Network Architect (Cisco ACI / Nexus / Load Balancing)

Introduction

The Network Architect will be responsible for designing, implementing, and governing scalable Cisco ACI-based data center network architectures. They will work on defining and maintaining policy-driven network fabrics, optimizing VXLAN/EVPN-based solutions, leading Cisco Nexus design initiatives, managing F5 Load Balancer solutions, and ensuring seamless integration with WAN, SD-WAN, security platforms, and cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and govern scalable Cisco ACI-based data center network architectures
• Define and maintain policy-driven network fabrics using APIC, Spine-Leaf, VRF, EPG, and tenant-based segmentation models
• Architect and optimize VXLAN/EVPN-based data center solutions for enterprise environments
• Lead Cisco Nexus (NX-OS) design, deployment, and vPC architecture initiatives
• Design and manage F5 Load Balancer solutions including LTM and GTM for application availability and resiliency
• Ensure seamless integration of data center networks with WAN, SD-WAN, security platforms, and cloud environments
• Establish network standards, architecture guidelines, and best practices
• Drive network modernization, automation, and infrastructure transformation initiatives
• Provide L3 architectural support for major incidents, performance optimization, and critical escalations
• Collaborate with security, cloud, infrastructure, and application teams to deliver end-to-end network solutions
• Prepare architecture documents, HLDs, LLDs, migration strategies, and technical governance artifacts

Requirements

Required Skills

• Cisco ACI Architecture (APIC, Spine-Leaf)
• VXLAN / EVPN Technologies
• Cisco Nexus Switches (NX-OS)
• vPC Design and Implementation
• F5 Load Balancer (LTM/GTM)
• Hybrid WAN & SD-WAN Solutions
• Data Center Network Architecture
• Network Segmentation and Multi-Tenancy (VRF, EPG)
• Cloud Networking Integration (Azure/AWS)
• Network Security and High Availability Design
• Routing & Switching Protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP)
• Network Automation and Infrastructure as Code (Ansible, Terraform)

Preferred Skills

• Cisco Certifications (CCNP Data Center / CCIE Data Center)
• Cisco ACI Specialist Certification
• F5 Certified Technology Specialist (CTS)
• SD-WAN Certifications
• Azure/AWS Networking Certifications

Key Deliverables

• Data Center Network Architecture & Roadmaps
• Cisco ACI Fabric Design and Governance
• Nexus & vPC Architecture Standards
• F5 Load Balancing Strategy and Optimization
• Hybrid WAN/SD-WAN Integration Design
• Network Security & Segmentation Framework
• Cloud Connectivity and Network Integration Models