Urgent – Network Engineer | Direct Client | NYC

Hello Please find the following job description Senior Network Engineer NEW YORK , NY Onsite Job Purpose The Senior Network Engineer is responsible for the design, implementation, support, and ongoing optimization of CLIENT 's network infrastructure, with a primary focus on Data Center networking and secondary responsibility for remote office, cloud, security, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity (Cloud OnRamp), network automation, and secure access platforms. This role plays a critical part in delivering robust, scalable, secure, and automated network platforms, ensuring the performance, reliability, and security of CLIENT 's IT systems. The Senior Network Engineer works closely with the Network Services team, Solution Architects, Enterprise Architects, Infrastructure Project Managers, and Information Security teams to implement network solutions aligned with CLIENT standards and architectural designs. Key Responsibilities Network Engineering, Security, Automation & Operations • Serve as a primary technical resource for CLIENT Data Center network infrastructure. • Design, implement, configure, maintain, and support Layer 2 and Layer 3 production networks, including secure connectivity between data centers, cloud environments, and remote sites. • Design, implement, and support Cloud OnRamp connectivity for Azure and AWS, ensuring optimized, secure, and resilient cloud access. • Support, operate, and integrate network security and edge platforms, including: • Cisco ASA (legacy and migration support) • Palo Alto Networks • Zscaler • Fortinet full-stack technologies, including FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiClient, and FortiSASE • Design, implement, and support SD-WAN solutions, including integration with cloud environments and SaaS platforms. • Develop and maintain network automation solutions to streamline provisioning, configuration management, validation, and troubleshooting. • Monitor network and security performance, troubleshoot complex issues, and optimize configurations to ensure stability and availability. • Manage network and security device configurations, firmware, and software upgrades using repeatable and automated approaches. • Participate in a weekly on-call rotation supporting the production network. Design, Standards & Architecture • Contribute to the development and enforcement of network, security, SD-WAN, cloud connectivity, Fortinet platform, and automation standards and best practices across the enterprise. • Maintain detailed network documentation, including diagrams, configurations, procedures, operational runbooks, and automation artifacts. • Identify technical debt and proactively drive remediation through standardization, modernization, and automation. Project Delivery & Lifecycle Management • Deliver network and security components for major initiatives, including data center builds, site builds, refreshes, SD-WAN deployments, Cloud OnRamp implementations, Fortinet platform rollouts, and modernization projects. • Supporting greenfield data center builds migration efforts using technologies such as VXLAN and Overlay Transport Virtualization (OTV). • Operate within a Plan / Build / Operate model (approximately 20% planning and 80% build/operate). • Participate in lifecycle management activities to ensure stable, scalable, supportable, and automatable network and security services. Collaboration & Support • Provide operational support through ServiceNow incidents, requests, and major incident troubleshooting. • Collaborate closely with Information Security, systems, applications, cloud, and IT support teams. • Communicate complex technical, security, and automation concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Continuous Improvement & Mentorship • Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in networking, SD- WAN, cloud connectivity, Zero Trust, Fortinet ecosystems, automation, and network security. • Research, evaluate, and recommend improvements to network, security, SD-WAN, Cloud OnRamp, Fortinet platforms, and automation tools and practices. • Mentor junior network engineers in network fundamentals, Fortinet platforms, automation concepts, and operational best practices. • Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Qualifications Required Experience & Skills • 8+ years of experience in Network Engineering, with a strong focus on Data Center and enterprise networking. • Hands-on experience with: • Cisco Data Center technologies (ACI, Nexus, ASR/ISR) • SD-WAN solutions, including Cloud OnRamp architectures • Cloud OnRamp connectivity for Azure and AWS • Network security platforms, including Cisco ASA, Palo Alto Networks, Zscaler, and Fortinet full-stack solutions (FortiGate, FortiManager, FortiAnalyzer, FortiClient, FortiSASE) • Load balancers, WAN optimization, Meraki, and Wireless LAN Controllers • Experience developing and using network automation, including tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Python, or similar frameworks. • 4+ years of experience with Cisco ACI, Spine/Leaf architecture, or other SDN solutions. • Strong knowledge of networking and routing protocols, including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, and related technologies (VPN, LAN, WAN, WLAN). • Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, upgrading, and supporting Layer 2 and Layer 3 production network environments. • Proven troubleshooting skills in Data Center, Campus, Distributed (SD-WAN), Cloud Connectivity, Security, and Automated environments. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills. • Excellent communication skills with the ability to work independently or as part of a team. • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Systems Analysis, or a related field, or equivalent work experience. Preferred qualification • Cisco Professional-level certification (CCNP, CCDP, CCIE) or equivalent experience. • Fortinet certifications (e.g., NSE 4 7 or equivalent experience). • Security certifications or equivalent experience with Palo Alto, Fortinet, Cisco ASA, or Zscaler platforms. • Experience with Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) or other Network Access Control (NAC) solutions. • Experience with Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM). • Experience with cloud networking architectures in Azure and AWS (VPC/VNet design, routing, security, and connectivity). • Advanced automation or DevNet experience (CI/CD pipelines, Git-based workflows, API-driven networking). • Experience with enterprise network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds Orion). • Experience implementing QoS, Multicast, and traffic engineering strategies. • Experience with packet capture and analysis tools, NetFlow, IP SLA, and similar technologies. Additional Requirements • Ability to verify legal authorization to work. • Ability to read, speak, and understand English proficiently. • Ability to comply with CLIENT policies, including Code of Conduct and Conflict of Interest guidelines. • Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Thanks & Regards Satish Pochampally US IT Recruiter Cerebra Consulting Inc : 18148312402 (Ext :- 165) - satish.pochampally@cerebra-consulting.com Apply tot his job Apply To this Job