Lead System Engineer – IT Network Communications (Core Data Centre Networking)

We are seeking a skilled Lead System Engineer – IT Network Communications with substantial expertise in Core Data Centre Networking, Network Operations, Network Security, and Automation.

The selected candidate will play a crucial role in managing and enhancing the organization's core data centre network, guaranteeing high availability, performance, security, and operational resilience within a large-scale, multi-vendor setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Core Data Centre Network, including routing, switching, segmentation, and data centre connectivity.
• Manage Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management processes to achieve operational objectives and meet SLAs.
• Lead troubleshooting efforts during major incidents, perform root cause analysis (RCA), and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Implement complex network changes, conducting risk assessments, readiness checks, back-out plans, and post-change validation.
• Ensure the upkeep of network configurations, technical documentation, runbooks, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Create network automation solutions for tasks such as configuration deployment, validation, compliance checks, health monitoring, and reporting.
• Utilize Ansible, Python, and APIs to streamline repetitive network operational duties.
• Incorporate AIOps and AI-assisted operations strategies, including event correlation, anomaly detection, alert noise reduction, and predictive alerting.
• Facilitate micro-segmentation and implement Zero Trust-aligned network security measures.
• Identify vulnerabilities in network security and resilience, driving initiatives for remediation.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to ensure adherence to SLAs and prompt incident resolution.
• Engage in service delivery reviews, operational meetings, proof of concepts (POCs), and technology refresh efforts.
• Promote continuous improvement across network processes, monitoring tools, automation, reliability, and operational efficiency.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 6–10 years of pertinent network engineering experience, ideally in expansive enterprise or multi-vendor landscapes.
• Extensive hands-on experience in Core Data Centre Networking.
• Strong proficiency in routing, switching, and advanced network troubleshooting.
• Experience with Incident Management, Problem Management, Change Management, RCA, and service reliability.
• Proficient in at least two of the following domains:
• Core Data Centre Networking
• Network Security
• Network Automation
• Familiarity with Ansible, Python, and/or APIs for network automation.
• Comprehension of network segmentation, micro-segmentation, and Zero Trust security frameworks.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Exceptional communication, stakeholder management, and vendor coordination skills.

Preferred Skills

• Networking and security certifications such as Cisco, F5, Palo Alto, or Check Point.
• Experience with AIOps and AI-powered network operations.
• Background in network automation, operational resilience, and ongoing service enhancement.
• Experience supporting critical enterprise environments, preferably in the airline or aviation sector.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a proactive network engineering expert with robust Core Data Centre Networking knowledge, adept at leading major incident resolutions, managing intricate network changes, and enhancing operational efficiency through automation and security improvements.