Lead Sr. Network Operations Center (NOC) (DNS/Akamai/F5) Engineer
Position Summary
The Senior-Level NOC Engineer (Tier 3) functions as the highest technical escalation point within the global Network Operations Center. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, architecture-level insight, and deep subject matter expertise across complex, multi-vendor network infrastructures. Tier 3 support engineers lead root-cause analysis, oversee major incidents, influence network design standards, and partner with engineering teams to drive stability, scalability, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Advanced Incident & Problem Management
- Acts as the final escalation point for all high-severity incidents, providing advanced packet analysis, protocol decoding, and cross-platform correlation.
- Performs deep-dive RCA, producing engineering-quality post-incident documentation and recommending long-term corrective actions.
- Leads network recovery efforts during outages involving routing instability, security events, hardware failures, or cloud connectivity issues.
Architecture-Level Network Troubleshooting Expertise
- Expert proficiency with Cisco IOS, Nexus OS, and Cisco ACI with the ability to interpret and troubleshoot complex multi-tier architectures.
- Deep understanding of F5 LTM/GTM, load-balancing behaviors, DNS architectures, Akamai and SSL offloading.
- Strong knowledge of DNS automation, API-driven provisioning, and lifecycle management in large-scale environments, including experience with IAC pipelines.
Tools, Automation & Visibility
- Mastery of packet analysis tools: Bluecat, Solarwinds, APCON, Wireshark, netflow/sflow platforms.
- Develops automation scripts for configuration validation, monitoring, and incident response workflows.
- Evaluates and integrates new operational tools and observability platforms.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partners with Network Engineering to validate new designs, perform pre-deployment testing, and influence standards.
- Mentors junior and mid-level NOC engineers, providing technical coaching, lab guidance, and training material.
- Engages directly with vendors for escalated TAC cases, hardware escalations, and architectural reviews.
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum 8 years of experience in network engineering or IT infrastructure, including at least two years of project or program management experience.
B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field.
MBA/M.Tech in a technical or management discipline is preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience is acceptable.
8+ years of enterprise network operations or engineering experience, supporting large-scale, complex environments.
Strong understanding of network deployment, performance monitoring, and technical troubleshooting across enterprise infrastructures.
Expert-level knowledge of core networking technologies, including:
BGP, OSPF, VRFs, MPLS fundamentals
L2/L3 architectures and WAN technologies
Extensive hands-on experience with enterprise networking and security platforms, including:
Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Palo Alto, Aruba, and F5 ecosystems.
Experience managing technology projects, preferably within a corporate or Financial Services environment.
Ability to lead cross-functional project teams, manage technical and operational risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Proven capability to lead major incidents under pressure, providing clear communication and strong technical command during high-impact situations.
Familiarity with disaster recovery strategies, including planning and implementation within network operations.
Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall
Required Certifications
- Cisco CCNP (or equivalent)
Preferred Certifications
- CCIE (Routing & Switching, Enterprise, or Data Center)
- JNCIP/JNCIE
- PCNSE (Palo Alto)
- F5 Certified Administrator or Engineer
- AWS Advanced Networking
Special Requirements
- Must participate in 24x7 Tier 3 escalation rotation.
- May assist in after-hours change execution and major event coverage.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.