SDN Automation Engineer

SDN Automation Engineer

The SDN Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, deploying, and managing software-defined networking (SDN) solutions that enhance the agility, automation, and security of enterprise network infrastructures. We are seeking a highly skilled SDN Automation Engineer with expertise in SDN technologies to increase network agility, scalability and automation in our enterprise, cloud and data center environments. This role involves developing and optimizing SDN architecture, integrating controller-based networking, network function virtualization (NFV), and intent-based networking to improve scalability and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and maintain SDN solutions and associated infrastructures across data centers and cloud environments.
• Develop and orchestrate network automation workflows using APIs and tools like Ansible, Python, or Terraform to streamline operations and minimize manual effort.
• Drive the deployment of intent-based networks, self-healing architecture and zero-touch provisioning capabilities.
• Troubleshoot complex SDN-related network issues, providing root cause analysis and long-term solutions.
• Collaborate closely with network and tools architects to integrate SDN with existing WAN, LAN, and cloud infrastructures, as well as with the observability layer.
• Drive the adoption of automation, monitoring, and observability best practices to support scalable and resilient network operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging SDN, NFV, and automation technologies to continuously evolve and optimize the enterprise network strategy.
• Manage complex activities simultaneously to short timescales.
• Develop scripts and processes to test, deploy and validate changes across all network infrastructure, leveraging Ansible and other approved corporate automation and orchestration platforms.
• Develop state-of-the-art technology, appropriate to deliver stable and scalable technical solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop consensus, drive results, and execute projects across the organization on time and within budget.
• Maintain standards and designs for network architecture.
• Articulate design rationale, flexibly adapt solutions, and iterate designs when required.
• Implement proof-of-concepts for emerging network automation technologies, in accordance with automation architecture roadmaps.
• Lead deployment, configuration and maintenance of a network source of truth (NSoT) system.
• Work closely with network architects, senior management and operations teams.
• Act as an escalation engineer for high severity network related production issues, work with engineers and various vendors to identify tactical and strategic solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in information technology, or related field, such as Computer Science or Information Technology or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of proven experience designing, deploying, and managing large-scale network automation projects, with focus on performance optimization and scalability.
• Proficiency with SDN platforms such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX or Juniper Contrail.
• Strong understanding of network fundamentals (L2/L3, BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN) and controller-based design.
• Hands-on experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python, Ansible, RESTful APIs).
• Familiarity with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience with network source of truth tools deployment, configuration and operations, e.g. NetBox or Nautobot.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies, e.g. Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions etc.
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts and services (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE and Juniper JNCIP/JNCIE or equivalent.
• Exposure to container networking and micro segmentation in Kubernetes environments.
• Independent and self-directed work ethic when participating in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Dedicated commitment to service availability and quality user experience.
• Must be results driven with a strong sense of urgency.

Ready to step up to new challenges? We would love to hear from you.