Sr. Data Center Network Engineer(Only W2 and Must be Local)

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.

Indicative Activities:

• 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.

Technical Skills:

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.