Job Title

Subject Matter Expert [L2 and L3 SME]Job Location : Chennai , PuneJob Description[For our premium client]Experience : 5 to 15 YearsDesired Competencies (Technical/Behavioural Competency)Routing & Switching (Cisco/Juniper – OEM’s) - DC DC-Core Network Protocol BGP/OSPF concepts Checkpoint Firewall – Network Security & VPN concepts Cisco Wireless & SD WAN concepts F5 LTM DNS/DHCP, IPAM CCNP, CCSA, F5 Certificate Good-to-Have Cisco Meraki AWS Networking, Cisco ISE & Security NMS: BIG IQ, SolarWinds, CA Spectrum, Thousand eyes, NetBrain, Firewall Monitoring Tools (Checkpoint)Responsibility of / Expectations from the RoleCandidates should have a strong working knowledge of OSI layers 1-7, with the ability to apply analytical and troubleshooting skill sets to solve complex problems across all networking disciplines Monitor the performance and capability of the network using diversified tools. Identify the malfunctioning of hardware, software, and alerts events. Triage or troubleshoot the issues & incident, within the defined areas. Follow Standard Operating Manuals and coordinate with third party vendors, customer contacts, or other IT teams to implement solutions and resolution. Develop strong relationships with the customer and all other supporting departments. Experience on supporting the Cisco WLAN Controllers, SSID and Access Points Experience on Implementing and troubleshooting Firewalls Security, VPN’s, NAT policy, Software Patch management Configuring and troubleshooting routing & switching protocols: Set up and troubleshoot protocols like OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, VLANs, STPs, VRF, MC-LAG, FHRP,DMVPN, NAT Policy. Solid understanding of LAN, WAN and SDWAN concepts (including wireless LAN) with experience in supporting enterprise class routers, switches in a global and enterprise network environment. Experience on Implementing and troubleshooting Internal and External DNS, IPAM, DHCP for IP management. Experience on Implementing and troubleshooting F5 LTM administration, SSL Certificate renewal, iRules creation, Software Upgrade & Patching Proactive Analysis: Review and analyze the DATA from Network Monitoring Tools to identify the best course of action to avert potential crises. Test & Implement software patches & firmware for the network & security devices Vendor or Supplier coordination, Problem-solving skills and ability to meet reasonable deadlines. Major / High Severity Incidents management & Problem, Vendor ManagementRole: L3 SME LAN/WAN (24x7, Remote during out of business hours, Rotational Shift)Key Responsibilities:Network Design & Architecture: Lead the design and implementation of enterprise-level LAN, WAN, and wireless network solutions, ensuring alignment with organizational requirements and industry best practices. Advanced Troubleshooting: Provide expert-level troubleshooting support for complex network issues, including routing, switching, wireless connectivity, and firewall configurations. Firewall Management: Oversee and manage firewalls (Checkpoint, Cisco ASA, Palo Alto, etc.), ensuring secure network traffic and protecting the network from unauthorized access. Optimization & Performance Tuning: Continuously monitor and optimize the performance of LAN, WAN, and wireless networks, including managing network latency, bandwidth utilization, and high availability configurations. Security Solutions: Implement and maintain network security policies, firewalls, and VPNs to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network resources. Wireless Network Management: Manage and optimize wireless networks, including site surveys, access point placement, and wireless security protocols (WPA3, WPA2, etc.). Network Upgrades & Maintenance: Plan and execute network upgrades, firmware patches, and hardware replacements to keep the network infrastructure up-to-date and secure. Mentorship & Knowledge Transfer: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and support staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Incident & Problem Management: Lead the resolution of complex network-related incidents, ensuring timely identification, escalation, and resolution of issues impacting network performance or security. Network Monitoring & Reporting: Utilize network monitoring tools to proactively monitor network health, security threats, and performance metrics. Provide detailed reports on network performance, incidents, and actions taken. Collaboration with Cross-functional Teams: Work closely with other IT teams (e.g., security operations, cloud services, and data centres) to integrate network solutions and address enterprise-wide infrastructure needs. Documentation & Process Improvement: Maintain comprehensive documentation of network configurations, firewall policies, and troubleshooting procedures. Contribute to process improvements for network operations and incident resolution.Required Skills & Qualifications:Extensive expertise in LAN, WAN, and Wireless networking (including routing, switching, VLANs, and protocol knowledge such as OSPF, BGP, and MPLS). Proficiency in firewall management and security solutions (Checkpoint, Palo Alto, Cisco ASA, Fortinet, etc.). In-depth knowledge of wireless network design and optimization (Wi-Fi standards, RF fundamentals, and troubleshooting). Strong understanding of network security principles, including firewall rules, VPN technologies (IPSec, SSL), NAT, and network intrusion prevention systems (IPS). Hands-on experience with network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, PRTG, Nagios) for troubleshooting and performance analysis. Experience in network optimization and ensuring high availability (HA) for mission-critical systems and services. Advanced troubleshooting skills in complex network environments (routing, switching, wireless, firewall). Strong scripting or automation skills (Python, Ansible, PowerShell) for network management and configuration. Ability to implement network redundancy, load balancing, and failover mechanisms to ensure business continuity. Familiarity with cloud networking concepts (AWS, Azure, etc.) and hybrid cloud environments. Excellent communication and documentation skills, with the ability to present complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to lead complex network projects and initiatives.