Senior Network Test & Automation Engineer

• Design, execute, and document network lab testing and certification.
• Test and certify routers, switches, software releases, patches, SMUs, and network designs.
• Perform functional, interoperability, performance, and regression testing.
• Validate network designs across Campus/Branch, WAN/MAN, Data Center, and low-latency environments.
• Perform risk/CVE-based testing and support patch certification and remediation validation.
• Troubleshoot routing, switching, performance, compatibility, and hardware/software issues.
• Build and improve automated network testing using Python and Ansible.
• Develop reusable automation workflows and improve overall test coverage.
• Work with Kubernetes networking/CNI and support validation of cloud-native network architectures.
• Utilize eBPF/Cilium concepts for networking, observability, policy enforcement, BGP integration, and troubleshooting.
• Work with vendors and engineering teams on product certification, bug validation, and new technology evaluation.
• Create engineering standards, certification documents, test results, recommendations, and technical reports.
• Provide technical guidance and communicate findings to engineering teams and senior stakeholders.

We are looking for a Senior Network Test & Automation Engineer with strong hands-on experience in enterprise routing and switching, network design validation, lab testing, and automation. The engineer will be responsible for testing and certifying network hardware, software releases, patches, and network designs before production deployment. The role requires strong knowledge of traditional enterprise networking along with exposure to modern cloud-native networking technologies such as Kubernetes CNI, eBPF, and Cilium., * 8+ years of Network Engineering experience.

• Strong hands-on experience with IP Routing and Switching.
• Strong knowledge of BGP, OSPF, IGMP, PIM and Layer 2 protocols.
• Hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst/Nexus and/or Arista platforms.
• Experience with network design, testing, certification, and troubleshooting in a LAB environment.
• Strong understanding of Linux administration and networking.
• Hands-on knowledge of Python and Ansible for network automation.
• Experience with Git/GitHub.
• Good troubleshooting knowledge using tcpdump and Wireshark.
• Understanding of Kubernetes architecture and container networking/CNI.
• Exposure to eBPF-based networking; Cilium experience is highly preferred.
• Ability to independently perform complex network testing and certification.

Preferred Skills

• CCNP-level knowledge required; CCIE is highly desirable.
• Experience with IXIA and/or Spirent network testing tools.
• Experience with Robot Framework and integration with Ansible.
• Cisco IOS/IOS-XE/NX-OS software/code certification experience.
• Arista 7280/7504/7060 or similar platform experience.
• Network security knowledge including 802.1X, NAC, IPSec, QoS and DDoS mitigation.
• CVE analysis, vulnerability assessment, patch testing, and remediation validation.
• AWS or Azure networking exposure.
• Data Center networking and high-speed connectivity exposure including 10G/25G/40G/50G/100G.

Candidate Profile The ideal candidate should be a senior hands-on network engineer who has worked on network engineering/design as well as lab-based products and code certification. We are specifically looking for engineers who can bridge traditional enterprise networking with automation and modern cloud-native networking technologies. The candidate should be able to work independently, manage vendor interactions, communicate technical findings clearly, and operate effectively within a global engineering team.

Important Points for the role:

• Strong Network Routing & Switching - BGP, OSPF, L2/L3
• Hands-on Cisco Catalyst/Nexus and/or Arista
• Strong Network LAB testing, validation and certification experience
• Automation using Python and Ansible
• Kubernetes, CNI and eBPF/Cilium exposure will be a strong advantage
• IXIA/Spirent experience is highly preferred
• 8+ years of relevant hands-on network engineering experience

CCNP-level experience; CCIE is desirable

ApTask is a leading global provider of workforce solutions and talent acquisition services, dedicated to shaping the future of work. As an African American-owned and Veteran-owned company, ApTask offers a comprehensive suite of services, including staffing and recruitment solutions, managed services, IT consulting, and project management. With a focus on excellence, collaboration, and innovation, ApTask provides unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and development. As a member of the ApTask team, you will have the chance to connect businesses with top-tier professionals, optimize workforce performance, and drive success across diverse industries. Join us at ApTask and be part of our mission to empower organizations to thrive while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Candidate Data Collection Disclaimer: At ApTask, we prioritize safeguarding your privacy. As part of our recruitment process, certain Personally Identifiable Information (PII) may be requested by our clients for verification and application purposes. Rest assured, we strictly adhere to confidentiality standards and comply with all relevant data protection laws. Please note that we only collect the necessary information as specified by each client and do not request sensitive details during the initial stages of recruitment.