Network Engineer IV

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client in Greenwood Village, CO that is seeking a senior-level Load Balancer Network Engineer (Level IV) to join our Data Center Architecture & Engineering team. This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives in complex, large-scale environments, brings deep hands-on expertise in BGP, IPv6, and load balancing, and has a strong foundation in automation and Python programming.

You will play a key role in designing and building next-generation data center platforms using multi-vendor spine-leaf network architectures, ensuring reliability, scalability, and performance across all network layers.

Key Responsibilities:
* Architect, design, and deploy data center network solutions with a focus on load balancing and automation
* Develop and implement Python-based automation for operational enhancements, testing, and configuration management
* Engineer multi-vendor spine-leaf topologies, supporting evolving platform and capacity needs
* Perform quality assurance testing, troubleshooting, and optimization of data center networking systems
* Collaborate with cross-functional architecture teams to define and evolve network standards and operational playbooks
* Maintain and enhance network monitoring, inventory, and reporting tools
* Lead the evaluation and integration of new technologies in lab environments before production rollout
* Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on BGP, IPv6, load balancing, and full-stack networking (OSI layers 1-7)
* Partner with internal stakeholders and vendors to drive platform capabilities and technical innovation

REQUIREMENTS:
Must-Have Technical Expertise:
* BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) - Deep, Hands-On Knowledge
* Demonstrated experience configuring and managing EBGP and IBGP
* Ability to explain and implement loop prevention mechanisms and route reflectors
* Proven experience setting up BGP peering (provider and internal)
* Able to differentiate between writing base configurations from scratch vs. using templates
* Understands BGP architecture from an engineering and troubleshooting perspective-not just operational support

IPv6 & IPv4:
* Strong understanding of IPv6 architecture, addressing, and broadcast compared to IPv4
* Capable of designing and implementing dual-stack environments

Full-Stack Networking (OSI Model 1-7):
* Comprehensive understanding of all layers of the OSI model
* Can articulate how data flows and interacts across each layer in a real-world data center context

Protocols & Networking Concepts:
* Solid knowledge of UDP vs. TCP-when and why to use each
* Experience with VXLAN, EVPN, and Multicast Protocols
* Exposure to spine-leaf network topologies and data center routing architectures

Programming & Automation:
* Proficiency in Python for network automation, orchestration, and testing
* Experience with CI/CD integrations or automation frameworks is highly desirable

Evaluation Criteria:
* This team focuses on true engineering depth, not certifications or titles

Candidates must be able to:
* Clearly explain their hands-on experience under each role listed on their resume
* Demonstrate how they implemented and configured BGP, IPv6, or load balancing
* Discuss why architectural choices were made, not just what was done
* Confidently break down network design logic, failure scenarios, and optimization techniques
* Vague -managed,- -supported,- or -worked with- language will not meet the bar - we're looking for builders, designers, and problem solvers who understand their craft from the ground up

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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