Terraform Network Automation Architect

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

About the Role

We are seeking a well-rounded network automation expert comfortable with architecture, engineering, administration, and troubleshooting. The role involves evolving an existing brownfield Cisco and Palo Alto network environment into a version-controlled, tested, and Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) managed state. This is not a greenfield project—candidates must be able to assess, adapt, and improve the current environment for enterprise-level automation.

Responsibilities

• Assess the existing brownfield Cisco and Palo Alto environment to identify necessary re-architecting, standardization, or cleanup for reliable IaC management.
• Design and build Terraform modules to automate deployment and configuration of Cisco network devices and Palo Alto firewalls.
• Provide architectural judgment, recommending changes to make the environment enterprise-ready and automation-ready.
• Establish version control practices and workflows for network configuration as code.
• Build and execute regression testing to validate IaC-managed changes without disrupting production.
• 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, administration, and troubleshooting tasks as needed.
• Diagnose and resolve issues during the brownfield-to-IaC transition across 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 (both required).
• Proven experience evolving a brownfield network into an IaC model (not just greenfield automation).
• Working knowledge of networking concepts: 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 alongside automation initiatives.

Engagement Details

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

Note: This engagement is strictly focused on LAN and WAN network device automation for Cisco and Palo Alto platforms. No cloud platforms will be used or required.