Network Engineer (Automation & AI Focus)

6 Month Contract to Hire USC and GC Preferred Summary Seeking a highly skilled, adaptable, and forward-thinking Network Engineer with strong expertise in enterprise networking, automation, and emerging AI-driven network operations. This role is ideal for a professional who can design, implement, and optimize scalable, secure, and intelligent network solutions across corporate campus, WAN, cloud, and remote access environments. Responsibilities Design, implement, and manage enterprise network solutions across campus, WAN, cloud, and remote access environments in a multivendor ecosystem (Cisco, Meraki, Palo Alto, Fortinet). Lead network automation initiatives using Ansible, Python, Terraform, and infrastructure-as-code methodologies to streamline provisioning, configuration management, and operational efficiency. Evaluate and integrate AI/ML-driven network operations (AIOps) tools and methodologies to enhance monitoring, anomaly detection, predictive analytics, root cause analysis, and capacity planning. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business requirements into scalable, secure, and efficient network architectures. Architect and support hybrid network environments, ensuring seamless connectivity between on-prem, cloud (AWS, Azure), and SaaS platforms. Implement and maintain network security controls including firewalls, segmentation, zero-trust architectures, access controls, and encryption standards to safeguard sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards. Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines and NetDevOps workflows for network infrastructure-as-code, enabling version-controlled, repeatable, and auditable network changes. Monitor network performance, analyze trends, and proactively resolve issues to ensure high availability and optimal user experience. Drive continuous improvement through adoption of modern networking technologies such as SD-WAN, SASE, and cloud-native networking. Develop and maintain comprehensive documentation, automation workflows, and operational runbooks. Participate in on-call rotation for incident response and critical issue resolution. Qualifications Minimum 4+ years of experience in enterprise/corporate network engineering. Must be able to hit the ground running on large-scale initiatives including project planning, design, capacity forecasting, and implementation. Strong expertise in routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP), WAN technologies, and enterprise network design. Hands‑on experience with network automation and infrastructure-as-code tools (Ansible, Terraform, Python) including playbook development and scripting. Experience with AI‑assisted network operations, telemetry analysis, or intelligent monitoring platforms (e.g., AIOps tools, NetDevOps pipelines). Proficiency with firewall technologies (Palo Alto, Fortinet) and network security best practices including zero‑trust frameworks and encryption methods. Strong experience with Meraki or other cloud‑managed networking platforms. Solid understanding of WAN architectures, VPNs, and cloud connectivity. Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills for complex network environments. Excellent communication skills across technical and non‑technical stakeholders, including senior leadership, project management, and end users. Self‑starter mindset with the ability to work independently and within teams to accomplish goals. Preferred Qualifications Industry certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, CCIE, DevNet Associate/Professional, or equivalent. Experience with NetDevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and version control (Git, GitLab, Jenkins). Familiarity with SD-WAN, SASE, and zero‑trust architectures. Knowledge of software‑defined networking (SDN) concepts, intent‑based networking, and micro/macro segmentation. Experience with public cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid cloud environments. Exposure to AI/ML use cases in networking such as anomaly detection, predictive capacity planning, or automated remediation. Experience with containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes) and their networking models. #J-18808-Ljbffr