Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Cognizant is hiring a Senior Network Engineer specializing in Cisco SD-WAN to design and modernize secure, high-performing enterprise networks. The role architects and optimizes SD-WAN, routing, switching, and security solutions, and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver resilient network connectivity.
Responsibilities
- Design scalable SD-WAN solutions using Cisco Meraki to provide secure and resilient connectivity across branch, remote, and enterprise locations
- Architect advanced Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Viptela solutions to support application-aware routing, granular traffic control, and efficient use of multiple transport links
- Define end-to-end network architectures that integrate SD-WAN, switching, routing, and security requirements to support hybrid work and business-critical services
- Design and optimize Cisco routing and switching solutions for campus, branch, and data center environments, with a focus on availability, segmentation, performance, and reliability
- Review existing network topologies, configurations, and traffic patterns to improve availability, reduce incidents, and optimize WAN and SD-WAN utilization
- Create high-level and low-level network design documentation, including architecture diagrams, configuration standards, migration plans, and implementation guidelines
- Collaborate with security, cloud, application, and operations teams to align network designs with enterprise security policies, identity strategies, and cloud connectivity patterns
- Provide technical guidance during complex incidents and problem investigations related to SD-WAN, routing, switching, and network performance
- Conduct capacity planning and performance analysis to validate bandwidth needs, anticipate growth, and recommend upgrades before constraints impact users
- Mentor implementation and operations teams on SD-WAN design, configuration methods, troubleshooting practices, and network engineering standards
Skills
- 10+ years of experience with enterprise routing and switching, including Cisco switching, routing protocols, quality of service, high availability design, and network segmentation
- 10+ years of experience designing, implementing, or optimizing SD-WAN technologies in complex enterprise environments
- 5 to 10 years of experience with Cisco Meraki, including SD-WAN architecture, policy design, traffic optimization, and branch connectivity
- 5+ years of experience with Juniper technologies in enterprise network environments
- Strong hands-on experience with Cisco Catalyst SD-WAN and Viptela, including control, data, and management plane components
- Deep understanding of network security fundamentals, including segmentation, secure tunneling, access policies, and integration with enterprise security services
- Experience supporting hybrid work, branch connectivity, remote access, and cloud access scenarios while maintaining reliable user experience and consistent security controls
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to diagnose complex network issues using logs, packet analysis, performance data, and enterprise monitoring tools
- Strong communication skills with the ability to present network designs, explain tradeoffs, document decisions, and collaborate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders
- Cisco CCNP Enterprise certification
- Cisco Certified Specialist Enterprise SD-WAN Implementation certification
- Experience evaluating new network features, software versions, and vendor capabilities for risk, compatibility, and business value
- Experience improving monitoring, observability, and alerting for SD-WAN and core network infrastructure
- Background supporting large-scale network modernization, cloud connectivity, or global enterprise network transformation programs
Benefits
- Remote position open to qualified applicants in Chicago, IL
- Wellbeing programs
- Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans
- Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
- Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
- 401(k) plan and contributions
- Long-term/Short-term Disability
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
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