Senior Network Engineer - SD WAN (Hybrid Role)

Description

3 Days Hybrid from any of our locations in RI, NJ, MA, NC, TX or AZ

Role is not relocation eligible. 

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced SD-WAN Senior Network Engineer to design, implement, and maintain our Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical expertise in VMware SD-WAN by VeloCloud or similar SD-WAN technologies, along with a strong background in traditional WAN, routing, and network security. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure a scalable, secure, and high-performing SD-WAN environment that meets the organization's networking needs.

Key Responsibilities:

SD-WAN Design and Implementation:

Design and deploy SD-WAN solutions across multiple branch offices, data centers, and cloud environments, ensuring alignment with business requirements.

Configure and manage SD-WAN edge devices, gateways, and orchestrators, including policies for dynamic path selection, traffic prioritization, and failover.

Collaborate with network architects to develop scalable and resilient SD-WAN designs that optimize bandwidth utilization, latency, and application performance.

Network Performance Monitoring and Troubleshooting:

Use network monitoring tools to continuously track the performance of the SD-WAN, identifying and resolving issues related to latency, jitter, and packet loss.

Perform root cause analysis for recurring network issues, implementing solutions to improve overall network reliability and performance.

Optimize Quality of Service (QoS) configurations to ensure mission-critical applications receive prioritized bandwidth.

Security and Compliance:

Implement network security protocols within the SD-WAN environment, including encryption, firewall configurations, and access controls to protect data across public and private networks.

Collaborate with the security team to ensure the SD-WAN is compliant with industry standards and regulatory requirements (e.g., PCI DSS, GDPR).

Maintain VPN configurations and ensure secure connectivity between remote sites, cloud platforms, and the corporate network.

Integration with Cloud Services and Legacy Systems:

Integrate SD-WAN solutions with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) using cloud onramps to improve connectivity and application performance.

Ensure seamless integration between SD-WAN and existing MPLS networks, supporting a hybrid WAN environment where necessary.

Configure direct internet breakout for optimized cloud and SaaS application access, reducing latency and backhaul traffic.

Automation and Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP):

Develop automation scripts and leverage tools like Ansible or Python to automate repetitive tasks such as network provisioning, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Implement Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) for rapid deployment of SD-WAN devices, reducing the need for on-site technical support during installation.

Create and maintain standardized configuration templates for consistent deployment across different locations.

Documentation and Reporting:

Develop and maintain detailed network documentation, including network diagrams, configuration guides, and troubleshooting procedures.

Provide regular performance reports on SD-WAN metrics, highlighting network health, issues resolved, and areas for improvement.

Collaborate with network operations teams to share best practices and updates on new features or optimizations.

Project Management and Collaboration:

Participate in the planning and execution of SD-WAN projects, working closely with IT, security, and business teams to align network solutions with organizational goals.

Lead technical assessments and proof of concept (POC) initiatives for new SD-WAN features, tools, or integrations.

Mentor junior network engineers, providing guidance on SD-WAN configurations, troubleshooting, and best practices.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in network engineering, with 2+ years focused on SD-WAN technologies (e.g., VMware VeloCloud, Aruba EdgeConnect, Cisco SDWAN Viptela).

Strong knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, and WAN optimization techniques.

Experience with network security technologies, including VPNs, firewalls, encryption protocols, and access control mechanisms.

Proficiency in network monitoring tools (e.g., NetReo, SolarWinds, PRTG, NetFlow analyzers) and troubleshooting methodologies.

Experience with automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting, Terraform) for network configuration and orchestration.

Networking certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or SD-WAN-specific certifications (e.g., Velocloud, Cisco Viptela, Aruba EdgeConnect Certified Professional).

Preferred Skills:

Experience integrating SD-WAN with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and knowledge of multi-cloud networking.

Familiarity with network automation frameworks and concepts such as Infrastructure as Code (IaC).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work under pressure and handle multiple projects simultaneously.

Excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and present technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Network Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Relevant certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP, VeloCloud Certified Professional, Cisco Certified Specialist – Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation, Aruba Certified SD-Branch Professional) are highly desirable.

Pay Transparency 

The salary range for this position is $ 99,200  - $ 148,800  per year plus an opportunity to earn an annual discretionary bonus. Actual pay is based on various factors including but not limited to the work location, and relevant skills and experience.   

We offer competitive pay, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, maternity/paternity leave, flexible work arrangements, education reimbursement, wellness programs and more. Note, Citizens’ paid time off policy exceeds the mandatory, paid sick or paid time-away policy of very local and state jurisdiction in the United States. For an overview of our benefits, visit https://jobs.citizensbank.com/benefits.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day. Employment decisions are based solely on experience, performance, and ability. Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer

Citizens is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. and each of its respective affiliates.