Pierce Transit is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Enterprise Architect to join our Information Technology team. This senior-level position plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of our IT infrastructure by designing and implementing secure, scalable, and innovative network solutions. As the department’s technical lead, you will collaborate across departments, mentor junior staff, and help drive our transition into future-ready technologies—balancing cloud-based systems, on-site networks, and cybersecurity best practices.

If you’re a motivated IT professional with strong leadership, architectural vision, and a passion for public service innovation, we invite you to bring your expertise to a dynamic organization that directly impacts the community. This is more than just a job—it’s a chance to help lead the digital transformation of public transportation in Pierce County.

REPRESENTATION:
This position is represented by PROTEC17 (certified on February 20, 2025, by the Public Employment Relations Commission)

BENEFITS:
At Pierce Transit, our employees’ health is important to us too!

That’s why we offer four on-site gyms and an incredible Wellness Program in addition to excellent medical, dental, and vision packages.

If your career goals change while you’re employed, we are here to help. Pierce Transit offers $5,000 per year (up to a total of $18,000) in Tuition Assistance after your one-year anniversary. Certifications, and career skills must be connected to a position at Pierce Transit.

Pierce Transit offers two Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) plans to choose from, PERS2 and PERS3, as well as a matching program for 457 deferred compensation.

Employees are not covered under the Social Security System except for a 1.45% payment for Medicare.

Pierce Transit provides an ORCA Card benefit for each employee and a family member. This benefit provides free access to service on Pierce Transit, Sound Transit, Community Transit, Everett Transit, King County Metro, Kitsap Transit, Seattle Monorail, Seattle Streetcar, King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Foot Ferry.

PAID LEAVE:
Full-time Pierce Transit employees receive 11 paid holidays, 2 personal paid holidays, 6 days of major sick leave, 22 days of paid time off (PTO) per year, and the ability to earn up to 2 Wellness Days by participating in a qualifying wellness activity and the annual survey. PTO accrual rates increase per policy.

RELOCATION:
If you're not currently living in the Lakewood-area, that's not a problem! We may be able to help with reimbursing up to $2,500 in moving expenses for those who physically relocate their primary residence to the Pierce/King/Thurston County area (substantiated with receipts). Washington State was recently recognized as being number 1 in the nation for quality of life; read more about that here.

The following functions are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Design, document, and maintain procedures for consistent IT operations.
• Develop and update critical documentation including network diagrams, IP allocation sheets, and backup configurations.
• Engage in short-term and long-term IT capability planning.
• Manage project timelines, estimate resources, conduct feasibility studies, and report progress to supervisors. May also serve as a project coordinator or lead as needed.
• Implement network architectures that are secure, highly available, and performant, adhering to best practices.
• Integrate advanced security practices into both current and future network designs.
• Liaise with existing vendors and evaluate potential new partnerships.
• Analyze network capacity and performance to plan for future scalability.
• Understand and manage IT budget and procurement processes.
• Troubleshoot issues, conduct root cause analysis, and implement solutions to enhance network reliability.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices.
• Perform system maintenance, upgrades, and optimizations to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Serve as a Tier 3 escalation point for critical issues.
• Mentor junior IT staff, fostering skill development and effective communication within the team.
• Deliver presentations and training to various stakeholders, including the Executive Team.
• Maintain consistent attendance and reliability.
• Undertake additional tasks as required.

Education/Training:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Management Information Systems, or a related field

OR

• Five (5) years in a Senior IT Engineering capacity

AND

Experience:

• Eight years installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer/network hardware and software
• Must include a minimum of two (2) years with a focus on IT security

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Public sector experience desired.
• Network certification such as CCNP, JNCIA-Junos
• Cyber security certification such as Certified Ethical Hacker, CISSP, CISA
• Microsoft Azure certifications under Network Engineer or Security Engineer roles

LICENSING, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

• Individuals must pass a background check.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver license with acceptable driving record throughout employment.

Special Requirement: Must be willing to: (1) work outside regular business hours as required by implementation of special projects, and emergencies; and (2) drive between the various facilities transporting equipment using an Agency vehicle.

Knowledge of:

• Enterprise information technology systems and tools.
• Contemporary IT best practices and emerging trends.
• Regulatory requirements in the IT sector.
• Cloud based and Infrastructure as a service architectures.
• Contemporary network design philosophies.
• Cyber security impacts of design decisions.
• Change control methodologies.
• Project management and time management techniques.
• Business English and standard office procedures.

Skill in:

• Implementing IPsec and SSL VPNs.
• Managing firewall technologies, SIEMS, and other security tools.
• Setting up and maintaining Active Directory, IPAM service, and Certificate Servers.
• Utilizing Microsoft Virtualization Technologies and Office 365 suite.
• VOIP technologies and familiarity with SIP protocols.
• Administering Windows and Linux operating systems.
• Managing IP routing protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF) and software-defined networking.
• Designing and managing cloud infrastructures and applying Zero Trust and NIST security frameworks.
• Executing change control principles and providing technical leadership.

Ability to:

• Document processes clearly and perform detailed root cause analysis.
• Communicate effectively, manage priorities independently, and think critically.
• Develop and interpret policies, prepare complex data reports, and establish productive working relationships.
• Address high-priority incidents promptly and provide excellent customer service.
• Translate technical details for a non-technical audience and foster consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Engage with vendors and outside partnerships.

Competencies:

• Consistently meets work commitments and serves as a dependable resource.
• Handles task details accurately and seeks effective solutions to problems.
• Adapts approaches to overcome challenges and drives innovation within the team.
• Demonstrates specialized knowledge and takes initiative in new technologies.
• Utilizes computer applications effectively and advocates for progressive change.
• Meticulous attention to detail.