Lead Network Engineer

Insight Global; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing AI infrastructure company is seeking a Lead Network Engineer to spearhead the deployment and integration of next-generation datacenter fabrics. The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of extensive experience in network engineering and significant datacenter deployment expertise. Responsibilities include configuring networks, managing remediation, leading onsite deployment teams, and creating scalable build processes. Strong technical skills in EVPN/VXLAN, BGP, and an operational mindset for fast-paced environments are essential. Travel for onsite deployments is required.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in network engineering with significant datacenter deployment experience.
• Proven ability to lead teams and mentor engineers while staying hands-on.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous environments.

Responsibilities

• Configure and validate datacenter networks (front-end/back-end fabrics).
• Manage fiber/cabling remediation and ensure production-ready handovers.
• Create repeatable deployment processes and operations manuals.
• Lead deployment teams onsite and maintain quality standards.
• Define and enforce exit criteria for production handovers.

Skills

EVPN/VXLAN

BGP

CLOS topologies

High-radix switching

Problem-solving skills

Strong escalation skills

Tools

Ansible

Terraform

NetBox

Job description

Insight Global is hiring a Lead Network Engineer for a fast-growing AI infrastructure company building next-generation datacenter fabrics. This role will lead the Network Deployment & Integration pillar, combining hands-on technical execution with operational leadership.

You’ll be responsible for building the first AI datacenter networks and creating a scalable deployment playbook for multi-region Gigawatt-level builds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deployment Execution: Configure and validate datacenter networks (front-end/back-end fabrics, BMS, management networks).
• Manage fiber/cabling remediation, hardware RMAs, and ensure production-ready handovers. Playbook Development: Create repeatable deployment processes, checklists, validation gates, and operations manuals for large-scale builds.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Partner with DC Operations, ICT, Hardware, and Network Engineering teams to keep deployments on schedule.
• Field Leadership: Lead deployment teams onsite, provide technical guidance, and maintain quality standards.
• Handover Excellence: Define and enforce exit criteria for production handovers, including physical validation, logical configuration, observability, and documentation.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Experience: 8+ years in network engineering with significant datacenter deployment experience.
• Technical Skills: EVPN/VXLAN, BGP, CLOS topologies, high-radix switching; ideally experience with AI/ML fabrics (RoCEv2, PFC, ECN).
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams and mentor engineers while staying hands-on. Operational Mindset: Comfortable in fast-paced, ambiguous environments; strong problem-solving and escalation skills.
• Travel: Willingness to travel 50% for onsite deployments.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Arista, Juniper, NVIDIA platforms.
• Exposure to automation tools (Ansible, Terraform) and DCIM systems (NetBox).
• Startup experience and ability to thrive in high-growth environments.