Network Automation Engineer II

About the role

The Network Automation Engineer II is responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing automated solutions that improve the efficiency, reliability, scalability, and security of enterprise network infrastructure. This position requires a strong foundation in networking technologies, scripting, infrastructure automation, and network operations. The engineer will work collaboratively with Network Engineering, Network Operations, Infrastructure, Security, and DevOps teams to automate repetitive network tasks, streamline configuration management, enhance monitoring capabilities, and reduce manual intervention. As a Level 2 engineer, this individual is expected to independently manage moderately complex automation initiatives, troubleshoot automation-related issues, contribute to technical standards, and support continuous improvement of network infrastructure and operational processes.

Responsibilities

• Network Automation Development: Design, develop, test, deploy, and maintain network automation scripts and workflows using Python, Ansible, and other automation technologies. Automate routine network operations, including device provisioning, configuration changes, backups, software upgrades, and compliance checks. Develop reusable automation modules, templates, and standardized workflows to improve operational consistency. Integrate automation solutions with network management platforms, APIs, and existing infrastructure systems. Support Infrastructure as Code (IaC) practices using tools such as Terraform, Ansible, and Git. Identify opportunities to reduce manual configuration efforts, minimize human error, and improve service delivery.
• Network Infrastructure Support: Support automation across enterprise LAN, WAN, WLAN, data center, and cloud networking environments. Work with networking technologies and platforms including Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and other enterprise network solutions. Assist with network device configuration, routing, switching, VLANs, VPNs, and network security policies. Troubleshoot network connectivity, configuration, and automation-related issues. Support network changes, maintenance activities, and infrastructure upgrades. Collaborate with senior engineers on complex network architecture and automation initiatives.
• Automation Platform Management: Maintain and enhance network automation platforms, orchestration tools, and supporting infrastructure. Develop and maintain integrations using REST APIs, SSH, NETCONF, RESTCONF, and other network management interfaces. Utilize Git-based version control to manage automation scripts, configuration templates, and infrastructure definitions. Support CI/CD pipelines for validating, testing, and deploying network configuration changes. Implement automated configuration validation, error handling, logging, and rollback capabilities. Monitor automation execution and troubleshoot failed jobs or integrations.
• Network Monitoring and Operational Efficiency: Develop automated network health checks, performance reporting, and operational dashboards. Integrate automation workflows with monitoring and observability platforms. Assist in automating incident response, alert enrichment, and routine remediation procedures. Support network configuration compliance and drift detection. Analyze recurring operational issues and recommend automation-based improvements. Improve network availability and operational efficiency through proactive automation.
• Security, Compliance, and Change Management: Ensure automation solutions comply with organizational security policies and network standards. Apply secure scripting practices, credential management, and role-based access controls. Support automated network configuration auditing and compliance reporting. Follow established change management, testing, approval, and deployment procedures. Maintain appropriate documentation and audit trails for automated network changes. Collaborate with cybersecurity teams to support network hardening and vulnerability remediation.
• Documentation and Collaboration: Create and maintain technical documentation for automation scripts, workflows, APIs, and operational procedures. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) and troubleshooting guides. Participate in technical design discussions, peer reviews, and automation planning sessions. Collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to identify and prioritize automation opportunities. Provide technical assistance and knowledge sharing to Level 1 engineers and Network Operations personnel. Escalate complex architectural or engineering challenges to senior-level engineers when appropriate.

Requirements

Networking

• Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, subnetting, routing, and switching
• Working knowledge of routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP
• Experience with enterprise networking platforms, preferably Cisco IOS/IOS-XE, NX-OS, Juniper Junos, or Arista EOS
• Familiarity with firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, and network security fundamentals

Programming and Automation

• Proficiency in Python scripting for network automation
• Hands-on experience with Ansible or comparable automation frameworks
• Experience using network automation libraries such as Netmiko, NAPALM, Paramiko, or Nornir
• Familiarity with YAML, JSON, Jinja2, and structured data formats
• Experience consuming REST APIs and integrating systems programmatically
• Working knowledge of Git and software version control practices

Systems and Tools

• Working knowledge of Linux operating systems and command-line utilities
• Experience with network monitoring and management platforms
• Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and automation testing
• Basic understanding of virtualization, cloud networking, and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience troubleshooting automation execution failures and network configuration issues

Qualifications

• Certifications Required: Cisco CCNP or equivalent experience
• Education Required: College Graduate

Preferred Qualifications

• Cisco CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, or equivalent networking certification
• Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation or equivalent automation training
• Experience with Terraform, AWX, or Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform
• Familiarity with Cisco Catalyst Center, Cisco NSO, or similar network orchestration platforms
• Experience with NetBox, Nautobot, or other network source-of-truth solutions
• Exposure to AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud networking
• Experience with GitLab CI/CD, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or comparable deployment pipelines
• Familiarity with container technologies such as Docker
• Experience with automated testing frameworks such as pytest, pyATS, or Batfish
• Understanding of network telemetry, observability, and event-driven automation
• Experience working in ITIL-based operational environments

Skills

• Technical Problem Solving: Ability to analyze and resolve moderately complex network and automation issues
• Automation Mindset: Ability to identify repetitive tasks and translate operational requirements into automated solutions
• Analytical Thinking: Strong troubleshooting, debugging, and root cause analysis skills
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with Network Engineering, Operations, Security, and Infrastructure teams
• Documentation: Ability to produce clear, maintainable technical documentation and operating procedures
• Attention to Detail: Commitment to accuracy, testing, security, and operational stability
• Continuous Improvement: Willingness to learn new technologies and improve existing automation processes
• Accountability: Ability to independently complete assigned engineering tasks and communicate progress

Level 2 Engineering Expectations

• Independently develop and maintain automation solutions of moderate complexity
• Troubleshoot automation failures with limited supervision
• Translate documented operational requirements into functional automation workflows
• Participate in automation design and technical implementation decisions
• Perform code reviews and contribute to team coding standards
• Identify opportunities to improve existing network operations through automation
• Support production deployments while following established change control procedures
• Mentor junior engineers on basic scripting, automation practices, and troubleshooting
• Escalate high-risk or architecturally complex decisions to Level 3 or senior engineering resources

This position is considered an intermediate engineering role and does not typically carry primary responsibility for enterprise-wide network automation architecture or strategic platform ownership.

Working Conditions

• Some after-hours work will be required occasionally
• Possible prolonged sitting at workstation

Benefits

HCA Healthcare offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase Plan, flexible spending accounts, preferred banking partnerships, retirement readiness tools, roll