CCIE Network Architect

Job Title: CCIE Network Architect
Location:San Jose, CA
Duration: Long Term Contract

 The CCIE Network Architect is responsible for overseeing the delivery and integrity of Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) lab exams, ensuring strict adherence to exam policies, and providing candidate support throughout the exam operations. Additionally, this role involves designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining the physical and virtual infrastructure within the data center environment in San Jose, CA. The architect ensures the availability, performance, security, and scalability of data center systems to support critical business applications and services.

Key Responsibilities:
· Manage the on-site lab exam environment, including candidate check-in, briefing, and continuous monitoring to enforce exam rules and security protocols.
· Ensure no unauthorized materials are brought into the exam and maintain compliance with Cisco’s exam policies.
· Provide clarifications on exam instructions without offering technical assistance to candidates.
· Address technical or logistical issues during exams, coordinating with support teams as necessary.
· Design, deploy, and maintain data center infrastructure components such as servers, storage systems, network devices (routers, switches, firewalls), and application delivery controllers.
· Manage network infrastructure interconnecting physical and virtual servers, storage, and external networks.
· Implement and monitor network security appliances, including firewalls and intrusion prevention systems, to safeguard data center security.
· Oversee power, cooling, ventilation, fire suppression, and backup systems to ensure optimal data center operations.
· Monitor and optimize data center performance, availability, and capacity planning to meet evolving business requirements.
· Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support AI, machine learning, and cloud workloads demanding high compute and storage resources.
· Implement automation and telemetry tools to enhance operational efficiency and enable proactive maintenance.
· Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies governing data center security and operations.
· Provide expert technical support and troubleshooting for data center hardware and software issues.
· Participate in data center modernization initiatives aimed at improving scalability, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
· Availability to travel to administer CCIE Mobile Lab events 1 week per month.

Skills and Expertise:
· Must hold CCIE certification in Enterprise Infrastructure, Data Center, or Security, with strong knowledge of Cisco networking technologies.
· Excellent communication skills for effective interaction with candidates and Cisco teams.
· Ability to manage high-pressure situations calmly and professionally.
· Possess AI skills, with knowledge and understanding of Agentic AI framework.
· Experience in solution design, network architecture, and customer engagement.
· In-depth knowledge of Cisco networking technologies, data center architecture, and virtualization platforms.
· Hands-on experience with Cisco UCS servers, Nexus switches, and Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI).
· Familiarity with data center power, cooling, and physical infrastructure management best practices.
· Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles and data protection within data center environments.
· Proficiency with automation, telemetry, and monitoring tools to optimize data center operations.
· Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
· Proven ability to manage complex projects and adapt to rapidly evolving technology trends.
· Solid knowledge of Linux system administration and troubleshooting.
· Docker, Kubernetes, Generative AI and Agent autonomous system integration