Senior Network Engineer, Cisco SD-WAN

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Network Engineer specializing in Cisco SD-WAN to design and modernize secure enterprise networks. The role involves architecting scalable network solutions and collaborating with various teams to ensure reliable connectivity and optimized network performance.

Responsibilities:

• Design scalable SD-WAN solutions using Cisco Meraki to provide secure and resilient connectivity across branch, remote, and enterprise locations
• Architect advanced Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Viptela solutions to support application-aware routing, granular traffic control, and efficient use of multiple transport links
• Define end-to-end network architectures that integrate SD-WAN, switching, routing, and security requirements to support hybrid work and business-critical services
• Design and optimize Cisco routing and switching solutions for campus, branch, and data center environments, with a focus on availability, segmentation, performance, and reliability
• Review existing network topologies, configurations, and traffic patterns to improve availability, reduce incidents, and optimize WAN and SD-WAN utilization
• Create high-level and low-level network design documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration standards, migration plans, and implementation guidelines
• Collaborate with security, cloud, application, and operations teams to align network designs with enterprise security policies, identity strategies, and cloud connectivity patterns
• Provide technical guidance during complex incidents and problem investigations related to SD-WAN, routing, switching, and network performance
• Conduct capacity planning and performance analysis to validate bandwidth needs, anticipate growth, and recommend upgrades before constraints impact users
• Mentor implementation and operations teams on SD-WAN design, configuration methods, troubleshooting practices, and network engineering standards

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience with enterprise routing and switching, including Cisco switching, routing protocols, quality of service, high availability design, and network segmentation
• 10+ years of experience designing, implementing, or optimizing SD-WAN technologies in complex enterprise environments
• 5 to 10 years of experience with Cisco Meraki, including SD-WAN architecture, policy design, traffic optimization, and branch connectivity
• 5+ years of experience with Juniper technologies in enterprise network environments
• Strong hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Viptela, including control, data, and management plane components
• Deep understanding of network security fundamentals, including segmentation, secure tunneling, access policies, and integration with enterprise security services
• Experience supporting hybrid work, branch connectivity, remote access, and cloud access scenarios while maintaining reliable user experience and consistent security controls
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex network issues using logs, packet analysis, performance data, and enterprise monitoring tools
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present network designs, explain tradeoffs, document decisions, and collaborate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders
• Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification
• Cisco Certified Specialist Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation certification
• Experience evaluating new network features, software versions, and vendor capabilities for risk, compatibility, and business value
• Experience improving monitoring, observability, and alerting for SD-WAN and core network infrastructure
• Background supporting large-scale network modernization, cloud connectivity, or global enterprise network transformation programs