Lead Network Engineer

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Residency in or relocation to Louisiana is preferred for all positions.

Provides the highest level of network architecture design, implementation, and automation leadership for enterprise voice and data communications systems across on-premise and cloud environments. Ensures the integrity, security, availability, reliability, and performance of network infrastructure by leveraging modern, software-defined approaches, including network programmability and Infrastructure as Code practices.

The Lead Network Engineer leads the planning, installation, monitoring, and automated management of complex network systems, delivering top-tier technical support to internal clients. Evaluates, tests, and recommends new network technologies, with a strategic focus on automation and cloud networking, to continuously improve efficiency and align with enterprise modernization objectives.

This role is accountable for complying with all applicable laws and regulations as well as internal policies and standards associated with assigned duties and responsibilities.

• Leads the planning, design, testing, and automated deployment of network architectures across multiple platforms, including data center, WAN, campus, and cloud environments. Ensures all network solutions, including hardware and software, meet enterprise standards for security, availability, reliability, and performance.
• Continuously evaluates new technologies, including SDN controllers, cloud networking services, and advanced automation tools, and drives modernization to support cloud adoption and business needs.

• Champions and implements network automation and orchestration capabilities as a core function of the network team. Develops and maintains automation frameworks, including automated provisioning scripts, configuration templating systems, and version-controlled network configurations, to streamline routine network changes and reduce manual effort.
• Integrates network management with Dev Ops practices using CI/CD pipelines for infrastructure updates and policy deployment to ensure consistency and agility in network operations.
• Guides the transition toward software-defined networking and APIs for network programmability, ensuring the network can be managed as code for rapid scaling and improved reliability.

• Develops and recommends network strategies that align with broader IT and business goals. Actively participates in technology roadmaps and cross-functional planning to enable digital transformation initiatives, including cloud migration and SDN implementations.
• Evaluates and selects new network solutions, including automation platforms, across on-premise and cloud platforms to ensure the organization adopts the most effective, scalable, and cost-efficient technology options.

• Provides technical leadership and mentorship in network automation and best practices to peers and junior engineers. Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation in process automation, network monitoring, and self-healing networks.
• Leads by example in using both traditional networking expertise and software development skills to solve complex problems. Frequently presents and transfers knowledge on new networking trends, including cloud, SDN, and AI/ML in networking, to the team, fostering professional growth and readiness for future network initiatives.

• Builds strong relationships with business stakeholders to understand requirements, pain points, and objectives. Ensures that network solutions, including automation efforts, directly support critical business needs such as improving operational efficiency, reliability, and security in alignment with enterprise IT strategy.
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