Contract Python Network Automation Jobs in Santa Ana, CA

ABOUT THE TEAM

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Senior Network Automation Engineer to join our Infrastructure Engineering team. In this pivotal role, you will design, develop, and implement software tools and frameworks to automate the configuration, management, testing, and deployment of our diverse network infrastructure. By leveraging programming languages like Python and modern automation platforms, you will be instrumental in reducing manual, CLI-based tasks, significantly improving efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across our network operations. This role is key to shifting our traditional networking approach towards a robust NetDevOps model.
You will play a critical role in shaping our automation strategy, driving Infrastructure-as-Code initiatives, and ensuring our network systems are resilient, secure, and performant. This is an exciting opportunity to tackle complex, multi-vendor challenges and directly impact our overall operational excellence.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Develop, champion, and maintain a comprehensive network automation strategy that aligns with organizational goals and evolving technology landscape.
• Identify and prioritize high-impact areas for automation within the network infrastructure across various environments (data center, backbone, OT, cloud).
• Design and architect robust, scalable, and maintainable automation solutions.
• Design, develop, and integrate automation tools and frameworks to support infrastructure management, leveraging Go, Python, Nornir, Ansible, and other relevant technologies.
• Ensure seamless integration of new automation solutions with existing systems, APIs (RESTCONF, NETCONF), and processes.
• Implement and promote the widespread use of Infrastructure as Code (IaC) principles to manage and provision network resources using tools like Terraform.
• Maintain IaC scripts and templates to ensure consistency, version control (Git), and reproducibility across our environments.
• Implement automated monitoring and reporting solutions to ensure the health, performance, and compliance of our network infrastructure.
• Develop automated pre- and post-change validation processes to ensure configuration changes have only the intended effects and are successfully implemented.
• Provide detailed reports on automation effectiveness and identify areas for continuous improvement.
• Ensure that all automation solutions comply with security policies, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Implement automated security checks and compliance audits within the network environment.
• Maintain comprehensive and up-to-date documentation for automation system designs, configurations, and operational processes.
• Share knowledge, best practices, and provide training and mentorship to the broader technology organization and network engineering teams.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 5+ years of experience in network engineering with a strong focus on automation and scripting.
• Proficiency in Python and/or Go for automation scripting (e.g., Netmiko, NAPALM, Paramiko) and general software development.
• Extensive experience with configuration management tools (e.g., Nornir, Ansible, Salt, Puppet).
• Hands-on experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools (e.g., Terraform, Pulumi) for network provisioning.
• Deep understanding of core networking concepts and protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS).
• Experience interacting with network devices via APIs (RESTCONF, NETCONF), SNMP, and other programmatic interfaces.
• Strong experience with version control systems (Git) and modern CI/CD methodologies for network configuration deployments.
• Familiarity with network operating systems from multiple vendors (e.g., Cisco IOS/NX-OS, Juniper Junos, Arista EOS, Palo Alto PAN-OS).
• Experience with Linux operating systems and Bash scripting.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex network and automation issues.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and mentor peers.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US Secret clearance.