Cisco Data Center Network Engineer

Position Overview

Dice is the leading career destination for tech experts. Our client, Cyquent, Inc., is seeking a highly skilled Cisco Data Center Network Engineer (All Systems) (20 Hours/Wk). This is a Part-time position for candidates looking for reduced hours. In this role, you will manage and optimize enterprise network infrastructure across data centers, WAN, and cloud-integrated environments. The ideal candidate is a Cisco-certified expert with advanced experience in routing, switching, security, wireless, automation, and SDN technologies, particularly within public sector or government settings. You will be responsible for the end-to-end architecture, implementation, security, and support of Cisco systems including Nexus, IOS/IOS XE routers and switches, wireless infrastructure, and next-gen firewalls across mission-critical environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and manage Cisco-based data center and core WAN infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, and wireless systems.
• Maintain and troubleshoot the DPSCS IP/MPLS Core WAN Infrastructure, including VPNs (IPSec, DMVPN), MPLS VPNs, and VRF configurations.
• Oversee data center operations, including Active-Active and Active-Standby Disaster Recovery environments.
• Administer Cisco Identity Services Engine (Client), including TACACS+, RADIUS, and 802.1X for secure access control and policy enforcement.
• Manage and automate network operations via Cisco DNA Center, including deployment, assurance, analytics, and configuration tasks.
• Monitor and optimize network performance using SolarWinds, Wireshark, Cisco DNAC, and Cisco ThousandEyes.
• Conduct regular network assessments, audits, and documentation reviews to ensure compliance with internal security policies and government standards.
• Coordinate and execute hardware/software refreshes, upgrades, and lifecycle maintenance for Cisco network equipment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional IT teams to align networking solutions with business continuity, disaster recovery, and cloud strategies.
• Support Zero Trust Network Access and micro-segmentation frameworks in enterprise environments.
• Lead incident response and root cause analysis for major network outages or security incidents.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Minimum Associate's Degree (A.A.) in Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or a related technical field.
• Certifications: Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP Routing & Switching), Cisco Certified Internetworking Professional (CCIP), Cisco Certified Specialist Data Center Core, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure.
• Experience: 8+ years of hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies in enterprise data center and WAN environments. Prior experience in government or public sector networking environments is preferred.
• Technical Competencies: Deep expertise in Cisco Nexus, IOS, IOS XE, and 9800 Series Wireless Controllers; strong command of networking protocols including TCP/IP, BGP, OSPF, MPLS, VRF, VLANs, VPNs; experience with SDN, SD-WAN, and WAN optimization technologies; proficient in using documentation tools, network configuration repositories, and knowledge bases; experience with cloud-integrated data center networking and virtualization; solid understanding of security best practices, Zero Trust models, and business continuity planning.