SDN Expert Engineer

Overview
SDN Expert Engineer

• Lead the end-to-end design, deployment, and management of SD-WAN and SASE solutions.
• Collaborate across teams and vendors to troubleshoot and optimize large-scale network infrastructure.
• Deliver multi-cloud connectivity using AWS, Azure, GCP, and edge devices.
• Interface with global customers for architecture decisions and escalations.
• Ensure secure and high-performance routing, switching, and firewall configurations.
• Leverage tools like Python, Ansible, and Terraform for network automation.
• Document changes and follow ITIL-based processes for operational excellence.
• Train junior engineers and drive technology adoption across teams.
• Maintain hands-on expertise with Cisco, Juniper, Fortinet, Palo Alto, and VeloCloud platforms.
• Stay ahead with certifications (CCNA/CCNP, Juniper, VMware SD-WAN) to support cutting-edge deployments.

Responsibilities
SDN Expert Engineer - Roles and Responsibilities

A SDN Expert Engineer leads the design, deployment, troubleshooting, and optimization of advanced networking solutions across enterprise and cloud environments. This role demands deep platform knowledge, operational excellence, and customer-facing agility to deliver high-impact results on large-scale networks.

Core Responsibilities

• Collaborate across teams to gather and analyze customer architecture and network requirements
• Standardize technical assessments of legacy, hybrid, and cloud-native environments
• Design and deploy greenfield and brownfield SDWAN solutions across on-prem, AWS, Azure, and GCP
• Lead infrastructure transformation using ACI, SDN, and SASE technologies
• Front-end escalation bridge calls as network team representative
• Drive incident and change management across production environments
• Work directly with vendors and service providers to ensure timely issue resolution
• Lead project delivery end-to-end, including planning, execution, documentation, and team training

Platform & Technology Proficiency

• Hands-on experience with Cisco SDWAN, Velocloud, Versa, Fortinet, Zscaler, Palo Alto, Juniper (vSRX, NFX250/350)
• Strong proficiency in deploying and operating corporate LAN, WAN, and security architectures
• Extensive experience with Cisco Routers (ASR/ISR), Switches (6500/4500/3850), Fortinet and Palo Alto firewalls, and WLC operations
• Skilled in Routing protocols (Static, EIGRP, OSPF, BGP - iBGP/eBGP) and Switching (VTP/STP)
• Experience with Cisco ISE, VNFs, and network virtualization platforms
• Solid foundation in infrastructure automation using Python, Ansible, Terraform
• Demonstrated experience with Change Management and ITIL-aligned processes
• Familiarity with Ericsson networking technologies is an advantage

Leadership, Communication & Documentation

• Ability to interpret client needs and provide strategic network solutions
• Train junior staff and guide team members on emerging technologies
• Communicate effectively at global scale with internal and external stakeholders
• Document changes, architecture decisions, risk mitigations, and operational learnings
• Maintain accurate records and deliver on deadlines and targets
• Actively participate in on-call rotation and service continuity support

Certifications & Qualities

• CCIE / JNCP / JNCIE / Velocloud SDWAN
• ITIL qualification preferred
• Self-motivated, solution-driven, and optimistic in approach
• Capable of making architectural-level decisions and adapting strategies based on network dynamics

Requirements

• Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships to understand client requirements
• Accurate recording of information
• A self-motivated attitude
• Ability to deliver against deadlines and agreed targets
• Participation in the on-call rota
• CCIE / JNCP / JNCIE / Velocloud SDWAN