Cyquent
Cisco Data Center Network Engineer (20 Hours/Wk)
Cyquent, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21276
Role - Cisco Data Center Network Engineer (All Systems) (20 Hours/Wk)
Position Overview:
Seeking a highly skilled Cisco Data Center Network Engineer to manage and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across its data centers, WAN, and cloud-integrated environments. The ideal candidate is a Cisco- certified expert with advanced experience in routing, switching, security, wireless, automation, and SDN technologies, particularly in public sector or government settings.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, implementation, security, and support of Cisco systems-including Nexus, IOS/IOS XE routers and switches, wireless infrastructure, and next-gen firewalls-across mission-critical environments. Key Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and manage Cisco-based data center and core WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless systems. Maintain and troubleshoot the DPSCS IP/MPLS Core WAN Infrastructure, including VPNs (IPSec, DMVPN), MPLS VPNs, and VRF configurations. Oversee data center operations, including Active-Active and Active-Standby Disaster Recovery environments. Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (Client), including TACACS+, RADIUS, and 802.1X for secure access control and policy enforcement. Manage and automate network operations via Cisco DNA Center, including deployment, assurance, analytics, and configuration tasks. Monitor and optimize network performance using SolarWinds, Wireshark, Cisco DNAC, and Cisco ThousandEyes. Conduct regular network assessments, audits, and documentation reviews to ensure compliance with internal security policies and government standards. Coordinate and execute hardware/software refreshes, upgrades, and lifecycle maintenance for Cisco network equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to align networking solutions with business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud strategies. Support Zero Trust Network Access and micro-segmentation frameworks in enterprise environments. Lead incident response and root cause analysis for major network outages or security incidents.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Minimum Associate's Degree (A.A.) in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
Certifications:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP - Routing & Switching) Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional (CCIP) Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Core CCIE - Enterprise Infrastructure
Experience:
8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies in enterprise data center and WAN environments. Prior experience in government or public sector networking environments preferred.
Technical Competencies:
Deep expertise in Cisco Nexus, IOS, IOS XE, and 9800 Series Wireless Controllers. Strong command of networking protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VRF, VLANs, VPNs. Experience with SDN, SD-WAN, and WAN optimization technologies. Proficient in maintaining and documenting complex networks, including use of tools like Visio, network configuration repositories, and knowledge bases. Experience with cloud-integrated data center networking and virtualization technologies. Solid understanding of security best practices, Zero Trust models, and business continuity planning.
You will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, implementation, security, and support of Cisco systems-including Nexus, IOS/IOS XE routers and switches, wireless infrastructure, and next-gen firewalls-across mission-critical environments. Key Responsibilities:
Design, implement, and manage Cisco-based data center and core WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless systems. Maintain and troubleshoot the DPSCS IP/MPLS Core WAN Infrastructure, including VPNs (IPSec, DMVPN), MPLS VPNs, and VRF configurations. Oversee data center operations, including Active-Active and Active-Standby Disaster Recovery environments. Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (Client), including TACACS+, RADIUS, and 802.1X for secure access control and policy enforcement. Manage and automate network operations via Cisco DNA Center, including deployment, assurance, analytics, and configuration tasks. Monitor and optimize network performance using SolarWinds, Wireshark, Cisco DNAC, and Cisco ThousandEyes. Conduct regular network assessments, audits, and documentation reviews to ensure compliance with internal security policies and government standards. Coordinate and execute hardware/software refreshes, upgrades, and lifecycle maintenance for Cisco network equipment. Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to align networking solutions with business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud strategies. Support Zero Trust Network Access and micro-segmentation frameworks in enterprise environments. Lead incident response and root cause analysis for major network outages or security incidents.
Required Qualifications:
Education:
Minimum Associate's Degree (A.A.) in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
Certifications:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP - Routing & Switching) Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional (CCIP) Cisco Certified Specialist - Data Center Core CCIE - Enterprise Infrastructure
Experience:
8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies in enterprise data center and WAN environments. Prior experience in government or public sector networking environments preferred.
Technical Competencies:
Deep expertise in Cisco Nexus, IOS, IOS XE, and 9800 Series Wireless Controllers. Strong command of networking protocols: TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VRF, VLANs, VPNs. Experience with SDN, SD-WAN, and WAN optimization technologies. Proficient in maintaining and documenting complex networks, including use of tools like Visio, network configuration repositories, and knowledge bases. Experience with cloud-integrated data center networking and virtualization technologies. Solid understanding of security best practices, Zero Trust models, and business continuity planning.