Network Engineer _Only W2 _ 7+ Years of Experience required _ New Albany, OH 43054

Job Title: Network Engineer

Location: New Albany, OH (Onsite – 5 Days a Week)
Job Type: W2 Contract
Work Schedule: Rotational Shifts based on client requirements

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Network Engineer to support large-scale data center network deployment and operations in New Albany, Ohio.

The candidate will be responsible for network device provisioning, configuration, activation, troubleshooting, and production readiness. This role involves working with data center network infrastructure, routers, switches, optical networking, and large-scale network deployments.

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with major networking platforms such as Juniper, Arista, or Cisco, along with a strong understanding of routing, switching, and data center networking.

Shift & Work Schedule

• Work Location: Onsite at New Albany, Ohio (Remote work is not available).
• Coverage: 24×7 operations across three 8-hour shifts.
• Day Shift: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM ET.
• Swing Shift: 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM ET.
• Graveyard Shift: 11:00 PM – 7:00 AM ET.
• Work Pattern: 5 days on / 2 days off.
• Working Hours: 40 hours per week.
• Shift Differential: Additional compensation applies for Swing and Graveyard shifts as per company policy.

Candidates must be flexible to work rotational shifts based on client requirements.

Required Technical Skills

1. Routing & Switching

• Strong understanding of BGP, IS-IS, and MPLS.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of routing and switching technologies.

2. Network Platforms

• Hands-on experience with at least one of the following:
• Juniper (JunOS)
• Arista (EOS)
• Cisco (IOS-XR)
• Meta's FBOSS (Preferred)

3. Data Center Networking

• Understanding of Clos and Spine-Leaf network architectures.
• Experience with fabric networks and Top-of-Rack (ToR) switching.

4. Optical Networking

• Familiarity with DWDM.
• Understanding of 800G optics (800ZR+) and transponder provisioning.

5. Automation & Scripting

• Familiarity with Python-based automation tools.

6. Network Management & Ticketing

• Experience working with network management and ticketing systems.

Experience & Qualifications

• 3–7 years of experience in Network Engineering, Data Center Deployment, or Network Operations.
• Experience provisioning enterprise or hyperscale network devices at scale.
• Hands-on experience with at least one major vendor platform: Juniper, Arista, or Cisco.
• Experience supporting large-scale network deployments involving 100+ devices.
• Understanding of data center power, cooling constraints, and physical infrastructure.

Required Certifications:

• CCNA or CCNP (Cisco), or
• JNCIA or JNCIS (Juniper).

Preferred Certifications:

• Vendor-specific optical networking certifications such as Ciena or Infinera.

Core Responsibilities

1. Network Provisioning

• Execute SOLO (Single-Operation Logical Onboarding) provisioning workflows for new rack deployments.
• Provision network devices, including fabric switches, backbone routers, general service equipment, OOB devices, and circuits.
• Configure network devices using client-provided tools and appropriate network parameters.
• Perform HPRv3 (High Power Rack) provisioning for AI compute racks.
• Provision circuits for peering, backbone, and intra-data-center connectivity.
• Manage network software updates and upgrades according to release schedules.
• Support PON (Passive Optical Network) OLT provisioning and activation.

2. Network Activation & Production Readiness

• Move network equipment from the provisioned stage to the activation stage.
• Execute undrain procedures to bring network equipment into production.
• Complete Production Readiness checklist sign-offs, including logical validation and physical quality audit confirmation.
• Coordinate with Network Operations teams for operational handoff.
• Support partial activations and zone-by-zone activation approaches during accelerated deployments.

3. Quality Assurance & Troubleshooting

• Perform logical testing and performance validation after network provisioning.
• Execute circuit QA/QC and loopback testing in coordination with field teams.
• Troubleshoot router and switch uplink failures, device provisioning issues, and circuit-level problems.
• Identify and escalate network design and Bill of Materials (BOM) discrepancies.
• Resolve provisioning issues arising from pre-integrated rack workflows.
• Document and report deployment blockers through the client's ticketing system.

4. Documentation & Process Management

• Maintain deployment playbooks for assigned regions.
• Update Bills of Materials (BOMs) with actual as-built configuration details.
• Contribute to network runbook development.
• Track and report deployment progress through the client's internal dashboard.
• Support post-deployment audits and remediation activities.

Soft Skills

• Ability to work in fast-paced and high-pressure deployment environments.
• Strong documentation and communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate with field technicians, operations teams, and engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision after onboarding.
• Strong problem-solving and escalation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• BICSI certification (RCDD, Installer, or Technician) or equivalent.
• Previous experience working in hyperscale data center environments.
• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.
• Familiarity with DCIM tools, intake/ticketing systems, and network management dashboards.
• Foundational understanding of network protocols and the OSI model (Layers 1–4).