Network Engineer

SKY Partners
  • Sandston, VA
  • $50,000–$55,000 Per Year
  • Contractor
  • Quick Apply
5 days ago

Job Description

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.

 
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
 
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
 
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
 
4. Network Automation

Develop automation using:
Python
Ansible
Terraform
Build scripts for:
Configuration management
Provisioning
Monitoring & remediation
 
5. Performance & Optimization

Monitor network performance and capacity
Identify bottlenecks and improve:
Latency
Throughput
Implement proactive optimizations
 
6. Security & Compliance

Manage firewalls and security policies (Palo Alto, Panorama)
Ensure compliance with security standards
Implement L2/L3 security best practices
 
7. Documentation & Process Improvement

Maintain accurate documentation:
IP/VLAN plans
Network diagrams
Change logs
Improve operational processes and automation
Manage RMA processes and vendor coordination
 
Required Qualifications

Experience

7+ years in enterprise/datacenter network engineering (L3+)
Experience in large-scale infrastructure, ISP, cloud, or tech environments
 
Networking Expertise (L3+)

Expert knowledge of:
TCP/IP
Routing protocols
IPv4/IPv6
Traffic analysis and packet capture
 
Networking Expertise (L2)

Strong hands-on experience with:
STP / RSTP / MSTP
VLANs & Trunking
EtherChannel / LAG
VTP
L2 security and stability
 
Datacenter & Hardware

Hands-on with:
Cisco IOS-XE (C9200, C9300X)
Palo Alto PAN-OS
Experience with:
StackWise / StackWise Virtual
Optical networking & fiber troubleshooting
DWDM (preferred)
 
Automation & Systems

Python scripting (must-have)
Ansible (preferred)
Linux OS proficiency
API-based automation
 
Security

Strong knowledge of:
Firewalls
Network security practices
Palo Alto Panorama
 
Certifications

CCNP (Mandatory / Strongly Preferred)
CCNA / JNCIA / RHCT (plus)
 
Preferred Qualifications

Experience with monitoring tools:
Zabbix, PRTG
Exposure to:
Virtualization
Storage systems
Strong understanding of:
Fiber optics (cabling, connectors, patch panels)
Experience working with:
Global teams
Service providers and colocation facilities
 
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
 
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)
 
Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in:
Computer Science
Networking
Electrical Engineering
Related field
 
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.

 

Numbers & Facts

LocationSandston, VA
Job TypeContractor
Salary$50,000–$55,000 Per Year

Skills

  • Asset Managementunmatched
  • Automationunmatched
  • Best Practicesunmatched
  • CCNA - Cisco Certified Network Associateunmatched
  • CCNP - Cisco Certified Network Professionalunmatched
  • Capacity Managementunmatched
  • Cisco Network Systemsunmatched
  • Cloud Computingunmatched
  • Collocationunmatched
  • Communication Skillsunmatched
  • Computer Scienceunmatched
  • Configuration Managementunmatched
  • Cross-Functionalunmatched
  • Electrical Wiringunmatched
  • Firewallsunmatched
  • Hardware Configuration Managementunmatched
  • Hardware Installationunmatched
  • High Availabilityunmatched
  • Identify Issuesunmatched
  • Incident Managementunmatched
  • Intellectual Property (IP)unmatched
  • Internet Service Providersunmatched
  • JNCIA - Juniper Networks Certified Internet Associateunmatched
  • Layer 3 Protocolsunmatched
  • Lifting Equipmentunmatched
  • Maintain Complianceunmatched
  • Network Administration/Managementunmatched
  • Network Architecture/Engineeringunmatched
  • Network Designunmatched
  • Network Operations Centerunmatched
  • Network Performance/Analysisunmatched
  • Network System Hardwareunmatched
  • Operational Improvementunmatched
  • Operations Processesunmatched
  • Optical Networkingunmatched
  • Organizational Skillsunmatched
  • POP (Post Office Protocol)unmatched
  • Performance Analysisunmatched
  • Performance Tuning/Optimizationunmatched
  • Process Improvementunmatched
  • Process Managementunmatched
  • Project Lifecycleunmatched
  • Regulatory Complianceunmatched
  • Root Cause Analysisunmatched
  • Security Complianceunmatched
  • Security Monitoringunmatched
  • Statement of Work (SOW)unmatched
  • VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)unmatched
  • Willing to Travelunmatched

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