Lead Network Specialist shall be responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the organizations network infrastructure to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability.

This role involves developing high-level network solutions, evaluating emerging technologies, SDN, Network Function Virtualization (NFV) technologies and aligning network strategies with business goals.

Key Responsibilities :

- Design scalable and secure network solutions including SDN , NFV , LAN, WAN,SD-WAN, data center, MPLS, PTP and cloud connectivity.

- Evaluate and recommend new networking technologies, tools, and processes.

- Evaluate emerging SDN, NFV, and cloud networking technologies for adoption.

- Contribute to network automation roadmaps and proof-of-concept (PoC) initiatives.

- Lead Day2 operations and maintenance of the organization's network infrastructure in accordance with the business needs of ensuring the availability, security, and performance of the network environment (physical and software defined).

- Collaborate with network engineers, system administrators, and cybersecurity teams to deploy and optimize network components and Ensure minimal downtime and high availability through redundancy and failover planning.

- Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, HIPAA) and Integrate security best practices into network designs (e.g., firewalls, VPNs, segmentation, zero-trust architectures).

- Analyze network performance and utilization, capacity planning and implementing performance tuning strategies and technologies to enhance network efficiency, reliability, and scalability.

- Ensure & maintain up-to-date documentation SOPs, network diagrams (HLD, LLD), descriptions, configurations etc. to remove dependency on people.

- Budgeting - CAPEX & OPEX.

- Remain current with latest trends and emerging networking technologies, industry best-practices and developments in networking domain; and recommend improvements.

Key Experience :

Candidate should have 12+ years of experience preferably in Banking and Technology organization.

Knowledge :

- Deep experience in managing network technologies and operations in a large and complex network environment.

- Hands-on with physical / virtual networking concepts, concepts for efficiency in operations by using software defined network solutions, cloud networking concepts, availability and resilience concepts in networking etc.

- Sound experience & Deep understanding of routing, switching, and network protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, etc.)

- Good Experience in security measures across Core DC Network/fabric, SD-WAN, MPLS, ISPs networking, Cloud Infra Networking, LAN/Wi-fi, VPNs etc. including TCP/IP, VLANs, VXLAN, Micro-segmentation.

- Sound experience & deep knowledge with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios, Wireshark) and networking / security technologies (e.g. SD-DC network, Core Routers / Switches, spine & leaf architecture, NGFW, NGIPS, VPN, Load Balancers, NAC, DDoS, SIEM).

- Experience with Cisco, Juniper, Arista, or similar enterprise networking platforms.

- Strong knowledge of cloud networking (AWS, Azure, GCP) and hybrid connectivity (VPN, ExpressRoute, Direct Connect).

- Sound experience with SDN controllers Like VMware NSX and Familiarity with NFV concepts, service chaining.

- Strong understanding of Regulatory security guidelines & master directions and security frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST, or CIS.

Required Skills :

- Exceptional analytical, conceptual thinking and problem-solving skills.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

- Detail-oriented with a focus on quality and accuracy in project/service deliverables.

- Should have strong written, verbal and presentation skills.

- Ability to perform under pressure, influence stakeholders and work closely with them to determine acceptable solutions.

- Strong leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.

Education : B.E/ B.Tech, MCA (Computer/IT)/B.Sc (Computer/IT) or degree in relevant field.

Certification : Candidate with relevant professional certifications like CCNA, CCNP, CCIE or CCDE or equivalent in Networking domain will be preferred.