Senior Administrator - Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI)

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Network Engineer with strong expertise in Cisco Application Centric Infrastructure (ACI) and Network Automation. The role involves designing, implementing, and managing next-generation data center networks, along with automating network provisioning, configuration, and operations to improve efficiency, scalability, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities

• Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) • Design, deploy, configure, and manage Cisco ACI-based data center networks.
• Implement and maintain ACI fabric components including APIC controllers, leaf/spine switches.
• Configure ACI constructs such as: o Tenants, VRFs, Bridge Domains (BDs) o Application Profiles and Endpoint Groups (EPGs) o Contracts and policies • Integrate ACI with: o Physical servers and virtualization platforms (VMware) o L4–L7 services (firewalls, load balancers) • Monitor ACI fabric health, performance, and faults using APIC tools.
• Perform troubleshooting for fabric, policy, endpoint connectivity, and segmentation issues.
• Support ACI upgrades, patching, and lifecycle management. Network Automation • Develop and implement network automation frameworks to streamline provisioning and operations.
• Automate configuration, deployment, and validation using tools such as: o Python o Ansible / Terraform o REST APIs, NETCONF/RESTCONF • Create reusable automation scripts for: o Device configuration o Compliance checks o Backup and restore operations • Integrate automation with CI/CD pipelines where applicable.
• Reduce manual intervention by implementing zero-touch provisioning and automated workflows. Data Center Networking • Support data center networking concepts including: o VXLAN, EVPN o Overlay and underlay design o Spine-leaf architecture • Ensure high availability, scalability, and segmentation in the DC network.
• Work on hybrid environments integrating traditional and SDN-based networks. Operations & Support • Provide L2/L3 support for ACI and automated network environments.
• Perform root cause analysis and resolution for critical incidents.
• Maintain documentation: o Network designs o Automation scripts o SOPs and runbooks • Collaborate with infrastructure, cloud, and security teams.
• Participate in change management and implementation planning. Security & Compliance • Implement segmentation and policy-driven security using ACI contracts.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security standards and audit requirements.
• Support integration with firewall and security solutions.

Skill Requirements

Technical Skills • Strong hands-on experience in Cisco ACI • Deep understanding of: o Spine-leaf architecture o VXLAN/EVPN o Data center networking concepts • Experience in network automation and scripting • Proficiency in: o Python scripting o Ansible / Terraform o REST APIs • Knowledge of: o Routing protocols (BGP, OSPF) in DC context o Network virtualization and segmentation Platforms / Tools • Cisco ACI (APIC, Nexus switches) • Automation tools (Ansible, Terraform) • Version control (Git) • Monitoring/telemetry tools

Other Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science / IT / Electronics / Telecommunications • Relevant experience in data center networking and automation • Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities Preferred Certifications • Cisco CCNA / CCNP Data Center • Cisco ACI Specialist certification • Dev Net Associate / Professional (preferred) • Automation-related certifications (Ansible / Python)