The Data Center Network Engineer II is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing data center network solutions to ensure reliable, efficient, and secure connectivity for an organization's business operations. This role involves assessing the network infrastructure, identifying issues, and developing strategies to improve it. The engineer works closely with other IT professionals, including Network Engineers and Administrators, to deploy and support network solutions, troubleshoot network problems, and provide technical support to end-users.
Essential Responsibilities
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
Design and implement Cisco data center network solutions, including Nexus switches, ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure), and MDS (Multilayer Director Switches).
Develop detailed network design documentation, including diagrams, configurations, and migration plans.
Deploy and configure Cisco Nexus switches, ACI fabric, and other data center networking components according to design specifications.
Implement network protocols such as OSPF, BGP, VXLAN, and EVPN to optimize data center network performance and scalability
Troubleshoot data center network issues, including connectivity problems, performance degradation, and protocol interoperability.
Perform root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to resolve issues promptly.
Monitor data center network performance using Cisco DCNM (Data Center Network Manager) or equivalent tools.
Analyze network traffic patterns, bandwidth utilization, and other metrics to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Implement and maintain data center network security measures, including ACLs, VLAN segmentation, and integration with security appliances (e.g., firewalls, IDS/IPS).
Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements related to data security and privacy (e.g., GDPR, PCI DSS).
Maintain accurate documentation of data center network configurations, diagrams, and operational procedures.
Update documentation as changes are implemented to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational standards
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., systems, storage, security) to integrate data center networking solutions into overall IT infrastructure projects.
Provide technical support and guidance to junior engineers and team members.
General Responsibilities
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree required.
Experience Requirements:
3-5 years of experience in designing, deploying, and supporting Cisco data center networking solutions required.
Hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus switches (e.g., Nexus 9000 series), ACI, and MDS switches.
License/Certification/Registration Requirements: Cisco certifications such as CCNP Data Center or equivalent are preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Required:
Strong knowledge of data center networking protocols and technologies, including VXLAN, EVPN, FabricPath, and Cisco UCS integration.
Proficiency in network troubleshooting and analysis using monitoring tools and command-line interface (CLI).
Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting languages (e.g., Python, Ansible) for provisioning and configuration management.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment, with a focus on achieving project goals and objectives.
Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a dynamic data center environment.
Experience with software-defined networking (SDN) and Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure).
Familiarity with cloud integration and hybrid cloud networking solutions.
Knowledge of ITIL framework or other IT service management best practices.