Network Engineer L3

Position: Network Engineer L3
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY (Onsite)
Duration: 6+ Months

Must have:

1. Cisco VSS (Virtual Switching System)
2. Virtual Port Channels (vPC) & Virtual Device Contexts (VDCs)
3. Nexus NX-OS Devices Integration & Upgradation Services
4. Data Center Software & Hardware technologies refresh
5. F5 Load Balancers Configuration & Operations, Troubleshooting
6. Cisco Wireless Technologies configurations & support
7. In-depth knowledge of DMVPN setup, support & configurations.

As a Network Engineer L3 specializing in VSS and Nexus integration services, you'll be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex network infrastructures, focusing on Cisco Nexus 6000 or 7000 or 9000 series switches and Cisco Virtual Switch System technologies, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.
Key Responsibilities:
Network Design and Implementation:

• Design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructures, including LAN, WAN, and data center networks.
• Focus on Cisco Nexus 6000 or 7000 or 9000 series switches and Cisco VSS technologies.
• Ensure network designs meet business requirements, performance standards, and security policies.
• Develop and document network topologies and configurations.

VSS and Nexus Expertise:

• Deep understanding of Cisco VSS technology, including fabric partitioning, redundancy, and failover mechanisms.
• Extensive experience with Cisco Nexus 6000 or 7000 or 9000 series switches, including configuration, troubleshooting, and optimization.
• Proficient in implementing and managing Nexus Fabric, including Virtual Port Channels (vPC) and Nexus 9000 series switch features.

Troubleshooting and Problem Resolution:

• Diagnose and resolve complex network issues, including performance bottlenecks, connectivity problems, and security vulnerabilities.
• Utilize network monitoring tools and protocols to identify and address issues proactively.
• Document and communicate network issues and resolutions effectively.

Network Security:

• Implement and maintain network security measures, including access control lists (ACLs), firewalls, and intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Stay up-to-date on the latest security threats and vulnerabilities.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with other IT teams, including server, storage, and application teams, to ensure network infrastructure meets business needs.
• Communicate network status, issues, and resolutions effectively to stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement:

• Stay current with the latest network technologies and industry best practices.
• Propose and implement improvements to network infrastructure and processes.

Project Management:

• Participate in the planning, execution, and completion of network projects.
• Manage network changes and upgrades effectively.

Skills and Qualifications:

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in network engineering, with a strong focus on Cisco technologies.

Certifications:

• Cisco certifications (e.g., CCNP, CCIE) are highly desirable.

Technical Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of networking protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, MPLS).
• Experience with network operating systems (e.g., IOS, NX-OS).
• Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG).
• Strong understanding of network security principles and practices.

Soft Skills:

• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
• Provide current design and architecture documents.
• Provide policies for security vulnerability management
• Performance and fault monitoring of LAN/WLAN/WAN devices.
• Create and plan configuration changes, incident management on existing LAN/WLAN/WAN devices.
• Provide recommendations and suggestions to improve network performance as managing network performance with QOS
• Co-ordinate with network service provider or third-party vendor to dispatch a field technician if required to repair / replace defective devices that support network services
• Managing traffic and congestion
• WiFi client disconnection issues and identifying radius authentication issues
• Updating IOS to access points through WLC
• Problem management for data center repetitive faults.
• Execute Central Hudson approved remediation plans in response to intrusions
• Perform local backup and periodic restoration testing
• Review impact of patches relevant to the IT environment and document impact and analysis.
• Review asset hardening reports for suggested configuration and IOS changes and provide summary of proposed actions.
• Patching of network devices (routers, switches etc.).
• Emergency patching of network devices (routers, switches etc.)
• Capacity planning & suggestions.
• Create SOPs where not present
• Update and Maintain SOPs
• Create Knowledgebase (KB s) articles as needed
• Review and revise network Knowledgebase articles keeping them current.
• Approve scope, date, time of vulnerability scans
• Define/approve/review the risk rating of the intrusion prevention in case of zero-day signatures and remediation plans and actions
• Manage, administer and maintenance of load balancer in Central Hudson environment
• Confirms high availability and reliability monitoring, moving requests only to servers/applications that are online
• Manage distribution of Client requests or network load efficiently across multiple servers/applications
• Add or remove servers/applications to Load Balancer configuration as demand dictates
• Monitor load balancer Health