Architect - Network & Security - Cloud

About the Company

About Us Core42, a leader in AI-powered cloud and digital infrastructure, is driving transformative technology solutions globally.

Leveraging advanced resources and partnerships, Core42 empowers clients to harness sovereign AI infrastructure, especially in sectors with stringent regulatory needs.

With a mission to redefine digital transformation, we combine sovereign capabilities with scalable, high-performance compute infrastructure, positioning itself at the forefront of AI innovation in the Middle East and beyond.

As an Architect at Core42, you will lead the design and delivery of secure, resilient network and security solutions for a strategic private-cloud environment, while also supporting public-cloud architecture and migration engagements.

You will translate complex client requirements into practical technical designs, guide implementation teams and vendors, and act as a trusted, client-facing technical authority throughout the project lifecycle.

This is an individual-contributor role with significant design leadership, delivery ownership and hands-on involvement.

The role is primarily client-site based in Abu Dhabi.

• Lead the end-to-end architecture of private-cloud network and security solutions, covering underlay and overlay designs, multi-tenancy, resilience, scalability and operational readiness.
• Design & deploy data-centre network architectures using Cisco spine-leaf technologies and protocols including BGP, EVPN and VXLAN, together with Data Centre Interconnect (DCI) patterns.
• Design, deploy and review security and application-delivery solutions using Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet FortiGate and F5 technologies, including LTM, WAF and, where relevant, GTM.
• Define the network architecture required to support OpenStack and OpenShift environments, including the OpenStack Neutron networking layer and software-defined networking integrations.
• Assess application and infrastructure estates, identify migration dependencies and risks, and develop migration strategies, wave plans and implementation roadmaps.
• Architect Microsoft Azure solutions, including Azure Landing Zones, Azure-native services and third-party network virtual appliances and virtual security appliances.
• Support cloud assessment, migration and deployment activities across Microsoft Azure and, where required, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and DRCC-aligned environments.
• Engage directly with customers to understand business and technical requirements, lead architecture discussions, manage expectations and convert requirements into high-level and low-level designs.
• Review RFPs, statements of work, technical proposals, bills of quantity and vendor submissions, ensuring technical completeness, commercial practicality and alignment with the agreed scope.
• Lead vendor and partner coordination, solution reviews, technical workshops, design governance and milestone tracking across project workstreams.
• Work closely with architects, project managers and implementation engineers to guide delivery, resolve design issues and ensure solutions are implemented as intended.
• Remain hands-on when required, supporting configuration validation, implementation, troubleshooting, testing, migration and transition to operations.
• Present design decisions, risks, dependencies and recommendations clearly to both technical and business stakeholders.

What we're looking for

(a) Required skills / qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Telecommunications, Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum 12 years of relevant experience in enterprise networking, data-centre networking, network security and infrastructure architecture, including demonstrated experience operating at architect level.
• Proven client-facing experience leading technical discovery, architecture workshops, design reviews and complex stakeholder discussions.
• Deep expertise in routing and switching, Cisco data-centre networks, spine-leaf architectures, BGP, EVPN, VXLAN and DCI.
• Strong design and implementation experience with enterprise security technologies, including Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet FortiGate and F5 LTM/WAF platforms.
• Experience designing networks for private-cloud and multi-tenant environments, with a strong understanding of OpenStack/OpenShift networking and OpenStack Neutron or comparable SDN solutions.
• Practical experience in infrastructure and application assessment, migration planning, migration wave design and execution support.
• Strong Microsoft Azure architecture experience, including Landing Zones, hybrid connectivity, native networking services and third-party NVAs/VSAs.
• Ability to review and produce HLDs, LLDs, RFP responses, SOWs and related technical documentation.
• Commercial awareness and strong vendor-management capability, with the ability to balance technical quality, delivery milestones and customer expectations.
• Willingness and ability to work primarily on-site at a customer location in Abu Dhabi, with flexibility based on project requirements.

(a) Preferred skills / qualifications

• Active CCIE certification in Routing and Switching, Enterprise Infrastructure or Data Center is strongly preferred.
• Equivalent expert-level networking credentials will also be considered.
• Experience gained in a systems integrator, managed services provider or professional services environment delivering complex solutions across multiple clients.
• Experience with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure and Oracle DRCC or comparable dedicated-region cloud platforms.
• Exposure to regulated or security-sensitive customer environments and associated security-clearance processes.
• Experience supporting cloud and network migrations from assessment through cutover and operational handover.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Arabic is advantageous but not required.