Terraform Network Automation Architect

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

About the Role

We are seeking a well-rounded network automation expert who is equally 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.

Responsibilities

• Assess the existing brownfield Cisco and Palo Alto environment and 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, including 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.
• Proven experience evolving a brownfield network environment into an IaC model.
• Working knowledge of networking concepts: routing, switching, VLANs, firewall policy, and device configuration.
• Experience with version control (Git) for network configuration and infrastructure code.
• 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: 6 weeks
• Commitment: Full-time
• Start: Immediate availability required
• Working Hours: PST

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