Lead Network Automation Engineer

About the role

This role is built for engineers who live at the intersection of network, dev ops, and automation, with the ability to influence strategy while still getting hands-on with modern tooling like Python, Ansible, and CI/CD.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and deployment of scalable automation frameworks using Ansible, Python, GitHub Actions, and CI/CD pipelines

• Integrate and extend Nautobot (or similar platforms) as a network source-of-truth and automation engine

• Maintain and execute the network automation roadmap, ensuring timely delivery of strategic initiatives

• Design, review, and guide High-Level and Low-Level Designs (HLD/LLD) for both automated and traditional network solutions

• Lead complex implementations, upgrades, migrations, and configurations across Access and Data Center environments

• Support and engineer on Cisco and Arista platforms (ISR, ASR, Catalyst) and enterprise network ecosystems

• Drive remote end-user network access capabilities and improvements

• Diagnose and resolve complex network issues using diagnostic, simulation, and automation tools

• Monitor performance trends and recommend improvements across hardware and software lifecycle

• Identify gaps in processes and implement automation to meet Service Level Agreements (SLAs)

• Design and implement secure, compliant network solutions aligned with regulatory and enterprise standards

• Absorb and manage risk of changes to production systems, ensuring quality and compliance

• Perform secure implementation of network changes through automated pipelines

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align network and automation initiatives with business goals

• Lead technical discussions and mentor engineers in both networking and automation best practices

• Provide implementation guidance, including support outside standard business hours when required

Requirements

• 5+ years of Network Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education
• 5+ years of Infrastructure Automation experience
• 5+ years of Python scripting and Ansible automation development
• 3+ years of experience with GitHub Actions, GitHub Copilot, CI/CD pipelines
• Strong expertise in: Routing & Switching (BGP, WAN, ISP interconnects), WLAN, MPLS, IPT, DNS/DHCP/IPAM (DDI), SD-WAN control plane and overlay networks
• Experience working with Linux environments
• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex distributed systems

Qualifications

• Experience with Nautobot or similar network automation platforms
• Experience with Cisco SD-WAN, Meraki SD-Branch, familiarity with Agile and DevOps methodologies
• Certifications such as: CCNP, CCIE, DevNet, or Data Center certifications
• Experience with automation tools (Ansible, GitHub, CI/CD frameworks)
• Certification or exposure to Automation or Generative AI (GenAI)

Skills

• Proficiency in using AI-assisted development and analysis tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot and approved code-centric agents)
• Leverage AI to accelerate system design, coding, testing, analysis, and troubleshooting
• Strong technical judgment when validating and integrating AI-assisted outputs into solutions
• Understand and account for model limitations, security risks, and operational considerations
• Apply AI responsibly in development and production environments
• Ensure AI usage aligns with security, compliance, privacy, and ethical standards

Benefits

• Health benefits
• 401(k) Plan
• Paid time off
• Disability benefits
• Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
• Parental leave
• Critical caregiving leave
• Discounts and savings
• Commuter benefits
• Tuition reimbursement
• Scholarships for dependent children
• Adoption reimbursement