IT ARCHITECT - INFRASTRUCTURE (NETWORK/FIREWALL SERVICES)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: IT ARCHITECT - INFRASTRUCTURE (NETWORK/FIREWALL SERVICES)
Posting Number: 38270
Department: Houston Information Technology Services
Division: Enterprise Infrastructure Services
Reporting Location: 611 Walker, Houston, TX 77002
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY - FRIDAY 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM* *Subject to Change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Houston Information Technology Services (HITS) Network & Data Services team supports an infrastructure that consists of more than 350 sites spread across the City of Houston. This includes thousands of network devices and multiple datacenters which collectively support the needs of over 20,000 city employees and 23 city departments including mission-critical public safety services. This IT Architect - Infrastructure position is crucial to helping the City of Houston to develop and maintain a robust, resilient, and secure network infrastructure.

This position provides technical guidance to the Firewall & Network Security Services team made up of operations and maintenance analysts, technicians, and/or engineers and requires expert level technical knowledge in performing analysis/troubleshooting of complex software, hardware, and transmission facilities. The position provides guidance and direction for planning and engineering efforts and test/evaluation programs to include the installation and on-going administration and support of the associated network security infrastructure (Firewall, Intrusion Prevention/Detection, Content Filtering, VPN). The Architect will maintain complete records of the devices and applications that they support to include drawings, written descriptions, and equipment configurations.

The candidate will play a major role in the overall network and network security architecture, provide technical guidance to junior team members, complete tasks at the highest level of technical difficulty, and maintain professional communication with business stakeholders and customers. The IT Architect heavily influences the overall network security technology road map, design, and architecture standards and partners with city departments to develop solutions that meet the needs of the city.

The position requires familiarity with:
Next Generation Firewalls and Services (IPS/IDS, Layer 7 Application Management, Content Filtering Services)
Cisco ISE
IPSEC
EIGRP/BGP/OSPF
VTI
VPC/VSS
DNS

The ideal candidate should have a solid understanding of network security best practices (both theoretical and applied) and must adhere to all Cybersecurity Policies and Procedures to ensure the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of critical systems. Prior experience with FBI CJIS requirements and familiarity with FIPS 140-2 is preferred but not required. Candidate must successfully pass a CJIS background investigation with the Houston Police Department within 6 months of hire.

WORKING CONDITIONS
There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditions. May occasionally require work in outdoor environment.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field.
Holds multiple system-specific technical certifications; recognized as having mastery of a particular technical discipline.
A Master’s degree in Computer Science or Management and Information Systems or closely related field may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the experience requirement.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
At least ten (10) years of specialized experience in an IT infrastructure system.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS
None

PREFERENCES

**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **

Preferences shall be given to those with the following qualities:

• Experience as a Security Solutions Architect / Administrator
• Expert knowledge of Next Generation Firewall Services
• Current or former CCIE

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

Department may administer skills assessment test

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - NO

If yes , this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE : 33

APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call (832) 393-0450.If you need special services or accommodations, call (832) 393-0450. (TTY 7-1-1).

If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

Closing Date/Time: 3/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

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• Houston Airport System

• 2812331839

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