Network Engineer

SISL Global
Ashburn, VA

Job Title: Senior Network Engineer (L3+) – Datacenter Deployment & Operations (CCNP)



Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer (L3+) with Datacenter experience to join our Deployment & Support team. This role involves designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing large-scale, highly available network infrastructures across data centers and POP (Point of Presence) environments.

The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Layer 2/Layer 3 networking, datacenter architecture, automation, and security, along with hands-on experience in Cisco and Palo Alto platforms.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Deployment & Operations

· Deploy, configure, and maintain large-scale datacenter and POP network infrastructure

· Work with Cisco (C9200, C9300X) and Palo Alto (PA5500) platforms

· Ensure minimal user disruption during deployments, migrations, and upgrades

· Support rack design, cabling, power planning, and hardware installation

· Create rack elevations, floor layouts, port maps, and wiring diagrams

· Manage asset lifecycle and inventory of networking equipment

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2. Datacenter & POP Engineering

· Design and implement datacenter network architecture

· Work with colocation vendors, carriers, and facilities teams

· Handle power, cooling, and capacity planning

· Create Statements of Work (SOWs) for vendors

· Ensure adherence to datacenter best practices

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3. Troubleshooting & Incident Management

· Perform deep-dive troubleshooting of complex L2/L3 issues

· Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement permanent fixes

· Diagnose failures across network devices, servers, and optical links

· Escalate issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams

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4. Network Automation

· Develop automation using:

o Python

o Ansible

o Terraform

· Build scripts for:

o Configuration management

o Provisioning

o Monitoring & remediation

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5. Performance & Optimization

· Monitor network performance and capacity

· Identify bottlenecks and improve:

o Latency

o Throughput

· Implement proactive optimizations

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6. Security & Compliance

· Manage firewalls and security policies (Palo Alto, Panorama)

· Ensure compliance with security standards

· Implement L2/L3 security best practices

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7. Documentation & Process Improvement

· Maintain accurate documentation:

o IP/VLAN plans

o Network diagrams

o Change logs

· Improve operational processes and automation

· Manage RMA processes and vendor coordination

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Required Qualifications

Experience

· 7+ years in enterprise/datacenter network engineering (L3+)

· Experience in large-scale infrastructure, ISP, cloud, or tech environments

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Networking Expertise (L3+)

· Expert knowledge of:

o TCP/IP

o Routing protocols

o IPv4/IPv6

o Traffic analysis and packet capture

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Networking Expertise (L2)

· Strong hands-on experience with:

o STP / RSTP / MSTP

o VLANs & Trunking

o EtherChannel / LAG

o VTP

o L2 security and stability

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Datacenter & Hardware

· Hands-on with:

o Cisco IOS-XE (C9200, C9300X)

o Palo Alto PAN-OS

· Experience with:

o StackWise / StackWise Virtual

o Optical networking & fiber troubleshooting

o DWDM (preferred)

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Automation & Systems

· Python scripting (must-have)

· Ansible (preferred)

· Linux OS proficiency

· API-based automation

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Security

· Strong knowledge of:

o Firewalls

o Network security practices

o Palo Alto Panorama

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Certifications:

· CCNP (Mandatory / Strongly Preferred)

· CCNA / JNCIA / RHCT (plus)

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Preferred Qualifications

· Experience with monitoring tools:

o Zabbix, PRTG

· Exposure to:

o Virtualization

o Storage systems

· Strong understanding of:

o Fiber optics (cabling, connectors, patch panels)

· Experience working with:

o Global teams

o Service providers and colocation facilities

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Project Lifecycle Responsibilities

1. Preparation Phase

· Network design and planning

· Hardware configuration and cabling support

2. Migration Phase

· Execute phased migrations (cell-by-cell)

· Ensure minimal disruption to users

3. BAU (Business as Usual)

· Support new deployments

· Troubleshoot issues

· Manage VLANs and IP changes

· Update firewall policies and documentation

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Additional Requirements

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

· Excellent communication and coordination abilities

· Ability to work in a fast-paced global environment

· Willingness to travel (10–30%)

· Ability to handle physical tasks (lifting equipment if needed)

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Education

· Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:

o Computer Science

o Networking

o Electrical Engineering

o Related field

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Summary

This role is ideal for a CCNP-certified Senior Network Engineer (L3+) with deep datacenter deployment, operations, and automation experience, capable of managing large-scale, mission-critical networks end-to-end.

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