Technical Network Automation Architect

LA International; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,700 - 129,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Inclusive workplace

Job summary

LA International seeks a Technical Lead/Architect focused on Network Automation. Deliver reliable automation in Cisco data centre environments, design live production migrations, and ensure governance within constrained change windows.

The role requires hands-on NX-OS, EVPN/VXLAN, and strong Python-based automation, with experience integrating NDFC, ServiceNow, Infoblox, and Red Hat AAP in production systems. 3 days onsite, 2 from home, across Bristol, Birmingham or London.

Qualifications

• Strong hands-on experience in Cisco data centre networking (NX-OS, VXLAN EVPN) and multi-site architectures.
• Proven ability to build and support automation in production environments.
• Experience with structured delivery environments, change control and governance.

Skills

Cisco NX-OS

VXLAN EVPN

Python automation

REST API integration

YAML/JSON data modelling

Git/GitHub

NetBox

Ansible

Change control

Problem solving

Tools

NDFC

ServiceNow

Infoblox

Red Hat AAP

Vault

GitLab

Job description

Technical Lead/Architect (Network Automation)

Daily Rate - £600-£700

Duration - March 27

IR35 - Inside

Location - Bristol, Birmingham, London, Some travel to Swindon

3 days onsite 2 from home.

What we would like to see from you

• Strong hands‑on experience in Cisco data centre networking (NX‑OS, VXLAN EVPN)
• Proven ability to build and support automation in production environments
• Comfortable working across networking and software tooling
• Experience working in structured delivery environments with change control and governance
• Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills across both network and automation layers
• Ability to work collaboratively with TDA, delivery, testing and operations teams

Essential skills

• Cisco NX‑OS, including VXLAN BGP‑EVPN, vPC, SNMPv3, TACACS+
• Cisco NDFC including fabric templates, Recalculate and Deploy, out‑of‑sync detection and image management.
• EVPN‑VXLAN and multi‑site EVPN architecture, including live production migration design and rollback within constrained change windows.
• Python for production‑quality automation and REST API integration (e.g. NDFC, ServiceNow, Infoblox, Red Hat AAP, Sentinel, Vault), including use of Python data structures to model intent and state.
• YAML data modelling, including Ansible role and playbook design.
• JSON data handling and schema validation, including understanding of JSON as an interchange format alongside Python dictionaries and YAML, and basic schema‑based validation concepts to support automation testing and assurance workflows (e.g. pyATS outputs, API responses).
• GitHub/Gitlab, including self‑hosted runner configuration, OIDC token handling, environment protection rules and workflow dispatch.
• pyATS and Genie, including testbed construction, NX‑OS parser usage, assertion patterns and automated rollback triggers on validation failure.
• GitOps principles, with Git treated as the control plane, including idempotency, branch protection, signed commits and four‑eyes enforcement via pipeline gates.
• Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform including execution environment design (container‑based), job template configuration and dynamic inventory integration (e.g. NetBox).
• Experience producing HLD/LLD documentation aligned to FCA / PRA regulated delivery standards, with decisions traceable to requirements and explicit risk acceptance.
• NetBox 4.x data modelling, custom fields and automation integration.

LA International is an award-winning partner of choice for many of the world's most influential companies and government organisations. Holding Enhanced Government Security Accreditation, we are recognised as the European market leader in the delivery of Security Cleared talent to organisations that demand the very highest levels of security, compliance and assurance.

A multiple award‑winning organisation, having secured the prestigious Queens Award for Enterprise: International Trade over consecutive years.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background or identity, and we encourage candidates who may not meet every listed requirement to still apply.

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure a fair and accessible experience.