Data Center Network Administrator

Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Center Network Administrator on a contract basis to join our team at data center in Bedminster, NJ. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing Cisco Nexus N9K and Cisco 55A1 switches, along with a deep understanding of data center network operations. This role will be responsible for the administration, configuration, and management of complex network infrastructure, ensuring seamless connectivity, performance, and security across our data center environment. Key Responsibilities: • Network Administration & Management: o Configure, monitor, and manage Cisco Nexus 9000 (N9K) series switches and Cisco 55A1 switches in a high-availability environment. o Administer and support network infrastructure including switches, routers, and firewalls to maintain performance, availability, and security. o Ensure high availability and reliability of the data center network infrastructure by proactively monitoring network performance, troubleshooting issues, and resolving incidents. o Maintain network performance by performing network upgrades, patching, and optimization. • Data Center Network Design & Optimization: o Collaborate with network engineers to design, plan, and implement network configurations and updates within the data center. o Implement best practices for network architecture, including Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), VLANs, VXLANs, BGP, OSPF, and other data center-specific protocols. o Oversee the implementation of network security policies, including access control lists (ACLs), port security, and network segmentation strategies to protect against unauthorized access. • Network Monitoring & Troubleshooting: o Utilize monitoring tools (e.g., Cisco Prime, SolarWinds, etc.) to identify network performance issues and resolve them in a timely manner. o Analyze network traffic, identify bottlenecks, and optimize routing and switching configurations. o Troubleshoot and resolve network-related issues with minimal downtime, including Layer 1, 2, and 3 issues. • Documentation & Reporting: o Create and maintain accurate network documentation, including topology diagrams, configuration templates, change logs, and operational procedures. o Generate and analyze network reports to track performance metrics, usage trends, and capacity planning. • Collaboration & Support: o Work with other teams (e.g., systems, storage, security, etc.) to ensure seamless integration of network infrastructure with other IT components. o Provide technical support to internal teams and end-users, ensuring efficient resolution of network-related issues. o Participate in on-call support rotations to provide 24/7 network support. • Continuous Improvement: o Stay current on networking technologies, trends, and best practices related to data center environments and Cisco networking. o Assist in the planning and execution of network upgrades and improvements to meet growing business needs. Qualifications & Skills: • Education & Experience: o Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Networking, or related field, or equivalent experience. o Minimum of 5 years of experience in data center network administration, including hands-on experience with Cisco Nexus N9K and Cisco 55A1 switches. • Technical Skills: o Strong knowledge and experience with Cisco Nexus 9000 Series (N9K) and 55A1 switches, including configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance. o Proficient in Layer 2/3 technologies such as VLANs, STP, OSPF, BGP, and VXLAN. o Experience with network automation and orchestration tools such as Ansible, Python scripting, or Cisco DCNM. o Knowledge of network security best practices, including ACLs, port security, VPNs, and segmentation techniques. o Experience with network monitoring and management tools (e.g., Cisco Prime, SolarWinds, PRTG). • Certifications: o Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) or equivalent is required. o Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or higher is highly preferred. o Additional certifications in network security or automation (e.g., CCNP Data Center, CompTIA Network+, etc.) are a plus.