Network Architect

Role: Network Architect (specializing in Aruba LAN/WLAN, SD-WAN, Palo Alto Firewalls, VPN Services, Aruba Central, ClearPass)Required Technical Skill Set: Enterprise and Data Center Networking, SDWAN, Velo Cloud, LAN, WLAN, Firewall, Palo Alto Prisma Access (SASE), Security, switching, Cloud, Azure networking, network automation skillsDesired Experience Range: 10-12 yearsLocation: Pune, ChennaiDesired Competencies (Technical/Behavioral Competency)Network and Architecture:- Create detailed technical documentation, including design documents (LLD, HLD), deployment guides, and operational manuals. - Plan and execute in depth technical activity, influencing the direction of activities/plans and providing technical insight and guidance to others. - Lead the design and architecture of network solutions across all technologies - Develop comprehensive deployment plans, including network topology, routing strategies, and security measures. - Collaborate with stakeholders to understand business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.Deployment and Implementation:- Oversee the end-to-end deployment of network solutions - Configure and optimize network appliances and orchestrators. - Ensure seamless integration with existing network infrastructureMigration Planning and Execution- Develop detailed design plans - Execute pilot migrations and full-scale rollouts. - Ensure minimal disruption to business operations during migration. - Perform pre-migration testing, validation, and post-migration support - Investigate and help resolve issues on customer's network and IT estates using agreed troubleshooting methodologies - Manage support cases to enable fast resolution that exceeds our customers' expectations - Ensuring accurate recording of all cases using the Customer's ticket management tool and closing within agreed timeframes - Using the central document repository, to ensure knowledge sharing across the team and enable best practice - Supporting and taking ownership of ad-hoc projects to develop the Network capabilities within the team. - Supporting wider team with knowledge share, via knowledge base communications (emails, how-to guides etc.) and contribution at team meetings - L3 network designing, implementation architecture, and discussions with wider stakeholders - Prepare and High-level Network design and low-level design. - Data Center Technologies (3 Tier Network Design and SDN Understanding). - Lead network transformational projects to meet customers requirements. - Strong understanding & hands on experience on Authentication protocols like EAP-TLS, EAP-PEAP, SSO, TACACS, Radius - ClearPass integration with 3rd party tools like AD, Azure AD, Firewall, MDM etc. - ClearPass Architecture designing including clustering, AAA/Radius 802.1x, mac auth services, policies, profiling, Insight, Guest - Cisco CCNP or CCIE across different architectures (Routing and Switching, Data Center, Network Function Virtualization, Firewall security and SD WAN)HPE Aruba Networking Certified Network Architect − Campus AccessHPE Aruba Networking Certified Network Architect – Data Center- Managing Incident and Change management.ITIL process knowledge would be preferred.Advanced degrees or relevant certifications (e.g., Cisco, Velo SDWAN, Palo Alto Certified Professional) are a plus.Responsibility of / Expectations from the Role- Installing, configuring, and maintaining Network Devices such as SDN, ACI, NFV, NSX, Aruba LAN/WLAN Switches, WAN routers, Firewalls SDWAN devices. - Understand various network monitoring tools - In-depth knowledge of overall network architecture, features, and capabilities. - Proficiency in network protocols (e.g., BGP, OSPF), VPN technologies, and firewall configurations. - Strong understanding of network security principles and best practices. - Familiarity with network monitoring and management tools - Configuration and administration of Logical VMs in Virtual environment - Strong in troubleshooting of Data Center related technologies - Manage Escalation, responding to stakeholders. - Vulnerability remediation support, tracking and reporting closure - OEM and Third-party vendor coordination - Creating, Reviewing, and validating High Level Design, Low Level design and implementation / migration / Acceptance test planning etc