Sr. Engineer – Network Automation

Network Automation Engineer

Location: Chicago, IL 60661

Employment Type: 6 Month Contract to Hire

Experience Level: Expert

We are seeking a Network Automation Engineer to lead the modernization and automation of our global network infrastructure. This role focuses on building scalable, secure automation frameworks that support SD-WAN, Zero Trust, cloud networking , and advanced routing technologies. You’ll collaborate with network architects, security engineers, and cloud teams to transform our environment into a software-defined, cloud-first architecture . If you thrive at the intersection of networking and automation, this is your opportunity to make a significant impact.

• Build Automation Frameworks: Design, develop, and maintain network automation solutions using Python, Ansible,
  Terraform
  , and REST APIs.
• Drive End-to-End Automation: Automate provisioning, configuration, and policy enforcement across on-prem, SD-WAN, and cloud networks.
• Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Partner with architects to integrate IaC practices into network operations.
• Integrate with Key Platforms: Work with Cisco ISE, DNA Center, Palo Alto Prisma SD-WAN, Zscaler, and other enterprise tools.
• Enable CI/CD for Networking: Develop pipelines for network changes, configuration validation, and automated testing.
• Standardize Deployments: Create and maintain source‑controlled templates and playbooks for repeatable, secure deployments.
• Enhance Observability: Automate telemetry and reporting for network performance and compliance.
• Mentor & Lead: Guide traditional network engineers in adopting automation best practices.
• Document & Optimize: Establish standards, processes, and best practices for network automation.
• Participate in On‑Call Rotation (PIC).

• Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Certifications Preferred: Cisco Dev Net, CCNP/CCIE, PCNSE, CISSP, AWS/Azure Networking.

• Experience:

• 5+ years in global enterprise network environments.

• 3+ years in network automation and scripting.

• Strong knowledge of BGP and other routing protocols.

• Hands‑on experience with Git and CI/CD pipelines
  .

• Exposure to Net Dev Ops , event‑driven automation, or network testing frameworks.

• Bonus:
  Experience with containerized environments (Docker, Kubernetes).

• Platforms:
  Cisco, Meraki, Palo Alto, Netscaler, Zscaler.

• Work on cutting‑edge network automation and cloud transformation projects
  .
• Collaborate with industry‑leading experts in networking and security.
• Drive innovation in a global enterprise environment
  .

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chicago, IL 60661.

The pay range for this position is $67.50 – $70.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision

Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital

401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre‑tax and Roth post‑tax contributions available

Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)

Short and long‑term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in Chicago, IL 60661.

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 12, 2025.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.