SDN Automation Engineer

American International Group; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 99,000 - 143,000; Full time

Job summary

American International Group (AIG) is seeking an experienced SDN Automation Engineer to design, deploy, and manage software-defined networking across enterprise data centers and cloud environments. The role emphasizes automation, observability, and scalable network architectures to improve agility and security.

The candidate will develop and optimize SDN architectures, integrate controller-based networking, NFV and intent-based networking, and work with stakeholders to deliver robust,

Qualifications

• 7+ years designing, deploying and managing large-scale network automation projects.
• Proficiency with SDN platforms (Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, Juniper Contrail).
• Strong scripting/automation skills (Python, Ansible, REST APIs).
• Terraform and IaC experience; NetBox/Nautobot familiarity.
• CI/CD and DevOps exposure (Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions).
• Cloud networking concepts (AWS/Azure/GCP).
• Container networking and micro-segmentation in Kubernetes.

Responsibilities

• Design, deploy and manage SDN solutions across data centers and cloud environments.
• Develop network automation workflows using APIs and tools like Ansible, Python, Terraform.
• Lead deployment of intent-based networks, self-healing architectures and zero-touch provisioning.
• Troubleshoot SDN issues and provide root cause analysis and long-term fixes.
• Collaborate with architects to integrate SDN with WAN, LAN and cloud infra; bolster observability.
• Promote automation, monitoring and observability best practices for scalable operations.
• Stay current with SDN, NFV, automation technologies and evolving network strategy.
• Develop tests, deployments and validations across network infra using approved platforms.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, or related field

Tools

Cisco ACI

VMware NSX

Juniper Contrail

Terraform

NetBox

Nautobot

Ansible

RESTful APIs

Jenkins

GitLab CI

GitHub Actions

AWS

Azure

GCP

Kubernetes

Job description

SDN Automation Engineer

AIG member companies provide a wide range of property casualty insurance in approximately 70 countries and jurisdictions. These diverse offerings include products and services that help businesses and individuals protect their assets and manage risks. We’re also committed to making a positive difference for our colleagues and in the communities where we work and live. We encourage colleagues to give back to the causes they care most about, supporting these efforts through our Volunteer Time Off and Matching Grants Programs.

At AIG, technology is at the heart of everything we do, from underwriting risks to processing claims. The Information Technology team equips our colleagues with the latest tools to complete their work efficiently and with the highest standards of excellence. The team is responsible for shielding the company’s systems from security risks, while designing technology strategies that enable AIG’s businesses to achieve their goals. AIG’s Information Technology functions include enterprise architecture, software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, and technology risk and compliance.

The SDN Automation Engineer will be responsible for designing, deploying, and managing software-defined networking (SDN) solutions that enhance the agility, automation, and security of enterprise network infrastructures. We are seeking a highly skilled SDN Automation Engineer with expertise in SDN technologies to increase network agility, scalability and automation in our enterprise, cloud and data center environments. This role involves developing and optimizing SDN architecture, integrating controller-based networking, network function virtualization (NFV), and intent-based networking to improve scalability and operational efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Design, configure and maintain SDN solutions and associated infrastructures across data centers and cloud environments.
• Develop and orchestrate network automation workflows using APIs and tools like Ansible, Python, or Terraform to streamline operations and minimize manual effort.
• Drive the deployment of intent-based networks, self-healing architecture and zero-touch provisioning capabilities.
• Troubleshoot complex SDN-related network issues, providing root cause analysis and long-term solutions.
• Collaborate closely with network and tools architects to integrate SDN with existing WAN, LAN, and cloud infrastructures, as well as with the observability layer.
• Drive the adoption of automation, monitoring, and observability best practices to support scalable and resilient network operations.
• Stay abreast of emerging SDN, NFV, and automation technologies to continuously evolve and optimize the enterprise network strategy.
• Manage complex activities simultaneously to short timescales.
• Develop scripts and processes to test, deploy and validate changes across all network infrastructure, leveraging Ansible and other approved corporate automation and orchestration platforms.
• Develop state-of-the-art technology, appropriate to deliver stable and scalable technical solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop consensus, drive results, and execute projects across the organization on time and within budget.
• Maintain standards and designs for network architecture.
• Articulate design rationale, flexibly adapt solutions, and iterate designs when required.
• Implement proof-of-concepts for emerging network automation technologies, in accordance with automation architecture roadmaps.
• Lead deployment, configuration and maintenance of a network source of truth (NSoT) system.
• Work closely with network architects, senior management and operations teams.
• Act as an escalation engineer for high severity network related production issues, work with engineers and various vendors to identify tactical and strategic solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, or related field, such as Computer Science or Information Technology or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of proven experience designing, deploying, and managing large-scale network automation projects, with focus on performance optimization and scalability.
• Proficiency with SDN platforms such as Cisco ACI, VMware NSX or Juniper Contrail.
• Strong understanding of network fundamentals (L2/L3, BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN) and controller-based design.
• Hands-on experience with automation and scripting tools (e.g., Python, Ansible, RESTful APIs).
• Familiarity with Terraform and Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
• Experience with network source of truth tools deployment, configuration and operations, e.g. NetBox or Nautobot.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps methodologies, e.g. Jenkins, GitLab CI, GitHub Actions etc.
• Familiarity with cloud networking concepts and services (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE and Juniper JNCIP/JNCIE or equivalent.
• Exposure to container networking and micro segmentation in Kubernetes environments.
• Independent and self-directed work ethic when participating in a collaborative environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Dedicated commitment to service availability and quality user experience.
• Must be results driven with a strong sense of urgency.

For positions based in Jersey City, NJ, the base salary range is $99,000 - $143,000 and the position is eligible for a bonus in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Benefits

• In addition, we’re proud to offer a range of competitive benefits, a summary of which can be viewed here: 2025 Benefits Summary
• Enjoy benefits that take care of what matters. At AIG, our people are our greatest asset. We know how important it is to protect and invest in what’s most important to you. That is why we created our Total Rewards Program, a comprehensive benefits package that extends beyond time spent at work to offer benefits focused on your health, wellbeing and financial security - as well as your professional development to bring peace of mind to you and your family.

Veteran's are encouraged to apply.

Culture and Values

At AIG, we value in-person collaboration as a vital part of our culture, which is why we ask our team members to be primarily in the office. This approach helps us work together effectively and create a supportive, connected environment for our team and clients alike.

Why Join Us

Reimagining insurance to make a bigger difference to the world. American International Group, Inc. (AIG) is a global leader in commercial and personal insurance solutions; we are one of the world’s most far-reaching property casualty networks. It is an exciting time to join us - across our operations, we are thinking in new and innovative ways to deliver ever-better solutions to our customers. At AIG, you can go further to support individuals, businesses, and communities, helping them to manage risk, respond to times of uncertainty and discover new potential. We invest in our largest asset, our people, through continuous learning and development, in a culture that celebrates everyone for who they are and what they want to become.

Culture of Inclusion

We’re committed to creating a culture that truly respects and celebrates each other’s talents, backgrounds, cultures, opinions and goals. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging through learning, cultural awareness activities and Employee Resource Groups (ERGs). With global chapters, ERGs are a cornerstone for our culture of inclusion. The talent of our people is one of AIG’s greatest assets, and we are honored that our drive for positive change has been recognized by numerous recent awards and accreditations.

AIG provides equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected categories. AIG is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants and employees with disabilities. If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an email to [e-mail].

AIG reserves the right to conduct a criminal background check, tailored to the requirements of a job, after a conditional employment offer is made. Unless otherwise required by law, AIG does not automatically exclude any applicant with a criminal conviction for a job or class or jobs. For more information about Philadelphia law specifically, copy and paste the following link within your browser: http://www.phila.gov/HumanRelations/PDF/BTB%20POSTER%20FINAL_3-9-16.pdf

Functional Area: IT - Information Technology

AIG GLOBAL OPERATIONS, INC. As a global risk leader with deep industry expertise and innovative solutions to smartly manage risk, AIG enables our clients’ growth in ways they never thought possible. We also do the same for our colleagues, because we know our people are our greatest strength - the source of every insight, every idea and every innovation.

When we're working as one team to do what's right for our colleagues and our communities, we can achieve excellence together. We encourage colleagues to give back to the causes they care most about, supporting these efforts through our Volunteer Time Off and Matching Grants Programs.

Additional information about AIG can be found at www.aig.com | YouTube | Instagram| LinkedIn.