Sr. Lead – Network Engineer

Prairie Consulting Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Prairie Consulting Services in Chicago is seeking a seasoned Network Engineer to lead complex data center networking initiatives, enterprise WAN/SD-WAN deployments, and hybrid cloud connectivity.

We require 10+ years of hands-on network engineering, strong Cisco Nexus/Catalyst experience, BGP/OSPF expertise, and critical NDFC hands-on work. CCNP or higher is preferred; collaboration with Architecture, Cloud, Security, and Storage teams is essential.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of hands-on enterprise network engineering experience.
• Experience with data center routing/switching and large-scale migrations.
• Strong Cisco Nexus/Catalyst and routing protocols (BGP, OSPF).
• Hands-on Cisco NDFC experience is critical.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex data center networking initiatives and enterprise WAN/SD-WAN deployments.
• Drive hybrid cloud connectivity projects (Azure/AWS/GCP).
• Collaborate with Architecture, Cloud, Security, Application, Compute and Storage teams.
• Deliver hands-on implementation, troubleshooting and rollback planning for migrations.

Skills

Network engineering

Data center networking

BGP

OSPF

Troubleshooting

Independent leadership

Education

CCNP or higher

Tools

Cisco Nexus

Cisco Catalyst

NDFC

Prisma SD-WAN

Viptela

VeloCloud

Silver Peak

Job description

We're seeking a seasoned, hands-on Network Engineer to lead complex data center networking initiatives, enterprise WAN/SD-WAN deployments, and hybrid cloud connectivity.

Key Requirements:

• 10+ years of hands-on enterprise network engineering experience.
• Strong Cisco Nexus, Catalyst, BGP, OSPF, and data center routing/switching expertise.
• Hands-on Cisco NDFC experience is critical.
• Prisma SD-WAN preferred; Viptela, VeloCloud, or Silver Peak also considered.
• Proven experience executing large-scale data center/network migrations, including cutovers, testing, dependencies, and rollback.
• Azure, AWS, or GCP data center connectivity experience.
• Strong Tier 3 troubleshooting and production support experience.
• Ability to collaborate with Architecture, Cloud, Security, Application, Compute, and Storage teams.
• CCNP or higher preferred.

We're looking for an independent technical leader who enjoys hands-on implementation, troubleshooting, and delivering complex network solutions.

Vendors: Please do not reach out directly for this role, I will not respond.