Network Architect/Consultant - SDWAN

About the Role :

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Network Architect/Consultant to join our team on a contract basis. This is an onsite opportunity based in Chennai, ideal for professionals with deep technical expertise in network design, security, cloud networking, and data center infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and frameworks including Cisco ACI, SD-WAN, Azure, AWS, and security solutions, while also being adept at automation, network optimization, and enterprise-scale delivery.

Key Responsibilities :

- Design, implement, and optimize enterprise-level network architectures across data center, cloud, and hybrid environments.

- Architect and deploy Cisco ACI Spine/Leaf topologies, Cisco Nexus (2K-9K), and Catalyst series switches.

- Configure and manage Cisco SD-WAN/Viptela solutions to ensure secure and optimized WAN connectivity.

- Develop and maintain secure routing infrastructures utilizing BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VXLAN, and L2VPN/L3VPN technologies.

- Implement and maintain robust security frameworks using Cisco ASA/Firepower, Palo Alto (Panorama), Fortinet FortiGate, and Check Point R77/R80+.

- Apply Zero Trust security principles, including micro-segmentation and least privilege access, across enterprise network architectures.

- Build and manage cloud networking solutions on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), including VNets, ExpressRoute, NSGs, Application Gateways, Transit Gateways, WAFs, and CDN solutions (CloudFront, Azure Front Door).

- Design and operate VMware NSX and VMware SDN environments, including Kubernetes networking integration.

- Deploy and manage enterprise-grade load balancing and application delivery solutions including F5 LTM/GTM, Citrix NetScaler, and Radware Alteon.

- Drive network automation using Python, Ansible, and Terraform, and integrate with platforms like Cisco DNA Center, SolarWinds, and ServiceNow ITSM.

- Ensure alignment with ITIL, Agile, and PMP/Prince2 project delivery methodologies.

- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and third-party vendors to ensure optimal delivery of networking projects.

Key Skills and Technologies :

Networking & Data Center :

- Cisco ACI (Spine/Leaf), Nexus 2K-9K, Catalyst series

- Cisco SD-WAN/Viptela

- BGP, OSPF, MPLS, QoS, VXLAN, L2VPN/L3VPN

Security :

- Cisco ASA/Firepower

- Palo Alto Networks (Panorama)

- Fortinet FortiGate

- Check Point (R77/R80+)

- Zero Trust Architecture

Cloud & Virtualization :

- Microsoft Azure : VNets, ExpressRoute, NSGs, Application Gateway, Azure Front Door

- AWS : VPC, Transit Gateway, WAF, CloudFront

- VMware NSX, SDN, Kubernetes networking

- Load Balancing & Application Delivery :

- F5 LTM/GTM

- Citrix NetScaler

- Radware Alteon

Automation & Tools :

- Python, Ansible, Terraform

- Cisco DNA Center, SolarWinds

- ServiceNow ITSM

Project & Delivery Methodologies :

- ITIL, Agile (Scrum/Kanban)

- PMP or Prince2-aligned project management

Requirements :

- Minimum 8 to 12 years of experience in enterprise networking and architecture roles.

- Proven experience in designing and delivering complex network and security architectures in large-scale enterprise or service provider environments.

- Strong documentation, troubleshooting, and communication skills.

- Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNP/CCIE, PCNSE, Azure/AWS certifications, VMware NSX, ITIL, PMP/Prince2) are highly desirable.