Network Architect Careers with Cognizant | SD-WAN & Cloud Networking Expertise
Network Architect Career Opportunity at Cognizant | SD-WAN, Cloud & Global WAN Design
Introduction
In today’s hyper-connected digital landscape, enterprise networks are no longer just back-end infrastructures—they are critical enablers of business transformation. Companies need robust, scalable, and secure network architectures to support cloud adoption, hybrid environments, and global operations. To meet these needs, Cognizant is hiring highly experienced professionals for the role of Network Architect (SD-WAN, Cloud, and Global WAN Design) at the Associate Director (AD) level.
This opportunity is ideal for seasoned networking experts with 20–21 years of overall experience and 13+ years of relevant expertise in network architecture, particularly in designing cloud-based and global WAN solutions.
Role Overview: Network Architect at Cognizant
The Network Architect role sits at a strategic leadership level, offering the opportunity to design and implement complex enterprise network solutions that power global businesses. The role is available across multiple Indian technology hubs including Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Noida, Gurgaon, and Kolkata.
Cognizant is looking for immediate to short joiners (within 30 days). Applicants with long notice periods (such as 90 days) are not considered for this specific hiring cycle.
Key Responsibilities
As a Network Architect, you will lead the design and optimization of large-scale enterprise networks. The responsibilities include:
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Global WAN Design
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Architecting and implementing global WAN solutions to connect multi-regional operations with seamless performance.
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Ensuring scalability, redundancy, and security across wide-area networks.
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SD-WAN Architecture
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Designing Software-Defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN) for agility, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
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Overseeing vendor selection, deployment strategy, and optimization of SD-WAN solutions.
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Cloud Network Integration
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Building hybrid and multi-cloud architectures with secure and resilient connectivity.
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Designing solutions that integrate on-premises infrastructure with cloud environments such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
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Security & Governance
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Embedding network security controls, encryption, and compliance standards into all designs.
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Ensuring adherence to enterprise governance and industry best practices.
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Stakeholder Collaboration
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Partnering with business leaders, application owners, and global IT teams to ensure networks meet operational and strategic objectives.
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Communicating technical solutions effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
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Future-Ready Network Solutions
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Designing networks with an eye on future trends—cloud-native networking, edge computing, and AI-driven network operations.
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Ensuring readiness for emerging technologies and business expansions.
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Required Skill Set
This senior-level role demands deep technical expertise and leadership experience. Key qualifications include:
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Experience Level:
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20–21 years of total experience, with at least 13+ years in network architecture.
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Proven expertise in SD-WAN, Cloud Networking, and WAN architecture.
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Technical Skills:
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Strong knowledge of network protocols, routing, and switching.
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Hands-on experience with SD-WAN platforms (Cisco, VMware VeloCloud, Fortinet, etc.).
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Expertise in Cloud networking designs across Azure, AWS, and GCP.
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Experience in LAN/WAN optimization, MPLS, VPNs, and firewall solutions.
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Strategic Skills:
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Ability to design enterprise-wide network architectures supporting business-critical applications.
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Proficiency in capacity planning, redundancy planning, and disaster recovery strategies.
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Leadership Skills:
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Strong background in mentoring technical teams, reviewing architectural frameworks, and driving implementation excellence.
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Effective communication and collaboration skills across global stakeholders.
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Preferred Location:
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Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Noida, Gurgaon, or Kolkata.
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Notice Period Requirement:
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Immediate or short joiners (within 30 days) only.
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Why Join Cognizant as a Network Architect?
1. Work on Global-Scale Projects
As a Network Architect at Cognizant, you will design network solutions that span continents, empowering some of the world’s largest organizations.
2. Cutting-Edge Technologies
You will work on SD-WAN, cloud-native networking, and next-generation WAN designs, ensuring exposure to the most innovative technologies in enterprise networking.
3. Leadership Role
This role is not just about implementation—it is about leading network strategy and shaping enterprise connectivity frameworks for global clients.
4. Collaborative Environment
Cognizant fosters a supportive and inclusive culture, where high-caliber teams collaborate to solve complex challenges.
5. Career Growth
Cognizant offers career paths that span technology leadership, enterprise consulting, and global program management, giving architects multiple ways to grow.
About Cognizant
Cognizant is a globally recognized professional services company, delivering technology-driven solutions across industries. With a workforce of 300,000+ associates worldwide, the company is renowned for its consultative approach, helping clients transform digitally with cloud, AI, and data-driven solutions.
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Headquartered in the U.S. and a member of the NASDAQ-100, Cognizant is consistently listed among the World’s Most Admired Companies.
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Named in Forbes World’s Best Employers 2024, Cognizant is committed to being an employer of choice.
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Cognizant’s mission is clear: to enable businesses to lead with digital, powered by technology, innovation, and human expertise.
Candidate Expectations
The ideal candidate for this Network Architect role should demonstrate:
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Technical Mastery: Proven ability to design and optimize large-scale WAN and SD-WAN architectures.
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Cloud Networking Skills: Experience in multi-cloud integrations with hybrid enterprise environments.
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Adaptability: Ability to balance legacy systems with modern, cloud-native solutions.
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Leadership and Mentorship: Ability to guide technical teams, consultants, and client stakeholders.
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Business Acumen: Skill in aligning network strategies with business outcomes.
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Readiness to Join: Availability to join immediately or within 30 days.
How to Apply
Interested candidates who meet the above criteria are encouraged to share their updated resumes directly with the Cognizant recruitment team at:
Hiring Process
Candidates can expect a structured selection process including:
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Resume Screening – Review of technical expertise, certifications, and relevant experience.
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Technical Interviews – Deep-dive discussions on WAN design, SD-WAN architecture, and cloud networking.
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Leadership Round – Assessment of strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and architectural vision.
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Final Verification – Identity checks and compliance with organizational policies.
Inclusion & Accessibility
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any other protected characteristic. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for the hiring process can reach out to CareersNA2@cognizant.com.
Disclaimer
Cognizant reserves the right to modify job details and compensation structures based on business needs. Selected candidates may be required to participate in in-person or virtual interviews and present government-issued identification during the process.
Conclusion
The Network Architect position at Cognizant offers an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals with expertise in SD-WAN, Cloud Networking, and Global WAN Design. This leadership-level role allows you to influence global enterprise connectivity, work with advanced technologies, and shape the digital transformation journey of Fortune 500 clients.
If you are an experienced Network Architect ready to take on a strategic leadership role in a global organization, Cognizant invites you to apply today and be part of a team that is building the networks of the future.