Network Technology Specialist

Cognizant; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Network Technology Specialist to design, deploy and optimize Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE, SD-WAN and Cisco Catalyst solutions for enterprise connectivity.

You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure secure, resilient networks that meet business outcomes, lead high‑level design plans, coordinate with providers, and maintain device firmware and data across systems.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of hands-on experience with network security principles, VPNs, QoS, and coordinating with service providers.
• Strong design expertise in WAN, Cisco SD-WAN Viptela (vSmart, vBond, vManage, vEdge) and IPsec.
• Proven ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot large-scale WAN solutions with strong communication skills.
• Good understanding of Prisma Access SSE or SSE products and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, route-maps, ACLs).
• CCNP Enterprise certification is required; SSE/SASE certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and deployment/optimization of Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE, SD-WAN and Cisco Catalyst & SD-WAN Viptela solutions.
• Develop high-level design and deployment plans, coordinating with stakeholders.
• Ensure devices are updated to latest versions and data are maintained in databases/tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain network standards and avoid business impact.
• Coordinate with service providers for quotes, circuit delivery, upgrades and SLA claims.

Skills

Network security

VPNs

QoS

WAN design

SD-WAN Viptela

IPsec

BGP

OSPF

Routing protocols

SASE/SSE

Education

CCNP Enterprise certification

SASE/SSE certification

Tools

Cisco SD-WAN

Prisma Access SSE

Job description

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Network Technology Specialist focusing on design deployment and optimization of PaloAlto Prisma, SDWAN and Cisco Catalyst and SDWAN Viptela solutions to deliver secure resilient, high performing enterprise connectivity and collaborate with cross functional teams to align with business outcomes. TApplicants must be authorized to work in the US without sponsorship. Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.

About Cognizant’s CIS Practice:

Cognizant’s CIS (Cognizant Infrastructure Services) Practice is a global leader in providing IT infrastructure services. We deliver innovative solutions to optimize and transform IT infrastructure, ensuring business agility and operational efficiency. Our services include cloud computing, data center management, network services, and cybersecurity. We focus on understanding client needs and delivering customized solutions to drive business success.

In this role, you will:

• Lead the design and implementation of EMEA WAN Network requirements including Circuit migration, Cisco SD-WAN and Palo Alto Prisma Access SSE solutions.

• Develop HLD and deployment plans and creating the change for the Activity, post coordinating with the various stakeholders.

• Ensuring the devices are upgraded to the latest recommended version and the Data are maintained properly in all the database and tools.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to Network standard is maintained and Business is not impacted.

• Coordinate with service providers for Quotes, circuit Renewal, Circuit delivery, Circuit upgradation, SLA claim

What you’ll need to succeed (required skills):

• Minimum 6-10 years of hands-on experience with network security principles, VPNs, QoS, and experience in coordinating with the service provider for various issues throughout the life cycle of the circuit.

• Strong Design expertise in WAN, Cisco SD-WAN Viptela (vSmart, vBond, vManage, vEdge) and IPsec.

• Proven ability to design, deploy, and troubleshoot large-scale WAN solutions with strong communication skills

• Good understanding of Prisma Access SSE or Hands-on experience in any SSE products and advanced knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, route-maps, ACLs).

• Should have a valid CCNP Enterprise certification

• Good to have any SASE or SSE certification

At Cognizant, we're eager to meet people who believe in our mission and can make an impact in various ways! We strongly encourage you to apply even if you only meet the required skills listed. Consider what transferrable experience and skills make you an outstanding applicant and help us see how you'd be helpful to this role.

Applications will be accepted until September 25th 2026.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.