Cisco Certification Engineer

Role Summary
This is a senior-level Cisco Certification Engineer position focused on validating, certifying, and ensuring the compliance of Cisco networking hardware and software within enterprise environments. The role involves comprehensive testing, certification processes, and lifecycle management to guarantee that Cisco platforms meet security, performance, and operational standards prior to deployment. The engineer collaborates closely with engineering, security, and operations teams to support enterprise network reliability and security.

Responsibilities

• Lead the certification and validation of Cisco hardware and software platforms for enterprise deployment.
• Develop and execute detailed test plans for routers, switches, firewalls, wireless, and collaboration platforms.
• Perform interoperability testing across multi-vendor network environments to ensure compatibility.
• Validate firmware, IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS updates, patches, and feature releases before rollout.
• Build and maintain Cisco certification lab environments, automating testing workflows as appropriate.
• Document test procedures, results, and certification approvals, establishing repeatable processes for regression testing and upgrades.
• Collaborate with network engineering teams to validate architecture designs and provide guidance on hardware/software selection.
• Support deployment readiness reviews, change management, and troubleshooting during certification failures.
• Maintain certification standards, track hardware/software lifecycle statuses, and produce compliance reports for leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on Cisco certification processes, ensuring adherence to organizational and security policies.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with Cisco networking technologies, including routers, switches, and security platforms.
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco hardware platforms such as Catalyst, Nexus, ISR/ASR, ASA, Firepower, ISE, and Umbrella.
• Proficiency with Cisco OS platforms: IOS, IOS-XE, NX-OS.
• Experience designing and executing test plans, validation, and interoperability assessments.
• Excellent troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Knowledge of network automation and scripting tools such as Python or Ansible.
• Understanding of change management and release lifecycle processes.
• Cisco certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, or DevNet preferred.
• Experience with lab automation, CI/CD pipelines, and familiarity with cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong documentation and communication skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally.
• Ability to manage multiple certification initiatives simultaneously with attention to detail.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Publishing Pay Range: $60.00 - $64.92 Hourly

This is a fully remote role and can be performed from an approved location.