Network Automation Engineer + AI

Role: Network Automation Engineer

Location: Wilmington, DE or Manassas, VA or Urbandale, Iowa (Hybrid)

Inteview: Phone and web

Duration: Full Time/ Permanent

Requirement Notes (Candidate Job description below): This position will lead efforts to automate and update a large, global enterprise network. You will create automation tools that are secure, repeatable, and built to scale, working side by side with architecture, security, and cloud teams. The goal is to cut down on manual work, simplify daily operations, and help the organization move toward a software driven, cloud focused network. Candidates must have a Strong understanding of automation and AI tools, with the ability to apply them to improve operational efficiency and day-to-day workflows and be comfortable using AI platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT) and understands how to effectively leverage prompts to solve problems, automate tasks, and enhance productivity.

*** CANDIDATES MUST HAVE RECENT AI EXPERIENCE AS IT RELATES TO NETWORK AUTOMATION USING PYTHON AND CISCO/PALO ALTO TECHNOLOGIES. THIS IS A NETWORK DEPLOYMENT AUTOMATION INSTEAD OF APPLICATION DEPLOYMENT.

Technical Stack:

Cisco networking solutions

Palo Alto Networks

Zscaler

Load balancing technologies and related network infrastructure

Job Description:

Ideal Candidate

A network engineering professional with strong operational experience, some scripting and automation capabilities, and a willingness to leverage AI and automation tools to improve processes.

Overview

This position will lead efforts to automate and update a large, global enterprise network. You will create automation tools that are secure, repeatable, and built to scale, working side by side with architecture, security, and cloud teams. The goal is to cut down on manual work, simplify daily operations, and help the organization move toward a software driven, cloud focused network.

Responsibilities

• Build and support automation frameworks using Python, Ansible, Terraform, and REST APIs to make network operations more consistent and efficient.
• Automate the full network lifecycle, covering provisioning, configuration, and policy management across data center, SD WAN, and cloud environments.
• Work with architecture and security partners to roll out Infrastructure as Code and grow NetDevOps adoption company wide.
• Create and connect automated workflows for platforms including Cisco ISE, Cisco DNA Center, Palo Alto Prisma SD WAN, and Zscaler.
• Set up CI/CD pipelines that test, validate, and deploy network changes automatically.
• Write and manage reusable templates and playbooks stored in source control to standardize rollouts and limit hands on work.
• Improve network visibility by automating the gathering, analysis, and reporting of telemetry data to help teams spot and fix issues early.
• Help design network architectures that are secure, resilient, and scalable, in line with Zero Trust and cloud focused goals.
• Define and uphold automation standards, documentation, and governance practices for long term maintainability and audit readiness.
• Use AI powered development tools and smart automation to speed up work and lower operational effort.
• Take part in an on call schedule supporting live network operations and automation systems.

Qualifications

• 8 years of enterprise network engineering experience in global or multi location settings.
• 2 years of hands on network automation and scripting focused on real operational needs.
• Solid core networking knowledge including routing, switching, firewalls, VPN, NAC, and WAN.
• Strong skills in Python and Ansible, plus working experience with Terraform and REST APIs.
• Experience using Git and CI/CD pipelines to manage infrastructure or network changes.
• Knowledge of cloud networking in AWS, Azure, or GCP, including hybrid connectivity.
• Understanding of NetDevOps concepts, event driven automation, or network testing tools.
• Background with enterprise platforms such as Cisco routing and switching, Cisco ISE, Cisco DNA Center, Palo Alto, Zscaler, NetScaler, or comparable tools.
• Exposure to Docker, Kubernetes, and container networking is a bonus.
• Creative, big picture thinker with a builder’s mindset.
• Comfortable using AI tools as an everyday part of professional work.

Education and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Preferred certifications: Cisco DevNet, CCNP or CCIE, PCNSE, CISSP, and AWS or Azure Networking.