Senior Network Engineer (Project Hire)

Walt Disney Animation Studios; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 129,300 - 173,300; Full time

Job summary

Walt Disney Animation Studios is seeking a Senior Network Engineer to design, deploy, and support the data networks behind our creative studios in Burbank and Vancouver. You will handle on-prem and cloud environments, configure Cisco Nexus and Arista gear, and ensure secure, high-performance connectivity across platforms.

Qualifications include 5+ years in large-scale networks, Linux/macOS familiarity, and strong troubleshooting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5+ years designing and implementing network solutions for large-scale environments.
• Expert knowledge of Layer 1–4 networking technologies, routing, and security.
• Experience with Linux/macOS/Unix, TACACS and RADIUS.
• Strong troubleshooting, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to multitask in a highly complex production environment.

Responsibilities

• Deploy, manage, and optimize systems and services on on-premises and cloud networks with stakeholders.
• Install and configure networking technology from Cisco, Nexus, Arista, Aruba Clearpass, and Palo Alto.
• Configure networks across Linux, macOS, Windows, VMs/containers, and scale-out storage clusters.
• Collaborate with the Technology team on security and performance issues.
• Document processes and workflows in detail; publish and maintain procedures.
• Manage product support, vendor relationships, and networking budget with leadership.

Skills

Network design and implementation

Cisco IOS/NXOS

Arista

Linux/macOS

Layer 2/3 protocols

Troubleshooting tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering/IT or related field

Tools

Cisco Nexus

Palo Alto Networks

Aruba Clearpass

Infoblox

Aruba/Arista gear

Job description

At Walt Disney Animation Studios, we believe that creativity inspires technology, and technology inspires creativity. The Platform and Infrastructure group within the Technology department is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of the critical infrastructure behind the content our studio creates. We are looking for a Senior Network Engineer to join the Network Services team. The team is responsible for the ongoing installation, monitoring, support, and maintenance of data networks inside and outside our Burbank and Vancouver studio locations as well as cloud providers. This includes in-depth system analysis, design, troubleshooting, and integration of new products, as well as developing tools and strategies to improve existing systems.

Role Overview

You will enjoy the diversity and challenges of working across every level of the tech stack, engaging with team members and stakeholders on a variety of initiatives depending on the Studio's needs. You'll need to demonstrate self-direction, while also supporting your team with fresh insight for shared problem solving, and building trusted relationships with technical and non-technical users to understand their challenges and deliver the right solutions. You'll provide technical support, including 24x7 operational coverage, along with the skills to select, connect, configure, and troubleshoot a range of networking devices and routing architectures.

Our studio thrives on a wide variety of technical backgrounds and experiences; therefore, we encourage applicants to apply even if they do not match all requirements listed below. Bring your unique talents and ideas to our team, and join Disney’s creative legacy.

Responsibilities

• Partner closely with stakeholders and technical teams to deploy, manage, and optimize systems and services on our on-premises network infrastructure and/or cloud environments
• Install and configure networking technology from multiple manufacturers including Cisco (IOS), Cisco Nexus (NXOS), Arista, Aruba Clearpass, and Palo Alto Networks
• Configure networking for systems across multiple operating systems including Linux, macOS, Windows, Virtual Machines/containers, mobile devices, and scale-out storage clusters
• Act as a collaborator with the larger Technology team on issues of network security and performance
• Participate actively in team discussions and work with leadership to continually improve procedures and policies across the studio
• Provide guidance to neighboring teams on technical challenges from design to implementation
• Conduct high-level root-cause analysis for service interruptions and establish preventive measures
• Publish and maintain detailed documentation regarding our processes and workflows
• Manage product support and maintenance contracts, engage closely with vendors, and work with leadership on the yearly budget for networking needs

Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or another related technical field, or equivalent work experience
• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing network solutions for large-scale, high-performance compute and storage environments
• Expert-level knowledge of:
• Layer 1 technologies: Structured cabling systems, CWDM, and DWDM Optical networking
• Layer 2 protocols: Ethernet (1, 10, 40, 50, 100, and 400 Gbps), Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation Control Protocol (MLAG & LACP), Virtual Port-Channel (VPC), VLAN Tagging (802.1Q), LLDP (802.1AB), Network Access Control, and Dynamic VLAN Assignment (via 802.1X), and Wireless (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax)
• Layer 3 routing & technologies: EIGRP, BGP, OSPF, and VPNs (IPsec/SSL)
• Layer 4 network services & protocols: PXE, NAT, DHCP, DNS, NFS, NTP, SNMP, LDAP, HTTP, SQL, and RTP
• Knowledge of Linux, macOS, or other Unix-based Operating Systems
• Strong knowledge of access control systems and protocols including TACACS and RADIUS
• Expertise with network analysis and performance tools, TCPDump, Wireshark, TTCP, IPerf, IXIA, SNMP, Netflow, and Zabbix
• Experience with the installation and configuration of industry-leading inter-networking technologies such as Cisco, Palo Alto, Arista, Infoblox, Aruba Clearpass, etc.
• Strong troubleshooting, problem-solving, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to multitask in a highly complex, diverse production environment
• Highly self-directed, with the ability to both manage and prioritize multiple concurrent and competing challenges, ambiguities, and contradictions that inevitably occur when supporting live production

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficient in software development methodologies and processes; including agile methods, continuous integration, and version control
• Cisco CCNA/CCNP, Palo Alto PCNSA
• Prior experience working in a Media, Entertainment, Games, or Animation production environment

The hiring range for this position in California is $129,300.00-$173,300.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.