ACI Architect

Neev; Maharashtra; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Neev is seeking a highly experienced Solution Architect specializing in Cisco ACI to lead the design and implementation of next-generation data center networking environments. This senior leadership role requires deep technical knowledge in Software-Defined Networking and enterprise infrastructure scaling.

The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience with Cisco ACI and a proven track record in network engineering and system integration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing and operating Cisco ACI environments.
• Experience with Nexus series switches and advanced routing protocols.
• Efficiency in scripting with Python and configuration management.

Responsibilities

• Architect and design Cisco ACI solutions across Multi-Pod.
• Lead migrations from traditional networks to Cisco ACI fabric.
• Drive Infrastructure as Code initiatives using Ansible and Terraform.

Skills

Cisco ACI expertise

Layer 4–7 services integration

Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Python scripting

Network performance tuning

Education

B.E./B.Tech/MCA in Computer Science or related

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Solution Architect specializing in Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) to lead the design, modernization, and implementation of next‑generation data center networking environments. This senior leadership role demands a deep technical grasp of Software‑Defined Networking (SDN), hybrid cloud orchestration, and enterprise‑grade infrastructure scaling.

Core Responsibilities

1. Architecture & Design
   • Architect, design, and validate end‑to‑end Cisco ACI solutions across Multi‑Pod and Multi‑Site architectures.
   • Define policy‑driven infrastructure blueprints including Tenant creation, Application Profile configurations, EPGs, Bridge Domains, and VRFs.
   • Develop comprehensive high‑level design (HLD) and low‑level design (LLD) documentations for migration and greenfield deployments.
2. Implementation & Advanced Migration
   • Lead complex migrations from traditional 3‑tier network architectures (Nexus/Catalyst) to Cisco ACI fabric with minimal business downtime.
   • Integrate Layer 4–7 services (Firewalls, Load Balancers such as F5/Citrix, and IPS) into the ACI fabric via Service Graph insertions.
   • Implement secure and scalable L2/L3 extensions (L2Out / L3Out) to connect external networks and public clouds (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
3. Automation & Orchestration
   • Drive Infrastructure as Code (IaC) initiatives across the network fabric using Ansible, Terraform, Python, and Cisco ACI REST APIs.
   • Incorporate ACI workflows into broader enterprise CI/CD pipelines to ensure rapid, error‑free configurations.
4. Technical Leadership & Governance
   • Act as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) to consult with internal business units, global stakeholders, and C‑level executives.
   • Conduct structural network audits, capacity planning, performance tuning, and high‑level troubleshooting of complex fabric issues.
   • Mentor and coach junior engineering teams on ACI operational best practices and troubleshooting workflows.

Required Technical Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of dedicated hands‑on experience designing and operating Cisco ACI environments (APIC controllers, Nexus 9K spine‑leaf topologies).
• Solid background in Nexus series switches (9K, 7K, 5K) and advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MP‑BGP EVPN, VXLAN).
• Proven efficiency in scripting with Python and using configuration management platforms (Ansible or Terraform) specifically for ACI object manipulation.

Experience & Education

• 12–15 years in enterprise IT infrastructure design, network engineering, and system integration.
• B.E./B.Tech/MCA or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics.

Preferred Professional Certifications

• CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure / Data Center) – Highly Preferred.
• Cisco Certified Specialist - ACI Implementation.
• HashiCorp Terraform Associate or Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical designs to non‑technical business partners.
• Strong analytical thinking, ownership mindset, and structured problem‑solving approach.
• Proven track record of navigating highly matrixed, enterprise global environments.