insurance available immediately

• Paid time off available immediately

• Discounted employee services within our service area

• Extremely competitive wages in the telecommunications industry

Solarus is an equal-opportunity employer.

About Us:

Solarus first began providing telephone service to Central Wisconsin residents in 1896. Over the years, our steadfast commitment to deliver innovative communication solutions has driven numerous technological advancements and facilitated substantial growth. Today, we are proud to offer a comprehensive service lineup consisting of residential and business High-Speed Internet, Voice, Video, Security and Home Automation solutions.

Solarus is owned by more than 900 local stockholders, who are all customers. Both the company and its 115+ employees are proud to give back to area schools, organizations, and community initiatives that align with our commitment to making Central Wisconsin a great place to live, work, and do business.