Network Automation Engineer

Job Title

Network Automation Engineer - Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and Python Automation

Role/Job Summary

We are looking for a Network Automation Engineer who combines deep Cisco routing and switching expertise with strong Python-based automation capability. The role focuses on designing, configuring, optimising and troubleshooting Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) fabrics and service-provider routing scenarios, while automating configuration, validation and test execution end to end. The engineer will work in a client-facing, multi-vendor and multicultural environment, using Git for version control and Jira for collaboration and delivery tracking.

Key Responsibilities

• Configure, optimise and troubleshoot Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) environments, including interoperability with OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
• Validate service-provider routing scenarios covering IP/MPLS (Internet Protocol / Multi-Protocol Label Switching), BNG (Broadband Network Gateway) and L3VPN (Layer 3 Virtual Private Network).
• Develop Python scripts to automate device configuration, testing and day-to-day operational processes, reducing manual effort and configuration drift.
• Build and execute automated test cases, including traffic stream configuration using Spirent TestCenter.
• Diagnose and resolve issues spanning Python code, network configuration and virtualised infrastructure running on VMware ESXi (Elastic Sky X Integrated).
• Analyse, verify and optimise client requirements, translating them into implementable network and automation designs.
• Maintain code and configuration quality using Git for version control, and collaborate on delivery through Jira.
• Produce clear technical documentation, test evidence and knowledge-transfer material for client and internal stakeholders.

Must-Have Skills

• Strong hands-on expertise in Cisco IOS (Internetwork Operating System) and multi-vendor routing and switching.
• Practical experience in Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) configuration, optimisation and troubleshooting.
• Depth in service-provider routing: MPLS (Multi-Protocol Label Switching), BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) and L3VPN (Layer 3 Virtual Private Network).
• Proficiency in Python for network automation and test automation.
• Working experience with Git for version control and Jira for collaboration.
• Mandatory Cisco certifications: CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) and CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional).
• Strong client-facing communication skills with professional English proficiency in a multicultural environment.

Good-to-Have Skills

• Cisco NSO (Network Services Orchestrator) and YANG (Yet Another Next Generation) model-based service orchestration.
• Test tooling exposure such as Spirent TestCenter, Spirent CyberFlood or equivalent traffic-generation platforms.
• SDN/NFV (Software-Defined Networking / Network Functions Virtualisation) virtualisation platforms, for example Nokia Nuage Networks.
• Demonstrated career transition from traditional network engineering into network automation.
• CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) or an equivalent higher-level Cisco certification.
• Familiarity with CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Deployment) pipelines and infrastructure-as-code practices for network estates.

Experience Required

6-10 years of overall networking experience, including a minimum of 3 years in Cisco SD-WAN (Software-Defined Wide Area Network) and at least 2 years in Python-based network or test automation.