Network Lab Engineer

Based out of Ashburn, Virginia to start. Eventually the role is likely to be hybrid.

As a Deployment Network Engineer, you will be responsible for the end-to-end implementation and validation of network infrastructure supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) phases. This role bridges the gap between network design and physical deployment, ensuring that lab and production environments are ready for Engineering Verification Testing (EVT) and Production Verification Testing (PVT). You will focus on the rapid deployment of high-performance networks, hardware integration, and the automation of site-level configurations.

• Lead the physical and logical deployment of network infrastructure to support NPI work streams (EVT/DVT/PVT).
• Execute site-specific network configurations, ensuring adherence to global design standards while meeting unique lab requirements.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to integrate new hardware platforms into existing production and test networks.
• Perform initial bring-up, firmware validation, and functional testing of new networking hardware (routers, switches, and optical interconnects).
• Troubleshoot complex physical layer issues, including high-speed fiber optics, transceivers, and structured cabling systems.
• Manage the lifecycle of deployment from "rack and stack" to "ready for traffic."
• Utilize and contribute to automation frameworks (Ansible, Python, or internal tools) to streamline zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) and network audits.
• Develop scripts to automate repetitive deployment tasks and ensure configuration consistency across disparate lab sites.
• Validate automated deployment workflows against production-grade hardware.
• Collaborate with Network Architects to provide feedback on "deployability" and operational maintainability of new designs.
• Support the scaling of lab environments to mirror high-density production data centers.
• Maintain rigorous documentation for site builds, network topologies, and deployment playbooks.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5 years of professional experience in large-scale network deployment or data center infrastructure operations.
• Direct experience supporting NPI work streams (EVT, DVT, or PVT) within a hardware or networking lab environment.
• Expert-level proficiency in L2/L3 protocols including BGP, OSPF, and EVPN/VXLAN in a multi-vendor environment.
• Hands-on experience with Arista, Cisco, or Juniper data center-grade switching and routing hardware.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot high-speed optical interconnects (100G/400G+) and complex physical layer issues.
• Professional experience using Python or Ansible to automate network configuration and deployment tasks.

• Experience with high-density cabling and power management in a lab or data center environment.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deployment work streams simultaneously.
• Ability to lift and install equipment up to 50 lbs in server racks.
• Advanced certifications such as CCNP, JNCIP, or ACE.