The Purple Cottage Foundation

Location: Caribou, Maine (On-Site Required During Construction & Deployment)

Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Target Compensation: $120,000+, plus comprehensive benefits & on-site housing.

Our Mission:

The Purple Cottage is a 300-acre conservation retreat being built from the ground up to foster human restoration. We are creating a sanctuary where technology provides seamless, "invisible" support for safety and operations, allowing guests to disconnect from digital noise and reconnect with nature.

Your Role: Build the Foundation of a Sanctuary

This is not a typical network architect role. As our founding Senior Network Architect & Infrastructure Lead, you will have the rare, ground-up opportunity to design the digital nervous system for a new world. You will own the entire lifecycle: from strategizing in meetings with architects and walking the forest to plan conduit trenches, to personally configuring the final routers that bring the entire system to life.

You will be the primary owner of every wire, access point, and configuration that makes our mission of safety and serenity possible.

Core Responsibilities: From Blueprint to Backhaul

1. Strategic & Physical Network Architecture (40%)

· Architect the complete LAN/WAN strategy from scratch for a remote, off-grid site, including primary/backup WAN (Starlink + cellular).

· Create the master physical infrastructure plan: Develop detailed technical specifications and construction-ready drawings for all low-voltage systems, including conduit pathways, fiber optic cabling, and dedicated network closet builds.

· Design a secure, segmented network supporting guest privacy, operational software (PMS, point-of-sale), and facility systems.

2. Construction Coordination & Field Leadership (40%)

· Serve as the primary technical liaison to the General Contractor and construction teams.

· Conduct regular on-site inspections to ensure all low-voltage infrastructure (conduit, innerduct, pull boxes) is installed to your specifications before trenches are closed.

· Oversee and coordinate third-party vendors for structured cabling, fiber termination, and specialty system installations.

3. Hands-On Deployment & Operational Foundation (20%)

· Personally install, configure, and manage core network hardware (routers, switches, firewalls, wireless controllers).

· Establish all foundational IT operations: monitoring, security policies, documentation, and disaster recovery procedures.

· Implement the principle of "Invisible Support"—technology that is robust and intuitive but never a distraction.

Qualifications & Required Experience

You Must Have:

· 5+ years of senior-level network architecture and engineering experience.

· Proven, end-to-end project ownership of at least one major network deployment, specifically including the coordination of physical infrastructure installation (direct work with construction teams on conduit, fiber, and closet builds).

· Deep, hands-on expertise with enterprise routing/switching (Cisco, Aruba, etc.), next-generation firewalls, and high-density Wi-Fi design.

· Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to translate technical requirements for builders and non-technical stakeholders.

· A problem-solving mindset, comfort with the ambiguity of a start-up build, and a genuine passion for mission-driven work.

(Preferred Qualifications):

· Direct experience with satellite-based WAN (Starlink, etc.) and designing networks for reliable, off-grid connectivity.

· Experience in hospitality, eco-tourism, or other guest-focused environments.

· Certifications such as CCNP/CCIE, PCNSE, or BICSI RCDD/OSP.

· Familiarity with low-voltage construction standards, CAD software for diagramming, and site survey methodologies.

Work Location, Schedule & Realities

· This is fundamentally an on-site position in Caribou, Maine. The initial 12-18 month construction and deployment phase requires daily physical presence for coordination, surveys, and hands-on work.

· We provide dedicated on-site housing as a key benefit, immersing you in the environment you are helping to build.

· Upon stabilization of all core systems, a hybrid work model may be evaluated based on operational needs.

A Benefits Package Rooted in Our Values

· Competitive Salary & Security: A strong base salary recognizing this critical leadership role, plus comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and a 403(b) retirement plan.

· Live Where You Work: Provided on-site housing in the heart of the 300-acre preserve, eliminating commutes and connecting you directly to the mission.

· Grow With Us: Investment in your professional development and encouragement to engage in the land and community.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person