Network Technology Specialist

Cognizant; Springfield (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays + PTO

401(k) plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Senior Network Technology Specialist to design, deploy, and optimize WAN and SD-WAN solutions, including Prisma Access SSE. You will work with cross-functional teams to align network outcomes with business goals.

The role requires hands-on WAN experience, strong design skills, and CCNP Enterprise certification. This position rewards performance with an annual incentive program where applicable.

Qualifications

• 6–10 years of hands-on experience with network security principles, VPNs, QoS, and coordinating with service providers.
• Strong WAN design expertise in 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 required; SASE/SSE certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of WAN network requirements including Circuit migration, Cisco SD-WAN and Prisma Access SSE solutions.
• Develop HLD and deployment plans and coordinate changes with stakeholders.
• Ensure devices are upgraded to latest versions and data is maintained in databases and tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain network standards without impacting business.
• Coordinate with service providers for quotes, circuit renewal, delivery, upgrades, and SLA claims.

Skills

Network security

VPNs

QoS

WAN design

Communication skills

Cross-functional coordination

Education

CCNP Enterprise certification

Tools

Cisco SD-WAN Viptela

IPsec

Prisma Access SSE

BGP

OSP F

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.