Lead Network Engineer

Staffing Technologies; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Cadence is seeking a Lead Network Engineer in San Jose, CA to architect and deploy campus network solutions using Cisco, HPE, and Aruba, including Aruba Wireless and ClearPass for secure access. You will lead cross-functional teams, define milestones, and ensure high performance and security across wired and wireless environments.

The role requires 15+ years of network engineering experience with campus networks, plus CCNP/CCIE or Aruba certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years progressive experience in network engineering, esp. campus networks.
• Certifications: CCNP/CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure or Wireless; Aruba certs are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end design and deployment of campus network solutions using Cisco, HPE, and Aruba.
• Architect, implement, and manage Aruba Wireless infrastructure for thousands of users.
• Deploy and administer ClearPass for secure access, device onboarding, and guest management.
• Ensure integration between Cisco, HPE, and Aruba ecosystems and optimize interoperability.
• Monitor, analyze, and optimize network performance; reduce downtime.
• Implement robust security protocols and regulatory compliance across wired and wireless networks.
• Lead cross-functional teams on large-scale network projects with clear milestones.
• Create and maintain topology diagrams, inventories, and configuration standards.
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting and collaborate with helpdesk and site teams.
• Perform capacity planning to support growth and business continuity.

Skills

Campus networking

Cisco switching & routing

Aruba Wireless

ClearPass security

Network monitoring

Interoperability

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/IT/Engineering

Master’s degree or certifications (plus)

Tools

Cisco equipment

HPE/Aruba equipment

Aruba Mobility & APs

ClearPass

Job description

Lead Network Engineer

Location: San Jose, CA

Requirement Detail

At Cadence, we hire and develop leaders and innovators who want to make an impact on the world of technology.

Key Responsibilities

• Campus Network Architecture: Lead the end-to-end design and deployment of campus network solutions, leveraging Cisco, HPE, and Aruba platforms to ensure scalability, resilience, and seamless user experience.
• Wireless Networking: Architect, implement, and manage Aruba Wireless infrastructure, optimizing coverage, capacity, and security for thousands of users across campus facilities.
• Network Access Control: Deploy and administer ClearPass solutions for secure network access, including device onboarding, authentication, policy enforcement, and guest management.
• Integration & Interoperability: Ensure seamless integration between Cisco, HPE, and Aruba ecosystems, troubleshooting and optimizing interoperability challenges.
• Network Performance Optimization: Monitor, analyze, and fine-tune network performance, proactively identifying bottlenecks, enhancing throughput, and minimizing downtime.
• Security & Compliance: Implement robust security protocols and standards across wired and wireless networks, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policies.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams in large-scale network projects, setting clear milestones, tracking deliverables, and ensuring timely completion.
• Documentation & Standards: Create and maintain comprehensive network documentation, including topology diagrams, device inventories, configuration standards, and incident reports.
• End-User Support: Provide expert-level troubleshooting for network-related issues, collaborating with helpdesk teams, site support teams and end users.
• Capacity Planning: Analyze current and projected network needs, designing scalable solutions to support organizational growth and evolving technology.
• High Availability & Business Continuity: Develop and maintain network redundancy, failover mechanisms to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree or certifications are a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 15 years’ progressive experience in network engineering, with demonstrable expertise in campus network environments.
• Technical Certifications Preferred:
  • Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure or Wireless)
  • HPE ASE/MASE (Aruba Certified)
  • Aruba Certified Mobility Expert (ACMX) or Professional (ACMP)
  • Aruba Certified ClearPass Expert (ACCX)
  • Other relevant industry certifications are desirable

Skills/Expertise

• Hands-on experience and advanced troubleshooting skills with:
• Cisco switching and routing (Catalyst, Nexus, DNA Center)
• HPE/Aruba switching
• Aruba Wireless, APs, Controllers, Mobility Conductor
• ClearPass Policy Manager, Guest, Onboard, and integration features
• Network access control and zero-trust frameworks
• Campus segmentation (VLANs, VXLAN, SDN)
• Network monitoring tools
• Authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+, EAP)

Soft Skills

• Results-driven mindset with a track record of delivering high-impact network solutions on time and within budget
• Exceptional problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities
• Clear and effective communication skills for technical and non-technical audiences
• Leadership and mentorship experience, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among teams
• Agility in dynamic, fast-paced environments, adapting to evolving business needs