Network Automation Engineer; NC)

Network Automation Engineer (NC)

We are seeking a senior network engineer with a strong foundation in automation to support a large-scale infrastructure modernization effort. The ideal candidate will be a network engineer first, with proven automation capabilities. This role will involve hands-on work in data center environments to replace end-of-life network equipment, ensuring stability and enabling support for newer, AI-driven initiatives. The work is projected to be a mix of automation and network engineering/design.

Location:

Apex, North Carolina (Onsite)

Pay Rate:
Paid weekly on a W2

Role Overview

Design, configure, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, with a focus on Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching technologies.

Execute pre-developed automation bundles and Ansible playbooks for provisioning, software/hardware refreshes, and configuration management.

Work onsite to determine which devices to install, create cut sheets, and coordinate installations.

Troubleshoot issues that arise during provisioning, deployment, or refresh activities.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams and adhere to change management processes in a large enterprise environment.

Read and execute cut sheets independently for hardware replacement and installation tasks.

Engage in the staging and pre-configuration of network gear.

Required Qualifications

Experience:

5+ years of hands-on network engineering experience, with a background in supporting, designing, or implementing enterprise network infrastructure.

Proven experience with large-scale network refresh or modernization projects, such as data center buildouts or enterprise-wide migrations.

Experience in a role requiring hands-on data center work and the ability to follow detailed change control procedures.

Technical Background:
Deep experience with software architecture, API contract design, and data schema rules.

Prompt & Spec Engineering:
Ability to write precise, unambiguous text instructions (PRDs) that Large Language Models (LLMs) can parse without "vibe coding".

Workflow Mastery:
Experience breaking down complex applications into multi-agent systems (e.g., Coordinator, Implementor, and Verifier tasks).

Testing:
Proficiency in automated verification criteria and mapping code back to core specs during pull requests.

Technical

Skills:

CCNP-level knowledge of networking concepts, infrastructure, and security. A CCNA certification is acceptable with strong practical experience.

Deep expertise in Layer 2/Layer 3 switching and design, including protocols like VLANs, VRRP, MC-LAG, STP, BGP, and OSPF.

Experience with Dell Networking operating systems, including OS9, OS10, and SONiC.

Familiarity with executing network automation tasks using tools like Python or Ansible and interacting with REST APIs for integrations.

Understanding of how to work with orchestrators and Git repositories to execute automation bundles.

Solid understanding of TCP/IP, DNS, and DHCP.

Preferred Qualifications

A CCNP certification is preferred.

Experience navigating change management controls in a large, process-heavy enterprise environment.

Openness to working with AI-assisted or spec-driven development (SDD) methods.

Familiarity with Dell, Cisco, Arista, and Juniper networking platforms.