Network Core Data Engineer

Job Title: Network Core Data Engineer

Location: Onsite - Raleigh, NC or Phoenix, AZ

Employment Type: Contract

Experience Required: 8-10 Years

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Network Core Data Engineer to design, configure, troubleshoot, and optimize core enterprise network services. This role requires deep hands-on expertise across identity services, load balancing, DNS/IPAM, automation platforms, and next-generation network fabrics.

The ideal candidate will have strong operational and architectural experience supporting large-scale, high-availability, mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

Core Network Architecture & Engineering

• Design, configure, and troubleshoot enterprise-grade network infrastructure.

• Support high-availability and disaster recovery architectures.

• Implement scalable and resilient network solutions aligned with enterprise standards.

Cisco ISE (Identity Services Engine)

• Strong understanding of Cisco ISE architecture (PAN, PSN, MNT nodes).

• Configure and troubleshoot policies for Wireless, Wired, VPN, and Network Access Control.

• Manage authentication, authorization, and policy enforcement strategies.

F5 (LTM / GTM / BIG-IQ)

• Hands-on configuration and troubleshooting of F5 LTM, GTM, and BIG-IQ.

• Design and optimize load balancing, SSL offloading, and traffic management policies.

• Ensure high availability and performance tuning of F5 infrastructure.

Infoblox (DNS / DHCP / IPAM)

• Manage and optimize enterprise DNS, DHCP, and IP Address Management (IPAM).

• Troubleshoot core network services and ensure reliability.

• Implement automation and monitoring for DNS infrastructure.

Forescout (NAC)

• Configure and manage Forescout network access control solutions.

• Troubleshoot policy enforcement and endpoint visibility.

Cisco ACI

• Design and deploy Cisco ACI Leaf-Spine fabrics.

• Configure Tenants, VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs, Contracts, and Filters.

• Implement Multi-Pod, Multi-Site, and Remote Leaf architectures.

• Support HA and DR setups in ACI environments.

IBM NS1

• Hands-on experience with IBM NS1 Connect platform.

• Support DNS automation and traffic steering configurations.

Network Testing & Time Services

• Experience with Ixia for L2/L3 testing and topology validation.

• Familiarity with Microchip NTP equipment, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Automation & Configuration Management

• Experience with Gluware configuration and automation.

• Hands-on expertise with Ansible automation scripting and configuration management.

Required Skills

Primary Skills:

• F5 LTM

• Infoblox

• Forescout NAC

• IBM NS1

• Cisco ISE

Secondary Skills:

• Cisco Routing & Switching

• Aruba Wireless

• SD-WAN (Versa preferred)

• A10 Load Balancer

Technical Skills

Cisco ISE | F5 LTM/GTM | Infoblox DNS/DHCP/IPAM | Cisco ACI | IBM NS1 | Forescout | Ixia | Ansible | Gluware | NTP | Enterprise Networking