Principal - Architecture

We are seeking a highly experienced Network Automation Architect to lead enterprise-scale network automation and infrastructure transformation initiatives based in Hyderabad. The ideal candidate will have 16-20 years of expertise in network architecture, SD-WAN, data center networking, API-driven automation, and end-to-end platform integration. This role involves defining automation strategies, architecting scalable solutions, and driving modernization efforts across network and security domains to transition from manual operations to fully automated infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

- Define an enterprise-wide Network Automation Strategy and Roadmap that aligns with business goals.
- Design scalable, reusable automation frameworks primarily using Python and Ansible.
- Architect API-first automation ecosystems spanning network, security, and infrastructure platforms.
- Establish Infrastructure as Code (IaC) standards, governance, and best practices.
- Lead the transition from manual network operations to fully automated infrastructure management.
- Architect enterprise networking solutions involving Cisco routers, switches, and SD-WAN vManage platforms.
- Design secure, scalable network architectures incorporating policy-based routing and segmentation models.
- Lead SD-WAN transformation and migration initiatives to enhance network agility.
- Design and optimize Data Center network architectures, including Spine-Leaf topology and VXLAN overlays.
- Develop high availability, redundancy, and scalable infrastructure designs.
- Integrate and automate Load Balancers for Layer 4 to Layer 7 traffic management.
- Architect and automate DDI platforms (DNS, DHCP, IPAM) to support enterprise network services.
- Define automation standards for data center provisioning, configuration management, and lifecycle operations.
- Lead development of REST API integrations and automation workflows to streamline operations.
- Design Zero Touch Provisioning (ZTP) and automated device onboarding frameworks.
- Integrate network platforms with ITSM tools, monitoring systems, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Implement SQL-backed automation data repositories for state tracking and reporting.
- Utilize telemetry and analytics for network performance insights and predictive operations.
- Mentor network automation engineers and infrastructure teams to build technical capabilities.
- Conduct architecture reviews and enforce technical governance.
- Define configuration compliance and drift management strategies.
- Lead Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for complex enterprise incidents to ensure continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

- 16-20 years of experience in Enterprise Networking and Infrastructure.
- Advanced proficiency in Python for network automation.
- Expert-level knowledge of Ansible and Infrastructure as Code methodologies.
- Deep experience with Cisco networking technologies and SD-WAN vManage platform.
- Strong expertise in Data Center networking architectures.
- Proven experience with API-driven automation and integration.
- Experience integrating Load Balancers, Firewalls, and DDI platforms.
- Working knowledge of SQL databases for automation data management.
- Strong understanding of DevOps practices and CI/CD pipeline integration.
- Mandatory skills include architectural diagrams, architecture assessment, architecture patterns and styles, architecture principle design, and transformation leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience leading large-scale network transformation programs.
- Exposure to cloud networking environments such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
- Knowledge of container networking and hybrid cloud architectures.
- Cisco DevNet Automation-related certifications.
- Experience working within global enterprise infrastructure environments.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of network automation within a dynamic enterprise environment, driving innovation and operational excellence through cutting-edge technologies and best practices.