Senior Network Systems Architect
Job description
About the role
This role leads the evolution of a global hybrid network and systems infrastructure for a rare disease biopharma company. The position blends architecture and day-to-day operations to support a distributed, regulated environment. Success requires balancing strategic design with hands-on execution.
Most organizations organize this kind of work into small teams with a clear owner for each project. People are expected to set priorities, share progress, and ask for help early. Written communication matters because decisions are often recorded and revisited. Successful professionals in any field share a few habits: they take notes, keep commitments, and communicate in writing. Teams value people who make their work easy to review and build on.
Key facts
What you'll do
Scalable Meraki configurations are designed and templatized to standardize deployment practices across all locations.
Deep packet inspection and network troubleshooting are performed using tools such as Wireshark and NetFlow to identify and resolve issues.
Observability is ensured and proactive incident response is enabled through the use of ThousandEyes, Azure Monitor, and log analytics.
Junior and mid-level engineers are recruited, mentored, and developed by mentors to strengthen the team.
Requirements
Seven or more years of experience in network and systems architecture are required, blending cloud and on-premises responsibilities.
Hands-on experience with Cisco Meraki, Cisco ASA, and Azure Firewall, along with Azure network design and deployment, is demonstrated.
Core networking concepts such as BGP, IPsec, and high-availability configurations are understood and applied.
Experience managing or collaborating with MSPs and supporting global operations is demonstrated.
Experience negotiating with and provisioning circuits through global telecom carriers is possessed.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills are applied, especially in production environments.
Operational demands are handled, including incident response, change control, capacity planning, and documentation.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are used when engaging technical teams and senior stakeholders.
Ability to manage shifting priorities and infrastructure needs is demonstrated as the company scales globally.
Practical notes
Reasonable accommodation is available for protected statuses, including disabilities, pregnancy, and religious practices; applicants can contact talentacquisition@ultragenyx.com to request support. Typical interview steps
Interviews in this field typically test judgment, communication, and fit as much as technical skill. Be ready to describe a challenge you faced, what you did, and what you learned. Most companies value honest answers over polished ones. Whatever the role, preparation is visible. Reviewing the company's product, the job description, and your own past work before the conversation is the strongest step.
Good to know
Work in a regulated biopharma environment where network reliability and security are critical to research and operations.
Expect to use a mix of cloud and on-premises networking technologies, including Meraki, Azure, and Cisco platforms.
Leverage infrastructure-as-code and automation tools to manage scale and consistency.
Participate in on-call and incident response as part of operational responsibilities.
Questions to ask
Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.
Career growth
Career growth comes from taking on harder problems and making your work visible. Look for opportunities to own outcomes, mentor others, and learn the business beyond your team. Growth in any career comes from scope, results, and reputation. Take on work that is slightly uncomfortable, and make sure others can see the outcomes.