Network & DNS Infrastructure Architect - 3048671

Job#: 3048671 Job Description: DNS / DDI Architect DNS Role (Architect / Strategic) 1. Short-term: stabilize environment following recent outage. 2. Medium-term: improve monitoring, telemetry, automation practices. 3. Long-term: drive DNS future state; evaluate potential new products/projects. 4. Evaluate and recommend improvements; provide oversight, guidance, and governance. 5. Deep DNS knowledge required (RFCs, BIND, DDI), platform knowledge (Blue Cat, Infoblox) preferred but not required. 6. Not focused on day-to-day configuration, but hands-on may be needed for complex production issues. 7. Expected first 90 days: learn Vanguard environment, technologies, layout; identify and begin implementing improvements. Skills & Experience 1. DNS: deep expertise in DDI, RFCs, BIND; platform flexibility (Blue Cat or Infoblox). 2. Enterprise-level architecture experience desired. 3. Ability to provide guidance and evaluate improvements across large-scale, complex environments. 4. Strategic, governance-oriented perspective, not purely operational. Environment & Context 1. Vanguard IT is transforming from a small IT shop to an enterprise organization. 2. Complexity: environment rated ~8.5-9/10 for onboarding and architecture considerations. 3. Outage and past underinvestment drive need for strategic oversight. 4. Governance: architecture review board involvement depends on scope of changes; smaller changes may not require board approval. 5. Metrics: no formal DNS uptime/resiliency targets; standard goals for all team members apply. Key Focus Areas 1. Stabilization of DNS post-outage. 2. Monitoring, automation, and best practices implementation. 3. Evaluation and strategic roadmap for DNS 4. Cross-training and enterprise architecture alignment. 5. Mentorship and guidance for existing engineers and contractors. Core Responsibilities 1. Short-term: 2. Stabilize the DNS environment post-outage. 3. Apply DNS best practices (monitoring, telemetry, automation, resiliency). 4. Long-term: 5. Define the future-state DNS architecture. 6. Evaluate whether to expand functionality or consider alternative vendors/platforms. 7. Provide architectural guidance and governance-level input rather than just execution. Technical Requirements 1. Deep expertise in DDI fundamentals (DNS, RFCs, BIND-level knowledge). 2. Strong enterprise architecture experience; platform-agnostic mindset. 3. BlueCat experience is a plus, but not required. 4. Infoblox backgrounds are acceptable, with the expectation that BlueCat can be learned. 5. Familiarity with: 6. DNS 7. BlueCat 8. Akamai (limited internal depth today; opportunity to add value here) 9. Enterprise-scale, high-complexity environments (Vanguard described as ~9-9.5/10 in onboarding complexity). Role Scope / Expectations 1. Not just a platform SME; expected to design, evaluate, and influence enterprise standards. 2. Some hands-on work may be required during major incidents, but day-to-day is more strategic. 3. No explicit uptime or resiliency metrics were defined, beyond standard organizational goals. Priority 1. This is the top priority role, ahead of other open listings. Hiring & Interview Logistics Hiring Model 1. All candidates must be hireable as contract or contract-to-hire. 2. Contract onboarding is significantly faster (typically a few weeks once an offer is made). Interview Process (Typical Flow) 1. Initial screening by Andrew (culture fit, relevant experience). 2. Technical interview with the team. 3. Final interviews with Neil and Bill. 4. There is discussion about potentially compressing this to two steps, depending on standardization efforts. Locations: 1. 1041 West Valley Road Wayne, Pennsylvania 19087 2. 7900 Windrose Ave Plano, Texas 75024 3. 2 25 Water Ridge Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28217 Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click here for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliate