Distinguished Engineer – Data Center Network Architecture & Engineering

GEICO; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

GEICO is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to define and lead the next generation of data center networking that powers our private cloud, platform engineering, AI/ML, and enterprise applications. This role requires deep expertise across routing, switching, SDN, and cloud connectivity in on‑prem and hybrid environments.

You will architect scalable Layer 3 Clos fabrics, automation platforms, and network services while mentoring engineers and shaping GEICO’s long-term technology strategy.

Qualifications

• This role requires deep expertise in data center networking architecture and modern cloud networking.
• Experience with OpenStack or Kubernetes networking and related components is preferred.
• Strong software engineering skills and a track record of building automation platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technical field; advanced degree considered a plus.

Responsibilities

• Define the long-term architectural vision for GEICO’s data center network infrastructure.
• Lead SDN, automation, and multi-cloud connectivity initiatives across on‑prem and hybrid cloud.
• Mentor senior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams across Infrastructure and Security.
• Drive reliability, observability, and security practices for scalable network platforms.

Skills

Networking architecture

Cloud networking

Go

Python

C/C++

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Kubernetes

OpenStack

SmartNICs

DPUs

Job description

Why Join GEICO?

At GEICO, we offer a rewarding career where your ambitions are met with endless possibilities.

Every day we honor our iconic brand by offering quality coverage to millions of customers and being there when they need us most. We thrive on relentless innovation to exceed our customers’ expectations while making a real impact on local communities nationwide.

Founded in 1936, GEICO is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. When you join our company, we want you to feel valued, supported, and proud to work here. That’s why we offer the GEICO Pledge: Great Company, Great Culture, Great Rewards, and Great Careers.

Distinguished Engineer – Data Center Network Architecture & Engineering

Position Summary

GEICO is seeking a Distinguished Engineer to define and lead the next generation of data center networking that powers our Private Cloud, Platform Engineering, AI/ML, and enterprise application ecosystems. This role will serve as the highest level of technical authority for network architecture, software-defined networking, network automation, and cloud connectivity across GEICO’s on-premises and hybrid cloud environments.

As a Distinguished Engineer, you willbe responsible forarchitecting hyperscale-inspired network platforms that deliver the reliability, scalability, security, and operational simplicityrequiredfor modern cloud infrastructure. You will drive the transformation from traditional networking to a fully software-defined, automated, API-driven platformleveragingopen networking,SmartNICs, programmable data planes, network virtualization, and infrastructure-as-code.

This role requires deepexpertiseacross routing and switching, data center fabrics, cloud networking, network operating systems, automation frameworks, and distributed systems. You will influence architecture decisions across Infrastructure, Security, Platform Engineering, and Cloud organizations while mentoring senior engineers and helping shape GEICO’s long-term technology strategy.

Position Description

As a Distinguished Engineer, you willestablishthe technical vision and engineering strategy for GEICO’s data center networking ecosystem, supporting our OpenStack-based Private Cloud, Kubernetes platforms, enterprise applications, AI/ML infrastructure, and hybrid cloud environments.

You will lead the architecture and development of highly scalable Layer 3 Clos fabrics, software-defined networking platforms, cloud networking services, and network automation frameworks that enable self-service infrastructure at enterprise scale. You will work closely with cloud,compute, storage, security, and platform engineering teams to build a unified infrastructure architecture focused on resilience, automation, observability, and developer productivity.

The ideal candidate combines deep networkingexpertisewith strong software engineering skills and a proventrack recorddesigning and operating cloud-scale network platforms.

Position Responsibilities

Architecture & Strategy

• Define the long-term architectural vision for GEICO’s data center network infrastructure.
• Establish standards and reference architectures for data center fabrics, cloud networking, hybrid connectivity, and network security.
• Drive technical roadmaps for network modernization, automation, and software-defined infrastructure initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to guide strategic investments and platform evolution.

Data Center Networking

• Design and evolve large-scale data center network architectures supporting virtualization, container platforms, bare metal infrastructure, and cloud-native applications.
• Architect highly available network services supporting multi-site and multi-region deployments.
• Define resiliency, redundancy, and disaster recovery strategies for mission-critical infrastructure.

Software-Defined Networking & Automation

• Lead the design and implementation of software-defined networking capabilities across private cloud and hybrid cloud environments.
• Build automated network provisioning and lifecycle management platforms utilizing APIs, Infrastructure-as-Code, and GitOps methodologies.
• Develop frameworks for automated network validation, configuration management, compliance enforcement, and operational remediation.
• Drive adoption of programmable networking using SmartNICs, DPUs, and open hardware abstraction technologies.

Cloud & Platform Integration

• Partner with OpenStack, Kubernetes, Storage, and Platform Engineering teams to deliver integrated cloud networking solutions.
• Architect networking solutions supporting Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), AI/ML platforms, and emerging cloud services.
• Define connectivity patterns between on-premises infrastructure and public cloud providers.
• Enable secure, scalable multi-tenant networking capabilities across cloud platforms.

Performance, Security & Reliability

• Lead network performance engineering initiatives to improve throughput, latency, availability, and operational efficiency.
• Define observability standards leveraging telemetry, analytics, monitoring, and automated diagnostics.
• Partner with cybersecurity teams to implement Zero Trust architectures, segmentation strategies, and cloud-native security controls.
• Drive continuous improvement through operational excellence, automation, and resilience engineering.

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the organization’s most senior technical authority for network architecture and design.
• Mentor Principal, Senior Staff, and Staff Engineers across multiple organizations.
• Lead architecture reviews, technical design decisions, and engineering strategy discussions.
• Build strong partnerships across Infrastructure, Security, Cloud, and Engineering leadership teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Technical Expertise

• Deepexpertisein modern data center networking architectures and large-scale network design.
• Advanced understanding of Layer 2/Layer 3 protocols including:
• BGP
• EVPN
• VXLAN
• ECMP
• MPLS
• OSPF
• Experience designing and operating leaf-spine and Clos network fabrics.
• Strong understanding of software-defined networking architectures and network virtualization technologies.

Cloud & Infrastructure

• Experience designing networking solutions for private, hybrid, and public cloud environments.
• Understanding of Kubernetes networking, container networking, and cloud-native networking models.
• Familiarity with OpenStack networking services including Neutron and related networking components.
• Experience supporting large-scale virtualized and bare metal environments.

Software Engineering

• Strong software development skills in one or more of the following:
• Go
• Python
• C/C++
• Rust
• Java
• Experience building automation platforms, APIs, and infrastructure services.
• Strong knowledge of Linux system architecture and distributed systems.

Operational Excellence

• Proven ability to troubleshoot complex network performance, availability, and scaling challenges.
• Strong understanding of observability, telemetry, monitoring, and incident response practices.
• Excellent analytical and systems‑thinking capabilities.

Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to influence technical direction across multiple engineering organizations.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• Proventrack recordmentoring senior technical talent and driving organization‑wide engineering initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of networking, infrastructure, or cloud engineering experience.
• 10+ years designing enterprise or hyperscale network architectures.
• Experience with open networking technologies and disaggregated network operating systems.
• Experience with SmartNICs, DPUs, programmable switches, and hardware acceleration technologies.
• Familiarity with Open Compute Project (OCP) networking technologies and Switch Abstraction Interface (SAI).
• Experience with large-scale cloud providers or cloud service architectures.
• Experience supporting AI/ML, GPU, or high-performance computing networking environments.
• Experience implementing Infrastructure-as-Code and GitOps operating models.
• Knowledge of Zero Trust networking and network security architectures.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field; or equivalent practical experience.
• Advanced degree or relevant industrycertificationspreferred.

Why This Role Matters

This Distinguished Engineer will define the future of networking at GEICO. Through software-defined infrastructure, cloud-native networking, automation, and modern architecture patterns, this leader will build the foundational network platform that powers GEICO’s private cloud, AI initiatives, digital products, and enterprise technology ecosystem for the next decade.

Annual Salary

$140,000.00 - $300,000.00

The above annual salary range is a general guideline. Multiple factors are taken into consideration to arrive at the final hourly rate/ annual salary to be offered to the selected candidate. Factors include, but are not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the selected candidate’s work experience, education and training, the work location as well as market and business considerations.

GEICO will consider sponsoring a new qualified applicant for employment authorization for this position.

The GEICO Pledge:

Great Company:

Protecting customers through life’s twists and turns with innovation and integrity.

Great Careers:

** **Personalized development programs, mentorship, and certification assistance.

Great Culture:

** **Inclusive and collaborative culture rooted in shared success.

Great Rewards:

** **Competitive pay, benefits, and flexibility to support your well-being and future.

The equal employment opportunity policy of the GEICO Companies provides for a fair and equal employment opportunity for all associates and job applicants regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law. GEICO hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.

GEICO reasonably accommodates qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to receive equal employment opportunity and/or perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship to the Company. This applies to all applicants and associates. GEICO also provides a work environment in which each associate is able to be productive and work to the best of their ability. We do not condone or tolerate an atmosphere of intimidation or harassment. We expect and require the cooperation of all associates in maintaining an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment with mutual respect by and for all associates and applicants.