Terraform Network Automation Architect

Six-week, full-time contract engagement focused on automating the deployment and configuration of network devices using Terraform. Must be available to work West Coast (PST) hours.

Overview

We are seeking a well-rounded network automation expert to automate the deployment and configuration of Cisco network devices and Palo Alto firewalls using Terraform. The role involves evolving an existing brownfield environment into a version-controlled, tested, and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) managed state.

Responsibilities

• Assess the existing brownfield Cisco and Palo Alto environment and identify what must be re-architected, standardized, or cleaned up before it can be reliably managed as code.
• Design and build Terraform modules to automate deployment and configuration of Cisco network devices and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Bring architectural judgment to the engagement, including recommending changes needed to make the environment enterprise-ready and automation-ready.
• Establish version control practices and workflow for network configuration as code.
• Build and execute regression testing to validate that IaC-managed changes do not break existing production behavior.
• Translate manual, historically hand-configured network processes into repeatable, tested Infrastructure as Code.
• Validate, test, and troubleshoot Terraform plans and applies against live network environments.
• Perform hands-on engineering and administration tasks as needed, in addition to architecture and automation work.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues that arise during the brownfield-to-IaC transition, across both Cisco and Palo Alto platforms.
• Document module structure, variables, architecture decisions, and usage for the client team.
• Collaborate with network and infrastructure teams to confirm requirements and scope.

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience using Terraform for network device automation, not just cloud infrastructure.
• Strong LAN and WAN automation and configuration expertise.
• Direct hands-on experience with Cisco networking equipment and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Proven experience evolving a brownfield network environment into an Infrastructure-as-Code model.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts including routing, switching, VLANs, firewall policy, and device configuration.
• Experience with version control for network configuration and infrastructure code (Git).
• Experience building and running regression testing for network changes managed as code.
• Broad, cross-functional skill set spanning architecture, engineering, administration, and troubleshooting.
• Ability to work independently and deliver against a compressed timeline.

Preferred Experience

• Prior consulting or contract-based delivery experience.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for infrastructure automation.
• Familiarity with network automation tools beyond Terraform (Ansible, NAPALM, or similar).
• Experience advising customers on enterprise network architecture prior to or alongside an automation initiative.

Engagement Details

• Duration: Six (6) weeks
• Commitment: Full-time
• Start: Immediate availability required
• Working Hours: Must be available to work PST hours

No cloud platforms will be used or required on this engagement. This role is strictly focused on LAN and WAN network device automation and configuration across Cisco and Palo Alto platforms.