Senior Network Testing Engineer

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for a Senior Network Testing Engineer for a CONTRACT assignment with one of our premier Financial Services clients in Alpharetta, GA.

This position is a Senior Network Engineer role with strong expertise in implementing Network Access Control, 802.1X on Enterprise class switches. Candidates focus will be in developing lab testing frameworks, to test and validate the secure access using Cisco Identity Services Engine, RADIUS, authentication protocols and device certificates. This role will be critical in enhancing end point visibility and ensuring compliance across wired and wireless network infrastructure.

Responsibilities:

• Working within the framework of network access control and policy enforcement control access to the network primarily focusing on authentication at the network edge.
• The critical tasks at hand are:
  • 1.To prepare the testplan(s) certifying IEEE 802.1x across a number of edge devices that carry a IEEE 802.1x supplicant ranging from Window 10/ 11/ Cisco Phones/ speakers bus turret/ Apple iOS/ Android/ and much more working in conjunction with a number of different edge switches as the IEEE 802.1x Authenticator . The backend Authentication Server is Cisco ISE
  • 2.Automate these test plans in a ROBOT framework, using Ansible and Python such that the above validation between IEEE 802.1x Authenticator (the switch) and candidate edge device. The outcome of this is a ROBOT
  • 3.The above two allow the creation of a self-service portal where the 802.1x interop will be verified and within the ROBOT framework a Test Report with Logs will be generated for comprehensive analysis as required. Most helpful will be understanding network DMZ designs and certify the underlying hardware, related software features and desktop endpoints 8021.x functionality and related failure modes.
• Collaborate and co-ordinate with Network and Security teams, and vendors.

Required Skills:

• 8+ Years of experience with LAN/WAN network design, engineering, and certification.
• CCNP Level of experience
• Proficiency in the ROBOT Framework
• Knowledge of Python
• Ansible playbooks authoring and how to integrate Ansible with ROBOT framework for seamless automation is beneficial.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure that all aspects of the test cases are thoroughly tested.
• Experience with building Lab designs, and certification of hardware and software of products, performing PoCs.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst switches, 802.1X configurations.
• Good knowledge of Networking technologies: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, Work under minimal supervision
• Strong troubleshooting and debugging skills
• Ability to deal with multiple projects and prioritize the tasks
• Excellent communication skills a MUST
• Create all necessary test cases and develop config templates and operational manuals.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, while working with diverse audiences including highly skilled IT professionals and senior management.
• Collaborate with other technical teams to deliver product and solution level support.
• Extensive liaising with Cisco and Arista
• Knowledge of Network protocols BGP, OSPF, Spanning Tree protocol
• Knowledge on 802.1X, End point authentication, Radius, EAP is a must.
• Working knowledge of DNS And DHCP Servers
• Design and troubleshoot Cisco, Arista Network platforms and protocols IP Routing Platforms: ISR, ASR1K, ASR9K, Catalyst 9K, Nexus9K Cabling and optics 10/25G/40G/50G/100G Break out cables, break out panels.

Preferred Skills:

• Understanding of device certificate management and Certificate based authentication (EAP-TLS). understanding of RADIUS, Dynamic VLAN, Critical VLAN, EAP, AAA, port security, CoA and IBNS2.0 a plus
• Familiarity with Cisco ISE profiling, authentication, authorization, and policy configurations a plus
• Experience in using test tools like Ixia/Spirent/ iperf, Latency generators, Wireshark a plus
• Ansible knowledge ROBOT framework Python ISE knowledge a plus
• Test automation within CI/CD infrastructure, ROBOT framework a plus
• Cisco SDA solution and DNA Center a plus

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

SGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status. We are committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, and our services, programs, and activities. Please visit our company to request an accommodation or assistance regarding our policy.