Weekend Network Engineer Jobs in Chester, VA (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Network Engineer (L3+) – Datacenter Deployment & Operations (CCNP) Role Overview We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer (L3+) with Datacenter experience to join our Deployment & Support team. This role involves designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing large-scale, highly available network infrastructures across data centers and POP (Point of Presence) environments. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Layer 2/Layer 3 networking, datacenter architecture, automation, and security, along with hands-on experience in Cisco and Palo Alto platforms. Key Responsibilities 1. Deployment & Operations Deploy, configure, and maintain large-scale datacenter and POP network infrastructure Work with Cisco (C9200, C9300X) and Palo Alto (PA5500) platforms Ensure minimal user disruption during deployments, migrations, and upgrades Support rack design, cabling, power planning, and hardware installation Create rack elevations, floor layouts, port maps, and wiring diagrams Manage asset lifecycle and inventory of networking equipment 2. Datacenter & POP Engineering Design and implement datacenter network architecture Work with colocation vendors, carriers, and facilities teams Handle power, cooling, and capacity planning Create Statements of Work (SOWs) for vendors Ensure adherence to datacenter best practices 3. Troubleshooting & Incident Management Perform deep-dive troubleshooting of complex L2/L3 issues Conduct root cause analysis (RCA) and implement permanent fixes Diagnose failures across network devices, servers, and optical links Escalate issues and collaborate with cross-functional teams 4. Network Automation Develop automation using: Python Ansible Terraform Build scripts for: Configuration management Provisioning Monitoring & remediation 5. Performance & Optimization Monitor network performance and capacity Identify bottlenecks and improve: Latency Throughput Implement proactive optimizations 6. Security & Compliance Manage firewalls and security policies (Palo Alto, Panorama) Ensure compliance with security standards Implement L2/L3 security best practices 7. Documentation & Process Improvement Maintain accurate documentation: IP/VLAN plans Network diagrams Change logs Improve operational processes and automation Manage RMA processes and vendor coordination Required Qualifications Experience 7+ years in enterprise/datacenter network engineering (L3+) Experience in large-scale infrastructure, ISP, cloud, or tech environments Networking Expertise (L3+) Expert knowledge of: TCP/IP Routing protocols IPv4/IPv6 Traffic analysis and packet capture Networking Expertise (L2) Strong hands-on experience with: STP / RSTP / MSTP VLANs & Trunking EtherChannel / LAG VTP L2 security and stability Datacenter & Hardware Hands-on with: Cisco IOS-XE (C9200, C9300X) Palo Alto PAN-OS Experience with: StackWise / StackWise Virtual Optical networking & fiber troubleshooting DWDM (preferred) Automation & Systems Python scripting (must-have) Ansible (preferred) Linux OS proficiency API-based automation Security Strong knowledge of: Firewalls Network security practices Palo Alto Panorama Certifications CCNP (Mandatory / Strongly Preferred) CCNA / JNCIA / RHCT (plus) Preferred Qualifications Experience with monitoring tools: Zabbix, PRTG Exposure to: Virtualization Storage systems Strong understanding of: Fiber optics (cabling, connectors, patch panels) Experience working with: Global teams Service providers and colocation facilities Project Lifecycle Responsibilities 1. Preparation Phase Network design and planning Hardware configuration and cabling support 2. Migration Phase Execute phased migrations (cell-by-cell) Ensure minimal disruption to users 3. BAU (Business as Usual) Support new deployments Troubleshoot issues Manage VLANs and IP changes Update firewall policies and documentation Additional Requirements Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication and coordination abilities Ability to work in a fast-paced global environment Willingness to travel (10–30%) Ability to handle physical tasks (lifting equipment if needed) Education Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in: Computer Science Networking Electrical Engineering Related field Summary This role is ideal for a CCNP-certified Senior Network Engineer (L3+) with deep datacenter deployment, operations, and automation experience, capable of managing large-scale, mission-critical networks end-to-end.