Senior Network Engineer

Direct message the job poster from Gotham Technology Group Sr. Technical Recruiter at Gotham Technology Group Job Title: Senior Network Engineer – Data Center Fabric & Multicast Specialist Location: Stamford, CT Type: 6+ months Contract Position Overview A direct client of ours is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Network Engineer to lead the implementation and optimization of next-generation data center network infrastructure. This role will focus on executing a critical data center modernization initiative involving the migration from legacy hardware to a fabric-based architecture using VXLAN and EVPN, managed through Cisco Nexus Dashboard Fabric Controller (NDFC). The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring seamless deployments, strong documentation, and robust network health in high-availability environments with multicast dependencies. Key Responsibilities Infrastructure Modernization: Spearhead the replacement of legacy core and access switches (e.g., Catalyst 6500, Nexus 7000) with Cisco Nexus 9000 hardware, enabling a VXLAN-based leaf-spine topology across multiple data centers. Fabric Design & Deployment: Build and maintain VXLAN EVPN fabrics using Cisco NDFC, including provisioning of VLANs, VRFs, and external L3 connectivity, ensuring high-performance and scalable design. Multicast Readiness: Oversee the migration and validation of multicast-dependent services, replacing legacy multicast switches and resolving any related interoperability or application-impact issues. Network Configuration & Automation: Leverage Cisco NX-OS to configure overlays and underlays, implement NVE interfaces, and manage protocols such as OSPF and BGP to support robust routing within and across fabrics. Advanced Troubleshooting: Analyze and resolve network challenges at Layer 2 and 3, including VXLAN anomalies, multicast behavior, BGP EVPN routes, STP inconsistencies, or reachability issues, using CLI and telemetry tools. Documentation & Governance: Create high-quality implementation playbooks, rollback strategies, topology diagrams, and configuration artifacts aligned with ITIL or internal change control standards. Security & Segmentation: Apply VRF segregation, access control policies, and VLAN design principles to ensure a secure and segmented fabric environment. Migration Execution: Prepare and execute switch cutovers and data center migrations with precision, minimizing downtime and validating success against predefined success criteria. Future Planning: Contribute to long-term strategies for interconnecting additional sites, co-location facilities, or cloud edges with the evolving core infrastructure. Required Expertise Strong knowledge of L2/L3 networking concepts including VLANs, trunking, STP, EtherChannel, IP routing, subnetting, and MAC address learning. Deep understanding of routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, including deployment in VRF-aware environments. Proficient in VXLAN technologie s including VNI, VTEP, and EVPN -based control planes, with real-world deployment experience. Expertise in deploying and managing fabrics via Cisco NDFC (formerly DCNM) , including experience with Fabric Builder, templates, and policy automation. Hands-on with Cisco Nexus 9000 switches and NX-OS, capable of configuring and maintaining high-scale fabric environments. Skilled in diagnosing multicast issues, supporting migrations from legacy multicast hardware, and validating multicast application performance. Strong troubleshooting skills across data center environments, including CLI-based diagnostics and the use of monitoring/telemetry platforms. Proficient in generating clear documentation for engineering and operational use, including migration guides and network diagrams. Understanding of network security design within fabrics, including VRF isolation and access control strategies. Ability to operate independently and drive large-scale implementations with minimal oversight. Preferred Qualifications Industry certifications such as CCNP or CCIE in Data Center or Enterprise Infrastructure. Experience with network automation frameworks (e.g., Terraform, Ansible) for provisioning and compliance. Familiarity with L3Out design and external routing integrations with fabric environments. Previous hands-on work with Cisco Catalyst 6500 or Nexus 7000 (FabricPath) networks. 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