SDN Automation Engineer

About the role

AIG is seeking an SDN Automation Engineer to design, deploy, and manage SDN solutions that enhance network agility, scalability, and automation. The role involves developing and optimizing SDN architecture, integrating controllers, NFV, and intent-based networking, troubleshooting complex issues, and collaborating with network architects and operations teams.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure, and maintain SDN solutions and associated infrastructures across data centers and cloud environments.
• Develop and orchestrate network automation workflows using APIs and tools like Ansible, Python, or Terraform to streamline operations and minimize manual effort.
• Drive the deployment of intent-based networks, self-healing architecture, and zero-touch provisioning capabilities.
• Troubleshoot complex SDN-related network issues, providing root cause analysis and long-term solutions.
• Collaborate closely with network and tools architects to integrate SDN with existing WAN, LAN, and cloud infrastructures, as well as with the observability layer.
• Drive the adoption of automation, monitoring, and observability best practices to support scalable and resilient network operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging SDN, NFV, and automation technologies to continuously evolve and optimize the enterprise network strategy.
• Manage complex activities simultaneously to short timescales.
• Develop scripts and processes to test, deploy, and validate changes across all network infrastructure, leveraging Ansible and other approved corporate automation and orchestration platforms.
• Develop state-of-the-art technology, appropriate to deliver stable and scalable technical solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop consensus, drive results, and execute projects across the organization on time and within budget.
• Maintain standards and designs for network architecture.
• Articulate design rationale, flexibly adapt solutions, and iterate designs when required.
• Implement proof-of-concepts for emerging network automation technologies, in accordance with automation architecture roadmaps.
• Work closely with network architects, senior management, and operations teams.
• Lead deployment, configuration, and maintenance of a network source of truth (NSoT) system.
• Act as an escalation engineer for high severity network related production issues, working with engineers and various vendors to identify tactical and strategic solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, or related field, such as Computer Science or Information Technology, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of proven experience designing, deploying, and managing large-scale network automation projects, with focus on performance optimization and scalability.
• Proficiency with SDN platforms such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, or Juniper Contrail.
• Strong understanding of network fundamentals (L2/L3, BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN) and controller-based design.
• Hands-on experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python, Ansible, RESTful APIs).
• Familiarity with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience with network source of truth tools deployment, configuration, and operations, e.g., NetBox or Nautobot.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies, e.g., Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions, etc.
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts and services (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE and Juniper JNCIP/JNCIE or equivalent.
• Exposure to container networking and micro segmentation in Kubernetes environments.
• Independent and self-directed work ethic when participating in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Dedicated commitment to service availability and quality user experience.
• Must be results-driven with a strong sense of urgency.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including health, wellness, financial security, and professional development benefits to support your overall well-being and career growth. Our Total Rewards Program includes:

• Health and wellness programs
• Financial security benefits
• Professional development opportunities

For positions based in Jersey City, NJ, the base salary range is $99,000 - $143,000 and the position is eligible for a bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.