Network Architect

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a skilled Network Architect with experience in assessing, designing, and architecting data center network infrastructures (Cisco-centric) and AWS cloud environments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in creating both high- and low-level technical solutions and establishing robust technical architectures. Expertise in evaluating, designing, and implementing Cisco network solutions, data center architecture, and a strong understanding of modern networking technologies like automation, SDN, and virtualization is essential.

Indicative Activities

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand the requirements for the data center's network, such as capacity, scalability, redundancy, and security.
• Coordinate with physical infrastructure teams to ensure that cabling and other physical elements align with the network design.
• Asses, design and implement scalable and high-performance network architectures using Cisco Nexus switches considering factors such as redundancy, fault tolerance, and load balancing.
• Plan for high availability, including redundant power supplies, network links, and devices to minimize downtime.
• Asses, design and implement security controls, including segmentation, firewalls, and intrusion prevention systems (IPS), ensuring data center infrastructure is resilient to cyber threats.
• Ensure the network design supports scalability to accommodate future growth in terms of bandwidth, devices, and traffic.
• Ensure the network is capable of handling projected data traffic growth by planning for bandwidth, latency, and connectivity requirements.
• Prepare comprehensive documentation for the network design, including topologies, configurations, and network management plans.
• Ensure the network design supports both physical and virtualized environments (e.g., virtual machines, containers) and integrates with storage, compute, and security systems.
• Create a detailed network topology, including Leaf and Spine architecture, considering factors like redundancy, failover, and load balancing.
• Decide on the type of network protocols and technologies (e.g., SDN, VLAN, BGP, MPLS).
• Select appropriate hardware (switches, routers, network interfaces) and software (network management tools, security solutions, etc.).
• Estimate the required number of network devices (e.g., switches, routers) and other networking resources.
• Choose vendors based on compatibility, cost, and performance.
• Configure and deploy Cisco Nexus switches to support the data center network’s needs.
• Implement a spine-leaf architecture or other modern network fabrics to optimize network performance and scalability.
• Implement segmentation strategies, such as VLANs, VXLAN, VRFs, and ACLs, to ensure security and compliance within the data center.
• Evaluate and recommend solutions for network monitoring, management and automation.
• Establish network configuration standards and best practices for deployment.
• Oversee the installation and configuration of network devices and software, ensuring that they are properly integrated.
• Conduct network performance testing (e.g., throughput, latency, fault tolerance) to ensure that the design meets requirements.
• Run stress tests to simulate traffic and ensure the network can handle peak loads.
• Work with management to estimate the cost of network infrastructure and ensure it aligns with budget constraints.
  
  

Technical Skills

Must Have:

• Minimum of [14 years] of experience experienced in network architecture, design, and implementation, with a focus on data center networks specifically banking domain.
• In-depth understanding of IP addressing, subnetting, and routing concepts.
• Expert level knowledge in Routing & switching specially around Cisco Nexus.
• Expertise in routing between different networks, especially in large-scale data centers.
• Knowledge of interior and exterior gateway routing protocols used in large networks.
• Strong Knowledge of network security concepts and technologies
• Proficiency with enterprise-grade firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Cisco, Fortinet) and security appliances for protecting data center networks.
• Ability to segment networks logically to improve security, manageability, and performance.
• Domain knowledge of SP technologies like MPLS, Dark Fiber, Metro ethernet, Segment routing
• Understanding how MPLS enables efficient routing and traffic engineering.
• Domain knowledge in both hardware and software load balancing (e.g., F5, NGINX) and high-availability architectures for distributing network traffic efficiently.
• Knowledge of overlay network protocols (VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) for creating scalable, multi-tenant virtual networks.
• Knowledge of network cabling types (e.g., CAT5e, CAT6, fiber optics) and their proper implementation in a data center environment.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for network designs, configurations, policies, and operational procedures.
• Solution walkthrough with clients and co-ordinate with SMEs to implement the same.
  
  

Good To Have

• Asses, design and implement scalable and high-performance network architectures using ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure). considering factors such as redundancy, fault tolerance, and load balancing.
• Knowledge of managing Infoblox, F5 and other network security devices
• Familiarity with SDN principles for network automation, flexibility, and programmability.
• Familiarity with automating network configuration and management tasks.
• Understanding how AI/ML can be applied to optimize network performance, predict failures, and enhance security.
• Familiarity with how new technologies like 5G and edge computing can influence data center network designs.
  
  

Process Skills

• Preparing Bill of material, solution presentation, solution document.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to define the solution roadmap and milestones.
• Work on strategic projects that enhance current solution concepts and/or the creation of new ones.
• Contribute to the knowledge base of solutions and services by sharing best practices and lessons learnt with clients.
• Engage in change management and capacity planning activities.
  
  

Behavioral Skills

• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to convey complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Adaptability and a keen aptitude for learning in a dynamic environment.
• Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks concurrently.
  
  

Qualification

• A professional with a minimum of 14 years of experience in assessing, designing, and architecting network infrastructure, AWS Cloud solutions, and Data Center environments (with a focus on Cisco technologies).
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Preferred certifications in CCIE or Equivalent.
• Preferred prior experience working for Large Enterprise banking client.
  
  

Skills: mpls,load balancing,aws cloud,configuration management,vlan,nexus,security,cisco nexus,routing,vxlan,f5,switching,network monitoring,sdn,virtualization,documentation,cisco,automation,data center network design,network architecture,network security