Senior Data Center Network & Security Architect

Job Title: Senior Data Center Network & Security Architect

Experience Required: Minimum 15 Years

Location: Remote (CST and EST Time Zone Pref.)

Job Type: Contractor (W2)

Department: IT Infrastructure / Network & Security architect

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly experienced and technically proficient Data Center Network & Security Engineer to lead the design, deployment, and management of complex network and security infrastructures. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise across a wide range of technologies including Cisco Nexus, Check Point, Cisco ISE, Palo Alto, Arista, HP Aruba, and Cisco SD-WAN (Viptela), with a strong background in routing protocols, wireless, and data center technologies such as VXLAN, VPC, and VDC.

Key Responsibilities:

Design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performance data center network architectures.

Lead deployment and configuration of Cisco Nexus (2K/5K/7K/9K), FEX, VDC, VPC, and VXLAN technologies.

Configure and manage Check Point and Palo Alto firewalls, including policy management, VPNs, and threat prevention.

Deploy and manage Cisco ISE for network access control and identity-based security.

Implement and support Cisco Wireless solutions and Cisco DNAC for automation and assurance.

Design and maintain MPLS, BGP, OSPF, and other routing protocols in enterprise environments.

Integrate and manage Cisco CUCM for unified communications.

Deploy and operate Cisco Viptela SD-WAN solutions.

Work with Arista and HP Aruba switches and wireless infrastructure.

Create and maintain High-Level Designs (HLD) and Low-Level Designs (LLD), network diagrams, and documentation.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure secure and efficient network operations.

Provide mentorship and technical leadership to junior engineers.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

15+ years of experience in enterprise network and security engineering.

Deep hands-on experience with:

Cisco Nexus (2K 9K), FEX, VDC, VPC, VXLAN

Cisco ACI Solution

Check Point and Palo Alto firewalls

Cisco ISE, Cisco DNAC, Cisco Wireless

Cisco Viptela SD-WAN, Cisco CUCM

Routing protocols: BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS

Arista and HP Aruba networking

Strong documentation skills with experience in creating HLDs, LLDs, and operational runbooks.

Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices.

Preferred Certifications:

CCIE (Routing & Switching / Security / Data Center) Preferred

Check Point CCSA/CCSE

Palo Alto PCNSE

Cisco Certified Specialist (ISE, DNAC, SD-WAN)

Education:

Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.