Principal Network Automation Engineer

Ziply Fiber is a local internet service provider dedicated to elevating the connected lives of the communities we serve. The Principal Network Automation Engineer is responsible for planning, designing, developing, and implementing software-driven solutions to optimize wireline fiber and IP networks, as well as providing guidance and direction to the rest of the team.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to the development of custom code to integrate platform components, fill tooling gaps, and solve potentially unique situations
• Perform development, testing, implementation, and review of complex automation solutions related to provisioning, monitoring, and configuring a multi-vendor network and infrastructure environment
• Write, maintain, and scale scripts and software tools (using Python, Go) to interact directly with network elements like OLTs (Optical Line Terminals), ONTs, and core routers
• Employ modern CI/CD pipelines using DevOps tooling to deliver software
• Partner with Tier 3 operations, NOC (Network Operations Center), and field teams to translate complex network requirements into scalable software solutions
• Establishing system/data integrations to enhance existing or establish new processes
• Provide peer review and guidance on code and perform quality assurance tasks
• Responsible for the creation of and contribution to; processes, standards, technical documentation, and design diagrams
• Write and maintain technical standards and documentation
• Provide mentorship and training to the Network Automation Team
• Provide training to other network domain teams for the adoption of automation capabilities
• Conduct technical research and maintain viable knowledge of technology trends, new software, and best practices
• Automating operational reports e.g., SLA reporting, utilization statistics and network forecasting
• Must be available to work regular business hours Pacific Standard Time
• Must also be available to work on-call, evenings and weekends as needed
• Performs other duties as required to support the business and evolving organization

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, business information systems or relevant degree; or equivalent combination of work and experience
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in software development, with a specific focus on access networks
• Experience developing and implementing network automation strategies
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience with using Python, Ansible, REST APIs, Linux, NETCONF, Jinja, or similar tools in a Network Automation environment
• Advanced Python programming skill and experience with one or more other languages such as Java, Go, or JavaScript
• Broad knowledge of the concepts, best practices and principles of programming including design, implementation, and testing
• Understanding of REST-based API design principles and best practices
• Proven ability to understand and codify a manual process into an automated process using workflow-like concepts
• Understanding and familiarity with gNMI, Netconf, Ansible, NAPALM, Jinja and other Infrastructure as Code tools
• Understanding and familiarity with computing technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, Linux, containers, virtualization, and cloud technologies (AWS, GCP, Azure, etc.)
• Knowledge of IP/Ethernet networking fundamentals
• Interest and ability to research new and emerging technologies to better solve networking problems
• Excellent analytical skills
• Strong organizational, multi-tasking and prioritizing skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment and reasoning skills to a variety of situations and collaborate effectively with other personnel to meet deadlines
• Ability to translate highly technical information into non-technical terms and user documentation
• Strong verbal and written communication, attention to detail and familiarity with compliance concepts
• Ability to work within critical deadlines
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the US for any employer. Sponsorship is not available for this position
• Experience/familiarity with Netbox
• UI/Frontend development experience