Director, Stadium Network Architecture

Director, Stadium Network Architecture at National Football League (NFL)

The National Football League (NFL) is seeking a Director, Stadium Network Architecture with a strong background in network design, engineering, architecture, and operations, coupled with expertise in Wireless Design & Spectrum Analysis. This role involves joining an innovative team of solutions engineers and architects, focusing on developing network architecture diagrams, defining technical requirements, and serving as the technical lead for football technology network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will drive the implementation and maintenance of complex, specialized network services, ensuring top-tier reliability, performance, and uptime.

This hands-on Director, Stadium Network Architecture will lead technical engineering efforts for the Infrastructure Engineering Team, covering areas such as the production Football Technology Network, NFL temporary Fan Event Setups, and sideline wireless technology.

This is an on-site role based out of our Manhattan or Mount Laurel, NJ offices, requiring 30% to 50% domestic and international travel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and architecture of Football Technology network services, prioritizing performance, redundancy, scalability, and security.
• Document standards and guidelines for best practice stadium network and wireless architecture in alignment with industry standards.
• Develop and present comprehensive network design proposals to stakeholders, addressing business requirements and technical specifications.
• Assist in the research, design, and documentation for upgrades and adoption of new network technologies.
• Provide hands-on configuration and escalation support for all stadium network technologies.
• Responsible for the installation, operation, administration, and maintenance of wired and wireless networks at stadiums and corporate offices.
• Provide dedicated support for on-site stadium network and Wi-Fi technicians during NFL game days throughout the NFL season.
• Responsible for managing and maintaining network diagrams, configurations, support, and training documentation.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including operations, security, and events to align network strategies with business goals.
• Respond to technical escalations for wired and wireless service issues, working with product support teams, IT staff, and business groups to ensure resolution.
• Provide reports for network KPIs to show service levels, capacity analysis, performance, troubleshooting, and areas for improvement in network infrastructure.
• Provide technical support to various activities and internal infrastructure within the Football Technology segment.
• Responsible for effectively engaging with IT project management and reporting project status.
• Establish and adhere to set project plans and release dates.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior network engineers, sharing expertise and knowledge.
• Remain at the cutting edge by studying state-of-the-art network technologies, participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks, and participating in professional organizations.
• Maintain and publish Football Stadium DAS and Wi-Fi Guidelines.
• Review and plan DAS and Wi-Fi updates for NFL Tentpole Events.
• Lead audits of Cellular and DAS Performance around NFL stadiums to adhere to NFL guidelines.
• Collaborate with Cellular Vendors on stadium enhancements and testing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or related field preferred, with 10+ years of experience or equivalent military service.
• Extensive hands-on experience exceeding 10 years in network implementation, troubleshooting, and lifecycle maintenance.
• Demonstrated leadership with over 5 years in network architecture roles.
• 5+ years’ experience in wireless design, implementation, and support for large networks, including spectrum analysis and stadium DAS design.
• Proficient in network administration, particularly Cisco products, with expertise in controllers, access points, routers, and switches.
• Advanced knowledge of networking protocols (TCP/IP, UDP, DHCP, DNS, STP, NAT, IPSEC, GRE, VPC/VSS, etc.).
• Advanced understanding of networking concepts and principles, including routing static/dynamic (RIP, EIGRP, OSPF, & BGP) and multi-layer switching (standard and private VLANs, VTP, Spanning Tree, etc.).

Other Key Attributes / Characteristics

• Strong grasp of network best practices, security principles, design architecture, and analysis with use of tools such as Wireshark.
• Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and troubleshoot complex network issues.
• Experience in troubleshooting networking device drivers and client system issues.
• Experience in troubleshooting video and voice performance over wired and wireless networks.
• Capability to research and evaluate new network technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Skilled in creating and updating detailed infrastructure topologies using MS Visio, Excel, and Word.
• CCNP, CCIE, JNCIP, or equivalent certifications.
• Familiarity with Cisco Identity Services Engine and DNA.

Travel

30% - 50%, domestic and international.

Salary

$185,000—$215,000 USD

Benefits Information

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits offerings, please visit: NFL BENEFITS

At the NFL, in-person work at our offices is a top priority because it allows us to collaborate more effectively, build stronger connections, and maintain the culture that drives our success. This role requires onsite presence at an NFL office or stadium location, and remote and/or hybrid working options are not offered.

NO RELOCATION ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED.

The NFL is committed to building an inclusive work environment that reflects our incredible fan base. We provide an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all employees and applicants without regard to status as protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Who We Are

NFL Core Values:

• Respect: Everyone matters. We celebrate diverse opinions, honor hard work, and value every contribution.
• Integrity: We do what's right, even when it's tough. We hold ourselves accountable and always follow through.
• Team Responsibility: We support each other and our communities. No one is bigger than the game, and every action impacts others.
• Resiliency: We set high standards, overcome adversity, and adapt to challenges, always striving for excellence.

NFL Leadership Attributes:

• Build Talent: We develop and nurture potential, empowering individuals to grow and succeed.
• Execute: We take action with precision, delivering results that drive our goals forward.
• Inspire: We motivate others through vision, energy, and a commitment to excellence.
• Live Our Values: We embody our core principles in every decision and action.
• Know the Business: We stay informed, understand our industry, and make decisions that strengthen our position.
• Think Big: We challenge the status quo, envision bold possibilities, and strive for transformative impact.

Who You Are - Talent Attributes: What we expect for our employees:

• Embody an enthusiastic, proactive can-do attitude.
• Embrace grit, free from ego or entitlement.
• Excel as a relationship builder, with the ability to influence.
• Eager learner, driven by passion rather than just ambition.
• Encompasses an incredible work ethic with an agile mindset.

Key skills/competency

• Network Architecture
• Wireless Design
• Cisco Products
• TCP/IP
• OSPF & BGP
• Stadium DAS
• Network Troubleshooting
• Leadership
• Project Management
• Stakeholder Collaboration