Data Center Network Architect

Role: Data Center Network Architect

Location: New York, NY

Direct client

Top Skills' Details

1. Core and DC Networking with ACI or Arista
   2. Kubernetes networking
   3. Cloud networking
   4. Automation
   5. Python or Go
   6. Very good soft skills..
   
   Key Responsibilities:
   Deliver network solution designs supporting enterprise data centers, private cloud platforms, and public cloud environments
   Build, prototype, and validate network solution designs through hands-on engineering, lab environments, proofs of concept, and automation-driven implementations
   Define and evolve reference architectures, standards, and design patterns for hybrid-cloud and cloud-native networking
   Embed automation and Infrastructure as Code principles into network solution designs
   Anchor modern application platform designs in proven data-center networking fundamentals, including L2/L3 networking, routing, segmentation, EVPN/VXLAN fabrics, and high availability design principles
   Partner with platform, cloud, security, and application teams to translate requirements into scalable network solutions
   Produce clear, decision-oriented design documentation and participate in design and architecture review forums
   Evaluate emerging networking, cloud, and automation tech
   
   Skills needed:
   o Networking
   Data center networking (within data center; Connects servers, storage, and applications inside a data center, server-to-server; Leaf-Spine architecture, SDN, automation, AI/ML for optimization)
   BGP; VPN, VXLAN, anything around modern data center fabrics.
   Core networking (massive amounts of data, long distance; MPLS, DWDM, BGP, high-capacity optical fiber;
   Core networking; net design and build modern dc fabrics; Cisco ACI or Arista, different spine architectures;
   Kubernetes networking (see above)
   Cloud native networking attached to those fabrics. In this case it s Kubernetes .knowledge of modern infra networking components like Cilium, Calico, or OVN-K CNIs in Kubernetes; knowing how to build architecture around BGP peering and Kuber clusters and dc networks and fabrics; how to ingress; traffic engineering (solutions to improve capacity, capacity management; design load balancing for apps running kubernets; everything around running modern app platforms on the dc network;
   Linux
   o Building and manage cloud connectivity: experience building large scale cloud connectivity solutions using AWS Direct Connect, Azure ExpressRoute, Google Cloud Interconnect
   Network as a Service providers like Equinix fabric or Megaport or equivilant
   Ideally some experience with all 3 major CSPs for connectivity; not hard core in all 3; if they know how to build one they probably know how to build the others.
   o Automation, not developer. Comfortable with Terraform and Ansible. Doesn t matter which one, must be very comfortable with one, IaC overall and configuration as code concepts. Using premade but sometimes extend or modify or add to the solution, must know how to read it, etc.
   o Python and Go: build some tools or write some integration with one of those languages. Not a hard core. Read and script.
   o Observability & Network Visibility: Network and application observability, telemetry, and synthetic testing platforms such as Splunk, Prometheus, ThousandEyes, Kentik, or similar tools
   o Troubleshooting
   o Soft Skills: big component is ability interact different stakeholders; both tech (prince ng and archs) but also non-tech on the business side. Presentation skills and influence decision making the right way. Lots of personalities to navigate in the size and complexity of a company like HSBC.
   
   Nice to Have:
   o Familiarity with SD-WAN and SASE architectures, including how they integrate with hybrid-cloud environments
   o Understanding of Zero Trust networking concepts and identity-based access models
   o Exposure to content delivery networks (CDN) and global traffic optimization patterns
   o Knowledge of DNS architecture and design, including public, private, and hybrid resolution models
   o Experience working with platform engineering or internal developer platform teams