Staff Engineer, Infrastructure Solutions

Staff Engineer, Infrastructure Solutions (12 Month Contract)

Location: Toronto
Work Arrangement: Hybrid
Employment Type: Consultant / 12 Month Contract

The Work

The Staff Engineer plays a key role within the Infrastructure Solutions team, defining infrastructure strategies and roadmaps with a strong emphasis on network engineering initiatives. This role will involve finalizing designs and technical implementations that align with the architecture established by the Enterprise Architecture function, ensuring optimal use of technology within the organization. The specialist will contribute to the development of policies, processes, and procedures for Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) and provide expert advice on technology utilization to enhance overall enterprise value.

In addition to these responsibilities, the position will focus on creating robust network architectures and developing high-level designs that meet business requirements. This includes designing network topologies, selecting appropriate technologies, and producing detailed documentation. The specialist will collaborate with various teams, including Azure Cloud Operations and business unit infrastructure requirements, to ensure alignment with organizational objectives while supporting high-level infrastructure needs across the enterprise.

Core Responsibilities

Cross-Team Collaboration:

• Work across all Infrastructure teams (Infrastructure Engineering, Network Engineering, Cloud & DevOps, ITSM, and Unified Communications) to identify and address operational requirements for new features and products.
• Ensure alignment on design and engineering projects.
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving skills by addressing complex tactical issues collaboratively and escalating appropriately when necessary.

Network Design and Implementation:

• Lead the design and research efforts for network engineering initiatives.
• Focus on Meraki and FortiGate technologies across cloud and on-premises environments.
• Design network topologies, select appropriate technologies, and implement secure applications using TLS/SSL certificates.
• Coach team members on complex network solutions, demonstrating technical breadth across disciplines.

Proof of Concept and Technology Assessments:

• Lead and/or assist in completing "proof of concept" efforts for new infrastructure technologies.
• Conduct assessments that drive business decisions related to network solutions.
• Identify issues during assessments and propose comprehensive solutions that reflect sound judgment.

Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:

• Develop detailed documentation, including network diagrams and technical specifications for new implementations.
• Share knowledge with team members and mentor them on best practices for network and infrastructure design.
• Use effective written communication to influence decision-making at higher levels.

Monitoring Industry Trends:

• Stay informed about industry trends in both infrastructure and networking to align existing and future solution strategies with business objectives.
• Leverage knowledge of industry developments to coach others on addressing complex challenges.

Technical Representation:

• Represent solutions in technical reviews and discussions with client stakeholders.
• Facilitate cross-team collaboration to ensure seamless integration of new network and infrastructure solutions.
• Use verbal communication skills to influence colleagues in other functions effectively.

Technology Roadmaps and Standards:

• Oversee technology roadmaps for core network infrastructure offerings while investigating new technology ideas/opportunities.
• Manage change by contributing to major cross-functional initiatives related to technology standards.

Architecture Development:

• Help lead the definition and development of architecture, patterns, and guidelines that integrate both infrastructure and network solutions.
• Provide leadership in guiding teams through architectural changes.

Security Controls Definition:

• Define security controls for a variety of cloud and on-prem workloads by collaborating closely with Information Security.
• Exercise strong judgment in ensuring compliance with industry best practices.

Governance Activities Implementation:

• Assist in defining infrastructure governance activities based on I&O roadmaps.
• Ensure that implementations adhere to industry's best practices.
• Act as a primary contributor on cross-functional initiatives related to governance.

Cloud Infrastructure Design and Disaster Recovery Consulting:

• Design, support, and optimize cloud infrastructure solutions in Azure while focusing on operational efficiency, scalability, and security.
• Collaborate with the CloudOps team to implement network changes based on business unit requirements while acting as a consultant for disaster recovery capabilities.
• Set up Azure Site Recovery to ensure seamless recovery between on-premises environments and Azure.
• Enhance business continuity and minimize downtime during disruptions.
• Demonstrate poise in managing complex day-to-day situations related to cloud operations.

Required Qualifications

• Strong experience in network engineering with a focus on Meraki and Fortigate firewall technologies.
• Advanced knowledge of Azure Cloud infrastructure and operations.
• Ability to design and document complex infrastructure solutions that align with business requirements.
• Strong understanding of security principles in both cloud and on-prem environments.
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across teams and with stakeholders.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve all infrastructure technical issues.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervisory direction.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to lead and/or facilitate the design of innovative/creative solutions and remedies to technical challenges encountered within the technical functional areas in IT.
• Strong leadership skills to indirectly manage across functional teams toward common solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in network engineering, infrastructure design, and cloud operations.
• Proven track record in designing scalable network and infrastructure solutions within a complex environment.
• Experience working with business units to design custom infrastructure solutions.

Work Location

The incumbent will be working hybrid with in-office time spent at EQ Bank's office located at 2200-25 Ontario Street, Toronto, ON.