Lead Network Engineer

Description :

We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Network Engineer to join our IT infrastructure team in Chennai. The ideal candidate will have 10+ years of experience managing and supporting enterprise-level networking services, including LAN/WAN, data centers, VPNs, and global connectivity. This role will serve as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for networking technologies and play a key role in the design, implementation, and support of our global network infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities :

- Lead the planning, design, implementation, and support of enterprise network infrastructure.

- Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all Network Services : WAN, LAN, Data Center, VPN/Client Connectivity.

- Manage and support Data Center and LAN/WAN operations in a large corporate environment.

- Provide production and technical support for network services ensuring high availability and performance.

- Oversee global WAN infrastructure consisting of 100+ sites, utilizing various technologies including MPLS, ATT Anira, ATT AVPN, IP-Sec VPN, and Tata IZO.

- Lead initiatives to modernize and optimize network architecture, including spine-leaf data center topology.

- Troubleshoot complex network issues and provide root cause analysis and long-term resolutions.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and partners for project implementation and support.

- Ensure compliance with network security best practices and participate in audits as required.

Required Skills & Qualifications :

- 10+ years of hands-on experience in enterprise network engineering and support.

- Proven experience in Data Center design and management, especially using Spine-Leaf architecture.

- In-depth knowledge of LAN/WAN technologies and network protocols.

- Expertise in Meraki, Arista, Aruba (HPE), and Cisco switches mandatory.

- Strong understanding and experience with Enterprise Wireless Infrastructure using Meraki, Arista, and HPE Aruba mandatory.

- Experience with global connectivity technologies such as MPLS, ATT Anira, ATT AVPN, IP-Sec VPN, Tata IZO, etc.

- Strong understanding of Network Security principles and practices.

- Ability to lead network projects and mentor junior team members.

- Excellent communication, documentation, and troubleshooting skills.

Preferred Qualifications :

- Relevant certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, Arista ACE, Aruba Certified Professional, or equivalent.

- Experience in cloud networking (AWS, Azure, or GCP) is a plus.

- Familiarity with network automation tools and scripting (Python, Ansible, etc.) is an advantage.