Lead Network & Cloud Engineer

The Lead Network & Cloud Engineer serves as the senior technical authority and architectural owner for the entire Client hybrid network environment. This individual is directly responsible for the design, optimization, security, and resilient operation of the integrated Cisco Meraki and Microsoft Azure infrastructure. As the highest point of technical escalation, the Lead Engineer will provide expert guidance and hands‑on execution to solve the most complex connectivity, performance, and security challenges.

This role is pivotal in translating Client’s strategic goals into a tangible, secure, and high‑performing network architecture, ensuring the technical success and stability of the entire service.

• Act as the ultimate subject matter expert for all Cisco Meraki and Microsoft Azure networking components.
• Design, document, and maintain the secure network architecture, including segmentation strategies that align with zero-trust principles for both the corporate and AV networks.
• Provide expert-level guidance on technology upgrades, system concepts, and technology forecasting as part of the Management & Advisory Assistance services.
• Serve as the final escalation point for all Priority 1 and complex multi-system network incidents, performing advanced root cause analysis.

• Lead the configuration, maintenance, and optimization of the Azure cloud network, including Virtual Networks (VNet), Network Security Groups (NSGs), and the Azure Firewall.
• Manage and troubleshoot hybrid connectivity including VPN connections to Azure/AWS and the Microsoft Direct Connect service.
• Implement and manage Azure Firewall policies and rule sets (Application/Network rules, DNAT/SNAT, TLS inspection) and conduct periodic rule/risk reviews to ensure a robust security posture.
• Oversee the integration of Azure network security logs with CLIENT’s SIEM (Azure Sentinel).

• Lead the implementation of advanced AIOps and machine learning capabilities to proactively monitor the network, predict hardware failures, and identify traffic bottlenecks.
• Oversee disaster recovery capabilities, including the validation of automated configuration backups and the documentation of restoration procedures.
• Assess and recommend improvements for network redundancies across all critical components and connectivity paths.
• Validate all hybrid connectivity paths and dependency chains following changes, maintenance, or incident remediation.

• Create and maintain all high-level technical documentation, including network topology diagrams, dependency maps, and Azure Firewall policy hierarchies.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to other members of the network support team.
• Contribute key technical data and analysis for all monthly and quarterly performance reports delivered by the Project Manager.

• A minimum of eight (8) years of experience in enterprise network engineering and architecture.
• A minimum of five (5) years delivering enterprise network managed services, with at least three (3) years specifically focused on Azure networking and firewall operations in hybrid environments.
• Proven, hands‑on experience with policy-driven firewall controls in Azure, including logging, analytics, and integration with enterprise SIEM platforms.

• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Network Engineer Associate (AZ-700) or an equivalent, verifiable certification.

• Microsoft Certified:
  Azure Security Engineer Associate (AZ-500)
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Enterprise or Security
• Cisco Meraki Solutions…