Lead Network Engineer

Apply engineering best practices to analyze, design, develop, deploy, and support network infrastructure in an enterprise environment. Provide subject matter expertise in load balancing technologies, particularly F5. Lead projects to define and implement network infrastructure supporting business needs.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Network Engineering Best Practices : Apply best practices to analyze, design, develop, deploy, and support network solutions and infrastructure implementation/upgrades.
• Technical Expertise : Provide expertise in F5 LTM/GTM Architecture, ASM Security, deep-level packet/application inspection, automation of daily tasks, and driving standards.
• Hardware Managemen t: Lead hardware refresh initiatives to ensure optimal performance and reliability of network infrastructure.
• Dual Data Center Design : Design and manage dual data center environments with high-availability configurations.
• Mentorship : Support and mentor junior engineers on load balancing technologies and best practices.
• Automation : Automate changes for expedited and consistent delivery.
• Security and Compliance : Drive strong enforcement and security controls within the environment.
• Incident Resolution : Collaborate with internal teams to resolve complex incidents and address concerns.
• Change Management : Conduct detailed planning, testing, and execution of complex changes to the environment.
• Continuous Improvement : Recognize and recommend improvements, standardization, and documentation.
• Thought Leadership : Provide thought leadership, influence peers in and outside of domain, manage vendor relationships, and integrate with the organization vertically.
• Architectural Solutions : Architect solutions considering availability, security, compliance, privacy, and legal requirements. Introduce industry concepts and technologies to solve key problems.
• Project Coordination : Bring together the work of many teams and individuals into a cohesive, achievable plan that aligns with goals and deadlines.
• Performance Optimization : Create solutions that are consistently successful across multiple dimensions, including performance, scalability, robustness, and maintainability.
• Coaching : Coach and mentor less experienced engineers and assign stretch assignments.

Requirements

• 5+ years experience in network engineering, focusing on designing and managing highly available network infrastructure.
• 5+ years experience supporting load balancing infrastructure with expertise in F5 technologies (LTM/GTM/ASM).
• Strong sense of ownership, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to explain technical solutions to both technical and non-technical teams.
• Strong customer support skills with varying degrees of technical aptitude.
• Knowledge of installation, deployment, refreshes, and performance analysis of load balancing infrastructure.
• Ability to develop and understand iRules, WideIPs, and load distribution methods.
• Basic knowledge of DNS concepts.
• Preferred knowledge of coding/scripting/automation (Python, Terraform, GIT).
• Understanding of dual data center design patterns and their implementation.
• Knowledge/familiarity with SDN/Network automation is preferred.
• 5+ years experience with layer 2 and layer 3 routing and switching, VLANs, and WAN/LAN connectivity and topologies.
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• 6-8 years of professional IT experience.
• Experience with Cloud-based PaaS and SaaS platforms and integration points to On-Prem infrastructure.
• Experience with virtualization and containerization.
• Experience with monitoring and performance management of systems.
• Experience with Identity Platform and tools.
• Solid understanding of traditional or cloud computing technologies including Networking, Compute, Storage, Development, Data, Operations, or Security.
• Experience with CICD concepts, tools, branching strategies, and delivering infrastructure as a product.
• Experience creating, delivering, and supporting highly available architectures.
• Familiarity with multiple delivery methodologies such as Agile and Waterfall.

Join us in delivering innovative network solutions in a dynamic and fast-paced environment!

Northwestern Mutual pays on a geographic-specific salary structure and placement in the salary range for this position will be determined by a number of factors including the skills, education, training, credentials and experience of the candidate; the scope, complexity as well as the cost of labor in the market; and other conditions of employment. At Northwestern Mutual, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. Please note that the salary range listed in the posting is the standard pay structure. Positions in certain locations (such as California) may provide an increase on the standard pay structure based on the location. Please click here for additiona l information relating to location-based pay structures.

We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you work or would be working in California, Colorado, New York City, Washington or outside of a Corporate location, please click here for information pertaining to compensation and benefits.