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\network architectures