Principal Architect

When you join Verizon

Verizon is one of the world’s leading providers of technology and communications services, transforming the way we connect across the globe. We’re a diverse network of people driven by our shared ambition to shape a better future. Here, we have the ability to learn and grow at the speed of technology, and the space to create within every role. Together, we are moving the world forward – and you can too. Dream it. Build it. Do it here.

What you’ll be doing...

The Shared Services Secure Network organization of Verizon Business Group (VBG) is a team of solutions architects with deep domain expertise. Our mission is to provide integrated thought leadership to our clients, sales teams and product leaders that result in transformative solutions and products. Our team creates a sustained competitive advantage in the marketplace for VBG by projecting depth, vision and execution unmatched by the competition.

Verizon Business Group is looking for a Principal Architect with deep & demonstrated thought leadership in enterprise networking (focused primarily on SASE | SD-WAN | Virtualized Networking) for to function as a tier 3 thought & design leader for our entire customer facing organization. The qualified candidate will be among our highest individual contributor roles and have a special focus on scaling our business in Network as a Service, intelligent networking and application enablement, to drive excellence in solutions development, growth of our network, managed services, CPE, related professional services, and tight collaboration with our Security Architect team. They will lead opportunity closure on our most important and complex opportunities through strategic engagement with the different segments, cross-functional teams, and industry partners.

• Interface directly with client personnel at all levels as required to provide consistent, high quality technical support and to develop sales/service opportunities.
• Be responsible for leading solution strategy and development to win the largest, most complex deals in the networking space.
• Provide regular market insights, drivers and customer feedback to our partner organizations for product and technology positioning and enhancements.
• Identify compelling use cases, repeatable solutions and partnerships that can be scaled across all segments to drive growth.
• Accelerate strategic service solutions bundles focused on network/security.
• Qualify opportunities for more effective technical architecture support to field-based technical teams.
• Establish technology frameworks and best practices to maximize speed to market and operational supportability.
• Participate in executive briefings and customer presentations.
• Consistently share successes and expertise across the SA community.
• Provide timely market information, drivers and customer feedback to our partner organizations for product and technology positioning and enhancements.
• Travel to customer sites, partner locations, conferences, and other related events as required.

In this hybrid role, you'll have a defined work location that includes work from home and assigned office days set by your manager.

What we’re looking for...

You’ll need to have:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical discipline or four or more years of work experience.
• Six or more years of relevant work experience in a variety of disciplines related to the selling of telecommunications solutions like network, security, systems integration, and managed IT services. Disciplines to include: Cloud & Virtualized Services including NFV, SDN, SDWAN, NaaS, SASE, Managed Network Services / Security Solutions, Data, IP Services, and IoT, IT Applications Management.
• Four or more years in a customer facing leadership role with accountability for end to end delivery (i.e. Solutions Architect, Sales Engineer, Service Delivery Architect, Professional Services).
• Four or more years of architecture experience in conceptualization, definition and development of IT and/or telecom-based products and service (Network/Security/IoT).
• Four or more years of experience delivering customer presentations and preparing customer-facing material such as RFP responses, proactive proposals and network/system designs.
• Experience in ITIL standards for architecture and delivery.
• Experience with financial analysis (P&L, ROI, cost analysis, business case development, etc).
• Willingness to travel.
• Valid driver’s license.

Even better if you have:

• MS or MBA degree.
• Current and valid industry certifications in one or more of the following: Versa, Fortinet, Cradlepoint, Cisco, Meraki, Palo Alto, AWS, GCP, Azure, Equinix.
• Good knowledge in one or more of the network automation techniques: Python, Ansible, JSON, Terraform, Rest API’s and API Gateways, and other related technologies.
• Experience selling Hybrid Cloud Management services that include: containerization of applications, experience with hyperscalers such as AWS, Azure, GCP, and/or experience with Red Hat Open Shift. Hands-on experience with AWS / GCE / Azure.
• Understanding of Docker containers / Kubernetes and application for Edge computing.
• Experience in sales or service of Fortune 500 companies.
• Able to exhibit proactive, consultative technical thought leadership -- having a specific point of view and having the credibility and confidence to share it with customers.
• Strong collaboration and communication competencies across cross-functional stakeholder organizations.
• Comfortable operating deep into the details across the entire customer life-cycle (technical design, Day-1 implementation, Day-2 operations, financial/commercial/pricing/contractual).

Equal Employment Opportunity

We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer - and celebrate our employees' differences, including race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, and Veteran status. At Verizon, we know that diversity makes us stronger. We are committed to a collaborative, inclusive environment that encourages authenticity and fosters a sense of belonging. We strive for everyone to feel valued, connected, and empowered to reach their potential and contribute their best. Check out our diversity and inclusion page to learn more.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

Verizon requires new hires to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Verizon provides reasonable accommodations consistent with legal requirements (e.g., for medical, religious, or state law recognized reasons).