Cisco Data Center Network Engineer (20 hrs / week)

Cisco Data Center Network Engineer (All Systems) (20 Hours/Wk)

**Part - time position. Only apply if you are looking for a part time role.**

Position Overview:
Seeking a highly skilled Cisco Data Center Network Engineer to manage and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across its data centers, WAN, and cloud-integrated environments. The ideal candidate is a Cisco- certified expert with advanced experience in routing, switching, security, wireless, automation, and SDN technologies, particularly in public sector or government settings. You will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, implementation, security, and support of Cisco systems including Nexus, IOS/IOS XE routers and switches, wireless infrastructure, and next-gen firewalls across mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, implement, and manage Cisco-based data center and core WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless systems.

• Maintain and troubleshoot the DPSCS IP/MPLS Core WAN Infrastructure, including VPNs (IPSec, DMVPN), MPLS VPNs, and VRF configurations.

• Oversee data center operations, including Active-Active and Active-Standby Disaster Recovery environments.

• Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (Client), including TACACS+, RADIUS, and 802.1X for secure access control and policy enforcement.

• Manage and automate network operations via Cisco DNA Center, including deployment, assurance, analytics, and configuration tasks.

• Monitor and optimize network performance using SolarWinds, Wireshark, Cisco DNAC, and Cisco ThousandEyes.

• Conduct regular network assessments, audits, and documentation reviews to ensure compliance with internal security policies and government standards.

• Coordinate and execute hardware/software refreshes, upgrades, and lifecycle maintenance for Cisco network equipment.

• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to align networking solutions with business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud strategies.

• Support Zero Trust Network Access and micro-segmentation frameworks in enterprise environments.

• Lead incident response and root cause analysis for major network outages or security incidents.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:

  • Minimum Associate's Degree (A.A.) in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical field.

• Certifications:

  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

  • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Routing & Switching)

  • Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional (CCIP)

  • Cisco Certified Specialist Data Center Core

  • CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure

• Experience:

  • 8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies in enterprise data center and WAN environments.

  • Prior experience in government or public sector networking environments preferred.

Technical Competencies:

• Deep expertise in Cisco Nexus, IOS, IOS XE, and 9800 Series Wireless Controllers.

• Strong command of networking protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VRF, VLANs, VPNs.

• Experience with SDN, SD-WAN, and WAN optimization technologies.

• Proficient in maintaining and documenting complex networks, including use of tools like Visio, network configuration repositories, and knowledge bases.

• Experience with cloud-integrated data center networking and virtualization technologies.

• Solid understanding of security best practices, Zero Trust models, and business continuity planning.