Data Center Network Engineer (Contract)

Position : Data Center Network Engineer (Contract W2)

Location : New York City, NY (Day 1 Onsite)

We are seeking a highly experienced Data Center Network Engineer with 10+ years of hands-on experience in designing, implementing, and managing complex data center networks. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Cisco Nexus, Cisco ACI, and fabric architecture (Spine-Leaf, VXLAN EVPN). The ideal candidate has a proven track record in data center build, migration, and refresh projects within large, regulated environments - preferably financial institutions. Strong skills in network automation, along with working knowledge of Palo Alto Firewalls, F5 Load Balancers, and Infoblox, are essential. The candidate should be a hands-on technical leader, adept at troubleshooting, design, and delivering resilient, scalable data center networks.

Job Description :

• Lead the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise-scale data center network infrastructures across multiple sites.
• Plan and execute data center build, refresh, migration, and expansion projects with a focus on zero downtime and high resilience.
• Deploy and configure Cisco Nexus switching platforms (9K/7K/5K/2K) and manage Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) fabrics, including multi-pod and multi-site deployments.
• Design, implement, and optimize Spine-Leaf fabric architectures, VXLAN EVPN overlays, and ACI-based network segmentation for scalable, secure, and automated data center connectivity.
• Implement and manage fabric automation and orchestration using Python, Ansible, or REST APIs to streamline operations.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance optimization in complex, mission-critical data center environments.
• Collaborate with security (Palo Alto), load balancing (F5), and IPAM/DNS (Infoblox) teams for end-to-end service delivery.
• Ensure network compliance, governance, and security alignment with financial industry regulations.
• Maintain accurate and updated network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration baselines, and operational guides.
• Participate in change management, incident response, and capacity planning activities following ITIL standards.

Must Have

• 10+ years of experience in data center network engineering, preferably in large-scale financial organizations.
• Deep expertise in Cisco Nexus platforms (9K, 7K, 5K, 2K) and Cisco ACI architectures - including fabric policies, tenants, VRFs, bridge domains, EPGs, and contracts.
• Strong understanding and hands-on experience with fabric architecture, including:
• Spine-Leaf topology design and implementation
• VXLAN EVPN overlay networks
• ACI Multi-Pod / Multi-Site architectures
• Fabric interconnectivity and redundancy models
• Strong command of Layer 2/Layer 3 technologies (VLANs, VPC, OSPF, BGP, MPLS, VXLAN, EVPN).
• Proven experience in data center migrations, consolidations, and refresh initiatives.
• Expertise in network automation and orchestration using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, or similar tools.
• Skilled in network troubleshooting, performance tuning, and packet analysis (NX-OS, Wireshark, telemetry tools).
• Thorough understanding of high availability design principles, QoS, and traffic engineering.
• Experience in change control, incident management, and infrastructure documentation practices.

Good To Have

• Working knowledge of Palo Alto Firewalls (policy management, threat prevention, HA configurations).
• Experience with F5 Load Balancers (VIP setup, SSL offloading, iRules, GSLB, LTM/ASM modules).
• Exposure to Infoblox IPAM/DNS/DHCP administration.
• Familiarity with network monitoring and observability tools (SolarWinds, Splunk, ThousandEyes, NetBrain, etc.).
• Understanding hybrid/multi-cloud networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform) and cloud connectivity patterns.
• Relevant certifications preferred: CCNP/CCIE Data Center, CCNP Enterprise, or DevNet Professional.
• Experience implementing security and compliance frameworks relevant to financial services.

Process Skills:

• Proficiency in ITIL-based operational processes - Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management.
• Ability to develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), runbooks, and technical documentation.
• Experience with project delivery methodologies and stakeholder communication during large-scale implementations.
• Ensure adherence to governance, compliance, and audit requirements.
• Conduct technical design reviews, risk assessments, and post-implementation validation.

Behavioral Skills:

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability in complex technical environments.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills across technical and business audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership in project execution and mentoring of junior network engineers.
• High degree of ownership, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptive to changing business needs and technologies.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, fostering cross-functional partnerships.

Qualification:

• Professional with a minimum of 10+ years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex data center network infrastructures (with focus on Cisco).
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., CCIE,).
• Demonstrated experience working in medium to large scale data center deployments.

Regards !!

Bobby Sharma

Talent Acquisition Lead

Sapear Inc.

Email :

Cell : +1 Ext : 105

Mobile: +91 -

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