| Location | Sandston, VA |
| Job Type | Contractor |
| Salary | $50,000–$55,000 Per Year |
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.