Network & Cloud Solution Architect

About Gowling WLG

At Gowling WLG, our commitment to excellence begins with our people. As an international law firm with offices in Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, we’re proud to recruit and retain top talent who bring energy, insight, and a singular focus on delivering exceptional experiences – for our clients and each other. We’re intentional about building a workplace that’s both high-performing and supportive, ensuring that everyone is empowered to do their best work and reach their full potential. Our culture is grounded in our shared values: Raise the Bar, Embrace Differences, and Thrive Together. These values shape how we collaborate, lead, and succeed – across teams, time zones, and career paths. Whether you’re pursuing a role in law or business services, explore what’s possible and make your mark with Gowling WLG.

Profile

The Network & Cloud Solution Architect is responsible for designing, implementing, and supporting secure, scalable, and highly available network and cloud infrastructures across enterprise environments. The role bridges traditional datacenter networking with modern cloud technologies, enabling organizations to adopt hybrid architectures, secure remote access, and cloud transformation initiatives. This position ensures that on-premises and Azure-based environments operate efficiently, securely, and in alignment with best practices for connectivity, performance, and resilience. This position can be based in any of our Canadian offices!

Responsibilities

• Network Architecture & Engineering: Design, deploy, and optimize enterprise WAN architectures including MPLS, SD-WAN, and WAN optimization solutions. Configure and support Cisco routers and switches across multi-site networks. Implement highly available datacenter networking, including VLANs, routing, switching, and load balancing. Oversee blade server infrastructure and related datacenter operations.
• Cloud & Hybrid Architecture: Architect and deploy Azure networking solutions including VNets, ExpressRoute, VPN gateways, Azure Firewall, and hybrid connectivity. Extend on-premises environments into Azure using VPN and ExpressRoute, ensuring secure and seamless integration. Support cloud migration initiatives by aligning network, identity, and security controls for workload transitions.
• Security Architecture: Implement and manage next-generation firewalls with advanced threat protection. Design SASE and Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) frameworks for securing distributed users and remote workforce. Harden perimeter security through firewall policies, VPN configurations, and IDS/IPS deployments.
• Datacenter Management: Maintain datacenter operations including SAN/NAS storage, virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), disaster recovery, and backup/restore strategies. Ensure resiliency, high availability, and adherence to operational best practices across datacenter systems.
• Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code: Use IaC tools (ARM, Terraform) and scripting languages (PowerShell) to automate infrastructure deployment and configuration. Implement repeatable deployment patterns for cloud and hybrid infrastructure.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with InfraOps, CyberSec, Enterprise Applications, EUC and Development teams to deliver integrated network and cloud solutions. Provide technical guidance during migration, modernization, and transformation initiatives. Produce architectural documentation, runbooks, and standards to support operational teams.

Qualifications

• Core Technical Expertise: 10+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise networking, datacenter operations, and hybrid cloud architecture. Deep knowledge of MPLS, VLANs, routing protocols, VPN, WAN optimization, and SD-WAN technologies. Strong experience with Cisco network hardware and enterprise switching/routing.
• Security Skills: Expertise in SASE, Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and secure remote access frameworks. Hands-on experience implementing NGFW platforms. Understanding of IDS/IPS, firewall hardening, and advanced threat protection.
• Cloud & Hybrid Networking: Strong hands-on experience with Azure networking: VNets, ExpressRoute, VPN gateways, Azure Firewall, Azure AD, monitoring, and logging. Practical experience designing and supporting hybrid environments integrating on-premises AD with Azure AD. Track record of workload migration from on-premises datacenters to Azure cloud.
• Datacenter & Infrastructure: Solid understanding of blade servers SAN/NAS storage, backup/restore solutions. Experience operating virtualized environments (VMware, Hyper-V). Knowledge of high availability, disaster recovery, and multi-site architectures.
• Automation & Scripting: Proficiency with IaC tools: ARM templates, Terraform. Scripting experience with PowerShell for automation and operational improvements.
• Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving and architectural thinking abilities. Excellent communication skills for translating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Ability to lead cross-functional projects and support enterprise transformation initiatives.
• Education & Certifications: Degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent experience. Relevant certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Azure Network Engineer Associate.

Benefits/Perks

Gowling WLG’s total rewards program is designed to foster a culture where high performance and personal well-being go hand-in-hand. We support your career and life with:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and mental health coverage, plus an annual lifestyle spending allowance.
• Benefits coverage for Firm members and their dependents from day one!
• 15+ vacation days and hybrid work flexibility.
• Parental leave top-up for 26 weeks (after 12 months of full-time employment).
• Group Retirement Savings Plan with employer match.
• Financial protection through short & long-term disability, life, accident & critical illness insurance.
• Employee & Family Assistance Program, guided CBT, and an internal network of 120+ trained Mental Health First Aid responders.
• Recognition awards, appreciation events, and a supportive, collaborative work culture.
• Perks and preferred pricing programs, referral bonuses and more.

Key skills/competency

• Network Architecture
• Cloud Infrastructure
• Azure Networking
• Hybrid Cloud
• Security Architecture
• SASE / ZTNA
• Datacenter Operations
• Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• PowerShell Scripting
• Cisco Networking