Lead Network & Communication Architect (ID: 3891)
Key Skills
Job Description
- Define and establish network and communication architecture principles that support enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives.
- Design secure interoperability models between Operational Technology (OT) and Enterprise IT environments to enable seamless and secure data exchange.
- Develop communication architectures for SCADA systems, operational support systems, industrial control systems, and sensor data integration.
- Define network segmentation, connectivity, and infrastructure standards aligned with cybersecurity and industry best practices.
- Lead the architecture and design of industrial communication networks supporting mission-critical operations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure scalable, resilient, and secure network solutions across IT and OT landscapes.
- Support architecture governance activities by providing technical leadership, conducting design reviews, and ensuring compliance with enterprise architecture standards.
- Facilitate architecture workshops, technical discussions, and stakeholder engagements to align network solutions with business objectives.
- Develop and contribute to Project Start Architecture (PSA) documentation and other architectural deliverables.
- Identify risks, recommend mitigation strategies, and drive continuous improvement in network architecture and communication frameworks.
- 10+ years of experience in Network Architecture, Communication Networks, or Industrial IT/OT Infrastructure.
- Strong expertise in Industrial Network Architecture and enterprise communication infrastructure.
- Proven experience designing and implementing SCADA communication networks and industrial control system connectivity.
- Hands-on experience with IT/OT networking and secure integration between enterprise IT and Operational Technology environments.
- Strong understanding of industrial communication protocols and network communication standards.
- Extensive knowledge of network segmentation, secure connectivity, and infrastructure design principles.
- Experience integrating enterprise systems with industrial operational environments.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles related to industrial networks and critical infrastructure.
- Experience supporting architecture governance, solution reviews, and enterprise architecture frameworks.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and technical leadership skills.
- Design secure, scalable, and resilient industrial network architectures supporting complex business and operational environments.
- Bridge communication between enterprise IT and Operational Technology teams while ensuring secure interoperability.
- Develop architecture standards and governance processes for network and communication infrastructure.
- Lead technical workshops and architecture review sessions with business and engineering stakeholders.
- Analyze complex network requirements and recommend effective architectural solutions.
- Balance operational reliability, performance, and cybersecurity requirements in network designs.
- Create high-quality architecture documentation, including Project Start Architecture (PSA) deliverables.
- Identify technical risks proactively and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Influence technical decisions while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Drive continuous improvement through innovation, best practices, and emerging networking technologies.
- Opportunity to lead the design of enterprise-scale Industrial IT/OT network architecture and communication strategies.
- Exposure to large-scale digital transformation and critical infrastructure modernization initiatives.
- A collaborative environment where innovation, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing are highly valued.
- Opportunities to work with advanced industrial networking, SCADA, enterprise integration, and cybersecurity technologies.
- Challenging projects that provide professional growth and leadership opportunities.
Core Responsibilities
The Lead Network & Communication Architect will design secure, scalable industrial network architectures and establish enterprise-wide communication standards. They will lead cross-functional teams to integrate IT and OT environments while ensuring compliance with cybersecurity and governance frameworks.
Requirements
Candidates must have over 10 years of experience in network architecture, specifically within industrial IT/OT environments. Strong expertise in SCADA systems, network segmentation, and secure connectivity is required to support mission-critical operations.
About STAFIDE
Industry: Staffing and Recruiting
Company size: 11-50 employees
Headquartered in the Netherlands, STAFIDE specializes in Niche Tech Recruitment across Europe, connecting top talent with outstanding opportunities in the IT sector. Our data-driven recruitment model ensures the ideal match between candidates and employers, enhancing both skill alignment and cultural fit. With a strong focus on Skill-Based Hiring, we provide candidates with an in-depth understanding of the organization—whether for permanent positions or temporary assignments (interim opdrachten) like secondment (detachering)—strengthening employer branding for our clients as a recruitment company (uitzendbureau). In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, we recognize the unique challenges companies face in sourcing highly skilled talent. Our advanced, AI-driven talent intelligence system (ATS) is specifically designed to prioritize Skill-Based Hiring for niche IT roles, empowering organizations to address talent shortages by identifying professionals with the expertise to drive innovation and growth. Whether you’re a company in search of exceptional talent or a professional seeking your next ICT role, STAFIDE is your strategic recruitment (werving en selectie) partner. Our deep expertise in the Dutch market, combined with a steadfast commitment to excellence, makes us the preferred choice for all your recruitment needs.