Sr.Network Infrastructure Engineer - Onsite - Locals to MS

****Mode of Interview :- WebCam *** Very long term project (initial PO for 1 year but expected to go for multiple years) *** Need 3 verifiable references;***Onsite (5days per week Onsite) at Clinton-MS***

Description

This position is responsible for the design, implementation, security, and ongoing support of Client enterprise data center and campus network infrastructure. The engineer will work with Cisco ACI, Software-Defined Access (SDA), Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE), Cisco Catalyst platforms, and observability tools including ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, and DNA Spaces. The role also includes the administration of Palo Alto firewalls supporting statewide systems.

Key Responsibilities:-

Cisco ACI & Data Center Networking

• Design, implement, and maintain Cisco Nexus platforms running ACI mode, including VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs/ESGs, L3Out, contracts, and fabric policies.
• Integrate ACI with virtualization and container platforms including Red Hat OpenShift VMM and Isovalent/Cilium.
• Configure and optimize RoCEv2 within the ACI fabric for high-performance, low-latency workloads.
• Conduct advanced troubleshooting of ACI fabric health, faults, endpoint learning, contracts, and multi-tenant segmentation.
• Develop and maintain fabric documentation, standards, and operational procedures.
• Cisco ACI fabric design and administration (VRF, BD, EPG/ESG, L3Out).
• ACI integrations with OpenShift VMM and Cilium/Isovalent.
• Catalyst and SDA wired/wireless fabric deployment and support.
• Identity-driven access configuration using Cisco ISE (TACACS+, authentication/authorization, device profiling).
• ThousandEyes monitoring, Cyber Vision integration, and DNA Spaces analytics.
• Palo Alto next-generation firewall configuration, policy development, and troubleshooting.
• Network documentation, lifecycle planning, and support of mission-critical services.

Cisco Catalyst & Software-Defined Access:-

• Deploy and support Cisco Catalyst platforms within campus environments.
• Design and maintain Software-Defined Access (SDA) architectures, including SDA Wired Fabric and Fabric-Enabled Wireless.
• Manage fabric underlay and overlay, policy mapping, authentication integrations, and assurance operations.
• Collaborate with wireless engineers to optimize coverage, performance, and policy enforcement across SDA.

Identity-Driven Networking & Security Technologies:-

• Configure and administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for TACACS+ device administration, authentication and authorization policy sets, and endpoint profiling.
• Integrate Cyber Vision intelligence into profiling, segmentation, and access control workflows.
• Support Zero Trust efforts through identity-centric segmentation and policy integration across ACI and SDA fabrics.

Visibility, Analytics & Observability:-

• Deploy and manage ThousandEyes for end-to-end visibility, routing path analysis, and performance monitoring.
• Implement and support Cisco Cyber Vision for OT/IoT asset visibility, device classification, and behavior analysis.
• Manage DNA Spaces for location analytics, telemetry ingestion, device behavior, and wireless intelligence.
• Provide meaningful insights to leadership using data from these observability platforms.

Core Network Engineering:-

• Troubleshoot complex L2/L3 network issues across multiple environments including VLANs, OSPF, BGP, STP, and multicast.
• Designing, and implementing Palo Alto Networks security solutions across enterprise environments.
• Create and maintain documentation including architecture diagrams, standards, runbooks, and asset inventories.
• Assist in modernization planning, platform upgrades, procurement processes, and statewide technology initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications:-

• Minimum of 15 years of experience working with Cisco networking.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI in production environments.
• Deep knowledge of ACI constructs (VRF, BD, EPG, ESG, L3Out, contracts).
• Experience integrating ACI with OpenShift VMM and Cilium/Isovalent.
• Proficiency with Cisco Catalyst platforms and SDA fabric technologies.
• Experience administering Cisco ISE including TACACS+ and policy-set based NAC.
• Strong understanding of ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, and DNA Spaces or comparable tools.
• Solid command of core TCP/IP, routing, switching, QoS, and network security fundamentals.
• Ability to develop clear diagrams, documentation, and architectural artifacts.
• Strong analytical and communication skills with the ability to work in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
• Cisco ACI, Nexus platforms, multi-tenant segmentation.
• SDA campus architectures.
• Cisco ISE policy sets and NAC.
• Palo Alto firewall administration and security profiles.
• Strong L2/L3 routing and switching skills.
• Ability to support high-availability, enterprise-scale infrastructure.

Preferred/Not Required:-

• Cisco certifications such as CCNP Data Center, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE, or equivalent experience.
• Hands-on experience with container networking and virtualization integrations.
• Familiarity with NIST frameworks and state-level cybersecurity requirements.
• Experience with network automation tools (Python, Ansible, REST APIs).
• Prior work in state government or large enterprise network environments.

Palo Alto Networks Certifications:-

• PCCSA – Palo Alto Networks Certified Cybersecurity Associate Foundational security, NGFW basics, threats, App-ID, and policy.
• PCNSA – Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Administrator Focuses on NGFW configuration, security profiles, NAT, App-ID, URL filtering, WildFire.

Recommended Certifications:-

• CCNA
• CCNP Data Center
• CCNP Enterprise
• Cisco Specialist – ACI, SDA, or ISE
• PCNSA (Palo Alto)
• PCNSE (Palo Alto)
• ThousandEyes, Cyber Vision, or related platform training