Network Architect
Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) Fabric Migration Planning & Deployment
6 months
Onsite (Austin, TX
Pay rate : $80 to $90
Position Summary
We are seeking a Senior Network Engineer to lead the planning, design refinement, configuration development, and deployment readiness activities for large-scale spine/leaf campus deployments.
This is a strategic, onsite (Austin, TX headquarters) networking lead role responsible for developing standardized configurations, validating designs, building detailed runbooks, and ensuring field deployment teams are fully prepared for successful site migrations. The ideal candidate combines deep technical expertise with strong documentation discipline, a consultative mindset, and cross-functional coordination skills.
Primary Responsibilities
Deployment Planning & Strategy
Lead end-to-end deployment planning for SD-Access Fabric replacement network.
Translate High-Level Designs (HLDs) into detailed, deployment-ready Low-Level Designs (LLDs).
Develop and execute phased IPv4-to-IPv6 migration strategies (dual-stack, phased transition, or full native IPv6).
Develop scalable, repeatable site deployment models.
Identify technical risks and define mitigation strategies prior to cutovers.
Define validation criteria and success metrics for each deployment phase.
Configuration Development & Standardization
Refine standardized configuration templates for:
SD-Access Fabric
Underlay and overlay routing
Segmentation (VRFs, VLANs, policies)
QoS and application-aware routing
Validate route redistribution and failover behaviours.
Support automation efforts (templating, scripting, zero-touch provisioning).
Runbook & MOP Creation
Author detailed Method of Procedure (MOP) documents for:
SD-Access Fabric planning and migration
IPv4 and IPv6 addressing changes
Develop step-by-step deployment runbooks for field engineers.
Create standardized rollback procedures.
Define pre-cutover validation and post-cutover verification checklists.
Ensure documentation is clear, repeatable, and aligned with change management processes.
Technical Oversight & Support
Provide real-time remote support during site cutovers for initial pilots.
Review field deployment feedback and refine processes accordingly.
Validate as-built configurations against design intent.
Continuously refine deployment standards based on field feedback.
Governance & Change Control
Review and approve change requests for network deployments.
Ensure compliance with enterprise architecture and security standards.
Maintain master design documentation and configuration baselines.
Contribute to continuous improvement of deployment methodology.
Required Qualifications
8+ years of enterprise networking experience.
5+ years of SD-Access Fabric architecture experience.
Proven experience building deployment documentation and standardized configuration templates.
Demonstrated experience leading IPv6 migration initiatives in production environments.
Strong expertise in:
BGP (policy design, route control, redistribution)
OSPF and multi-area design
Underlay/overlay architecture
EVPN-VXLAN or software-defined campus solutions
WAN resiliency and failover strategies
Network segmentation and policy enforcement
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting large-scale multi-site rollouts (50+ sites).
Network automation experience (Python, Ansible, Terraform).
Experience with routing, switching, wireless, and firewalls.
Experience in regulated or uptime-sensitive environments (industrial, manufacturing, utilities).
Experience with Cisco, Arista, Palo Alto Networks, and Open Gear solutions.
CCNP R&S or equivalent.
Core Competencies
Strong technical writing and documentation skills.
Systems-level thinking and architectural awareness.
Ability to anticipate deployment risks before execution.
Strong collaboration skills with PMs, field engineers, and vendors.
Analytical mindset with structured problem-solving approach.
Comfortable providing leadership without direct authority.
Work Environment
Primarily onsite at customer campus located in Austin, TX.
Occasional participation in after-hours migration bridge calls as escalation lead.
Limited travel; focused on planning, validation, and oversight rather than physical deployment.
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