Senior Network Automation Engineer

Senior Network Automation Engineer Employment Type: Contract-to-Hire Location: Fully Remote About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Network Automation Engineer to join a platform technology team in a senior individual contributor role focused on network automation. This position is responsible for the development, extension, and ongoing support of a production-grade network automation platform that spans multiple network domains and cloud environments. The platform is built on a modern Python backend stack, including FastAPI, async/multi-process services, Kafka, Redis, and PostgreSQL. It integrates with Azure Data Explorer for telemetry and observability and provides operational interfaces through a Vue3 single-page application. Infrastructure is deployed across multiple clouds using Crossplane, and the network layer includes Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco Meraki, Webex, Adtran nCommand, Juniper, Arista, and Nokia (NFM-P/NFM-T). Identity and access management is handled through Auth0, Azure Entra ID, and a role-based access control (RBAC) model. This is a senior-level role requiring genuine depth in both software engineering and network technologies. The ideal candidate will bring professional experience developing production Python services alongside meaningful hands-on knowledge of enterprise or service provider networking. Key Responsibilities Design, develop, and maintain Python backend services using FastAPI, Pydantic, and SQLAlchemy, including async and multi-process service patterns Build and maintain event-driven integrations using Kafka Leverage Redis for caching and state management Develop and extend integrations with network management systems, including: Cisco SD-WAN Cisco Meraki Webex Adtran nCommand Juniper Arista Nokia NFM-P/NFM-T Contribute to telemetry data pipelines and observability tooling using Azure Data Explorer, Grafana, and custom dashboards Maintain and extend the Vue3 front end for operational and engineering tooling Manage infrastructure-as-code using Crossplane across multi-cloud environments Work within and extend the platform's identity and access control model using Auth0, Azure Entra ID, and RBAC Collaborate with network engineers and operations teams to translate domain requirements into platform capabilities Take ownership of deliverables across the full development lifecycle, including design, implementation, testing, deployment, and documentation Required Qualifications Software Engineering Demonstrated professional experience developing production Python services Experience with async frameworks, ORM-based data access, and service-oriented design patterns Experience building or working within event-driven architectures Hands-on Kafka experience is a strong plus Proficiency with PostgreSQL, including schema design and query optimization Working knowledge of JavaScript and front-end development Experience with Vue3 or a comparable modern front-end framework preferred Familiarity with OAuth2/OIDC, RBAC, and enterprise identity providers, including Auth0, Azure Entra ID, or equivalent Experience with infrastructure-as-code in cloud environments Crossplane or Terraform experience preferred Proficiency with Git, CI/CD pipelines, and containerized application deployment Experience with Docker and Kubernetes Networking Meaningful hands-on experience in enterprise or service provider network environments, including design, operations, or engineering Strong working knowledge of BGP, OSPF, MPLS, SD-WAN, and network security fundamentals Familiarity with one or more of the following vendor platforms: Cisco SD-WAN Cisco Meraki Webex Juniper Arista Nokia Adtran Ability to read and interpret device configurations and network telemetry data Advanced networking certification strongly preferred, including CCNP or higher, or equivalent certification from Juniper, Arista, or Nokia CCIE or equivalent is a significant differentiator Preferred Qualifications Experience with Azure Data Explorer, including KQL and telemetry ingestion pipelines Familiarity with streaming telemetry, including gNMI/gNMIc and model-driven telemetry from Cisco, Juniper, or Nokia platforms Experience with Nokia NFM-P/NFM-T or comparable OSS/NMS platforms Background in telco, service provider, or carrier-grade network environments Experience integrating network automation platforms with ITSM or OSS/BSS systems What You'll Be Working With Software & Development: Python, FastAPI, Pydantic, SQLAlchemy, JavaScript, Vue3 Data & Messaging: PostgreSQL, Kafka, Redis, Azure Data Explorer, KQL Cloud & Infrastructure: Multi-cloud environments, Crossplane, Terraform, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD Networking: Cisco SD-WAN, Cisco Meraki, Webex, Adtran nCommand, Juniper, Arista, Nokia NFM-P/NFM-T Identity & Access: Auth0, Azure Entra ID, OAuth2/OIDC, RBAC Observability: Azure Data Explorer, Grafana, network telemetry, custom dashboards Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual's skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company's 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. EEO Notice Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law. Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact . Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal. Representation Notice By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal. For residents of Ontario, Canada: Based on Highspring's discussions with its Client, Highspring's understanding is that this position for employment is a current vacancy (either through Highspring as a contractor or with the client directly). Privacy Notice Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies. California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here. Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here. Residents of all other states may access our policies here. Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here. Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here. Additionally, submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. More details about Vaco by Highspring's use of AI can be found here ( Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase will be conducted by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco by Highspring does not know and cannot opine on if its client's use of AI products in hiring. Pay Transparency Notice Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to: the individual's skill sets, experience and training; licensure and certification requirements; office location and other geographic considerations; other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses. Vaco