Senior SDN Engineer (NCS/Job/ 2502)

The Senior SDN Engineer will be responsible for the lifecycle management of Software-Defined Networking solutions across enterprise and service provider environments.
The role focuses on managing SDN platforms from Nokia and Juniper, driving network automation, policy-driven orchestration, and programmable network design.

Additionally, the role includes supporting network security infrastructure (Checkpoint, Fortinet, F5) to ensure secure, efficient, and resilient connectivity across hybrid networks.

Key Responsibilities:

Software-Defined Networking (Primary Focus):

• Manage SDN architectures using Nokia Nuage Networks (VSP) and Juniper SDN solutions (Contrail, Apstra, or NorthStar).
• Develop policy-based network automation and service chaining across virtualized and physical environments.
• Configure virtual routers, overlays (VXLAN/EVPN), and SDN controllers for scalable data center and WAN deployments.
• Collaborate with cloud and virtualization teams for SDN integration with public/private cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Implement micro-segmentation, network virtualization, and dynamic network provisioning.
• Optimize traffic routing and ensure high network performance through controller-driven orchestration.
• Automate configuration and policy management using Python, REST APIs, Ansible, or Netconf/YANG.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolve complex SDN-related incidents across multi-vendor environments.
• Define and maintain network models, topology maps, and policy documentation.
• Participate in proof-of-concept (POC) evaluations and SDN technology roadmap planning.

Network Security (Secondary Focus):

• Support deployment and configuration of firewall and security appliances from Checkpoint, Fortinet, and F5.
• Integrate SDN solutions with security platforms for end-to-end policy enforcement and visibility.
• Manage VPNs, access policies, NAT rules, and traffic inspection to align with SDN architectures.
• Collaborate with SOC and security teams for threat monitoring and incident response.
• Contribute to Zero Trust Network Architecture (ZTNA) implementations within SDN-enabled environments.
• Ensure compliance with corporate security standards and assist in audit readiness.

Soft Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities in complex network environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with network, cloud, and security teams.
• Proven experience in change management, incident response, and root cause analysis.
• Leadership experience in mentoring, technical reviews, and knowledge transfer.

Certifications (Preferred):

• Nokia Nuage VSP or SDN Specialist Certification
• Juniper JNCIS-ENT / JNCIP-DC / JNCIS-Cloud / JNCIS-SDN
• Fortinet NSE 4/5/7, Checkpoint CCSE, or F5 Certified Administrator
• CCNP Enterprise / CCNP Security or equivalent certifications
• Python / Ansible Automation Certification (optional)

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, or related field.
• Equivalent practical experience in large-scale enterprise or telecom network environments is acceptable.