Senior Technical Consultant SDN

AHEAD; Remote; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AHEAD is seeking a highly skilled Software Defined Networking (SDN) Specialist to lead the design and deployment of complex data center solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in Cisco ACI, Arista, and VMware NSX, with a passion for emerging technologies. This role involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and delivering successful customer outcomes. Join AHEAD to contribute to a culture of belonging and innovation.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

401(k)

Paid holidays and time off

Paid parental and caregiver leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of data center experience in enterprise environments.
• Strong ownership, problem-solving skills, urgency, and proactive challenge resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, deployment, and support of complex data center network solutions.
• Communicate architecture strategy to client senior management and stakeholders.
• Deliver multiple IT projects on time and within budget.

Skills

Leadership

Problem Solving

Communication

Education

Cisco CCNP

CCIE

Tools

Cisco ACI

VMware NSX

Arista

Job description

AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Software Defined Networking (SDN) Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in software-defined technologies, with deep hands-on expertise in Cisco ACI, Arista or Cisco VxLAN, and VMware NSX (V & T). This role involves leading the design, deployment, and support of complex data center network solutions while ensuring alignment with business goals and customer success.

The SDN Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams and clients, participating in architectural discussions, delivering workshops, and ensuring successful implementations. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as a passion for staying current with emerging technologies. A proven track record of executing large-scale data center projects and holding relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, ACI, or VMware is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for software-defined technologies
• Possess a strong understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN, and VMware NSX (V & T) technologies
• Participate in the deployment of complex solutions, create written deliverables, and conduct client workshops
• Communicate and execute architecture strategy & approach clearly to client senior management and stakeholders
• Implement design architecture objectives aligned with client demands & business goals
• Listen receptively and present ideas clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Exhibit excellent situational leadership and timely decision-making skills
• Be passionate about delivering successful customer outcomes
• Work effectively within all organizational levels (internal & external)
• Deliver multiple IT projects on time and within budget
• Ensure knowledge transfer to client teams for smooth operation of solutions
• Obtain and maintain relevant certifications

Skills Required

• Minimum 7 years of data center experience in enterprise environments
• Deep hands-on expertise in Cisco, Arista, or VMware NSX large-scale data center deployments/migrations
• Extensive experience with ACI (multi-pod & multi-site) from design to deployment
• Strong ownership, problem-solving skills, urgency, and proactive challenge resolution
• Experience with VxLAN design and deployment is a plus
• Experience with VMware NSX design, deployment, and V to T migration is a plus
• Knowledge of underlay, overlay concepts, segmentation strategies, and interoperability
• Cisco CCNP, ACI, or CCIE certification required
• VMware or Arista certifications are a plus

Why AHEAD:

Through our work and initiatives like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value diversity of people, ideas, and perspectives.

We support growth through advanced technologies, a state-of-the-art lab, cross-department training, and certification sponsorships.

USA Employment Benefits include:

- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

- 401(k)

- Paid holidays and time off

- Paid parental and caregiver leave

- And more! Details at https://www.aheadbenefits.com/

The compensation range reflects the On-Target Earnings (“OTE”) for this role, including base salary and target bonus, and may vary based on experience, qualifications, and location.