Datacenter Network Architect - VXLAN / EVPN & Cisco Nexus

Datacenter Network Architect - VXLAN / EVPN & Cisco Nexus

Location / Work-style: Remote

Skills: Juniper Data Center
Experience Required: 7+ Years

Roles & Responsibilities:
Datacenter Architecture & Design
• Design and architect modern datacenter network infrastructures, including Spine Leaf, VXLAN/EVPN, and fabric-based topologies.
• Develop detailed HLD (High-Level Design) and LLD (Low-Level Design) documentation for new deployments and upgrades.
• Evaluate current infrastructure and define future-state architecture, ensuring scalability, performance, and security.
• Lead architecture discussions with clients and internal teams to define technical roadmaps and standards.
Implementation & Deployment
• Oversee and guide deployment of Cisco Nexus, ACI, VMware NSX, and related DC technologies.
• Drive end to end implementation of datacenter fabrics including underlay/overlay setup.
• Validate configurations, perform network readiness checks, and support migration planning and execution.
• Manage application networking integrations, including load balancers, firewalls, and security overlays.
Operations, Troubleshooting & Escalations
• Act as the highest technical escalation point for datacenter network issues, including P1/P2 incidents.
• Troubleshoot complex routing, switching, virtualization, and fabric-related issues.
• Analyze network performance and recommend improvements in stability, throughput, and redundancy.
• Support operational teams with advanced troubleshooting and root cause analysis.
Security & Governance
• Implement and maintain secure network designs, including micro segmentation, ACLs, firewalls, and RBAC models.
• Ensure compliance with organizational security standards and industry best practices.
• Work with security teams to integrate firewalls, IPS/IDS, WAF, and segmentation policies into datacenter designs.

Must Have:
• Core Datacenter Networking Skills
• Deep knowledge of Datacenter architectures: Spine Leaf, Clos, Multi Tier, VXLAN, EVPN, and Fabric technologies.
• Hands on expertise with Cisco Nexus platforms (5K/7K/9K), ACI, or equivalent solutions from Arista, Juniper, or VMware.
• Strong understanding of L2/L3 switching and routing, including technologies such as:
• OSPF, BGP, IS IS
• STP, vPC, MLAG, HSRP/VRRP
• FabricPath, OTV, VDCs
• Proficiency with VXLAN/EVPN fabric design, underlay/overlay integrations, and controller based architectures.
• Datacenter Virtualization & Compute
• Experience with VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter and network virtualization (NSX T preferred).
• Understanding of server virtualization, distributed switching, and virtual routing.
• Familiarity with hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) platforms like Nutanix or Cisco HyperFlex.
• Datacenter Security
• Strong understanding of micro segmentation, firewall integration, and secure fabric design.
• Experience with data center firewalls (Cisco Firepower, Palo Alto, Fortinet).
• Knowledge of AAA, TACACS+, RBAC, and datacenter security best practices.
• Load Balancing & Application Networking
• Knowledge of application delivery controllers (ADCs) such as F5 BIG IP, Citrix Netscaler, or AVI Networks.
• Familiarity with GSLB, SSL offloading, WAF, and application proxying.
• Ability to design, deploy, configure, and troubleshoot SD WAN overlays and underlays.
• Experience in controller, orchestrator, and edge device deployments.
• Capability to integrate SD WAN with security stacks, cloud access, and SASE frameworks.
• Hands on experience with zero touch provisioning and large scale rollout planning.
• Ability to create and optimize application policies, routing templates, and traffic steering rules.
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities, especially for high severity issues (P1/P2).
• Ability to work in client facing environments and communicate complex designs clearly.
• Experience leading technical discussions, workshops, and architecture review sessions.
• Ability to document HLD (High Level Design) and LLD (Low Level Design).
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to lead technical discussions and mentor junior engineers
- Strong documentation and diagramming skills (Visio, Lucidchart, Draw.io)

Education:
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated, self-starting Information Technology professional with a minimum BS/BA degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in developing, implementing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and supporting infrastructure etwork architectures