Senior Network DevOps Engineer

Project Overview

Client is seeking a Senior Network DevOps Engineer to support the design, implementation, and automation of complex, enterprise-scale network environments. This is a 6+ month contract role with potential for conversion, based primarily in Bethesda, MD. The role focuses on multi-cloud and hybrid networking, infrastructure automation, and CI/CD-driven network deployments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and automate complex network architectures across AWS, Azure, and hybrid environments.
• Develop and maintain network automation using Ansible, Python, Terraform, and Terraform Cloud.
• Deploy and manage cloud networking services including AWS Cloud WAN, Transit Gateway, VPC Peering, Direct Connect, Azure Virtual WAN, VPN Gateway, ExpressRoute, and Alibaba Cloud services using Infrastructure as Code.
• Automate deployment, configuration, and integration of virtual firewalls in cloud environments (Palo Alto preferred).
• Integrate network Infrastructure-as-Code deployments into CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions, Azure DevOps, or Harness.
• Collaborate with architecture and security teams to design secure, high-availability global WAN/LAN solutions.
• Participate in code reviews, peer design sessions, and infrastructure governance activities.
• Contribute to Agile/Scrum delivery by planning, executing, and delivering automation work on schedule.
• Create and maintain technical documentation, design artifacts, test plans, and implementation plans.
• Proactively identify, troubleshoot, and resolve network, automation, and performance issues.
• Evaluate vendor proposals and support selection of appropriate technologies and service providers.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related technical field, or equivalent experience/certifications.
• 7+ years of experience as a Network Engineer designing and implementing complex network environments.
• 4+ years of experience automating network functions using Ansible, Python, or Terraform.
• 4+ years of experience designing, implementing, and automating multi-cloud and hybrid network architectures.
• 2+ years of experience with infrastructure automation and orchestration across multi-cloud environments.
• Experience integrating network automation into CI/CD pipelines.
• Experience working in Agile or Scrum-based delivery environments.

Technical & Soft Skills

Technical Skills

• Network automation tools and libraries: Ansible, Netmiko, Nornir, NetBox, PyATS, Genie
• Cloud networking and IaC: AWS, Azure, Alibaba Cloud, Terraform, CI/CD pipelines
• Network security and firewalls: Palo Alto (preferred), NGFW, network security policies
• Load balancing: F5 GTM/LTM and cloud equivalents
• DevOps tools and practices: Git, test-driven development, infrastructure automation
• Linux system administration
• Container technologies: Docker, Kubernetes
• APIs and programmatic infrastructure management
• Core networking: WAN, LAN, data center networks, DNS, NTP, IPAM

Preferred Certifications

• CCIE, CCNP, CISSP, Cisco DevNet, or equivalent network/security certifications

Soft Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Clear verbal and written communication skills across technical and business audiences
• Ability to work independently and as part of cross-functional teams
• Proactive mindset with attention to detail and operational excellence
• Ability to balance priorities, manage timelines, and deliver results