Automation Engineer

Piper Companies is seeking an Automation Engineer to join a technology solutions company, This is primarily a remote job, but this person needs to live relatively local to Alexandria, VA for occasional onsite meetings. In this role, you will focus on modernizing network operations through scripting, automation tooling, and infrastructure‑as‑code practices. This position is ideal for someone with a strong networking background who has transitioned into automation and is passionate about increasing efficiency and consistency across complex environments.

Essential Duties of the Automation Engineer:

• Build and maintain automation solutions using tools such as Ansible, Terraform, Python, and CI/CD frameworks to streamline network provisioning and configuration.

• Create scalable and reusable automation templates supporting multi‑vendor routing, switching, and data center environments.

• Apply infrastructure‑as‑code methods to standardize deployments, enforce compliance, and maintain consistent configurations across systems.

• Work closely with engineering teams to convert traditional manual workflows into fully automated, reliable, and repeatable processes.

Qualifications of the Automation Engineer:

• 3+ years of Cisco networking experience and 3+ years in network automation.

• Hands‑on proficiency with Ansible, YAML, Git, Python scripting, and automation for routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless platforms.

• Strong understanding of routing and switching fundamentals, including data center switching from an automation perspective.

• Familiarity with DoD/Federal networking standards, STIGs, RMF, and API‑based automation tools.

• At least one professional‑level certification such as: Cisco Professional (CCNP, CCNP Security, etc., AWS Architect, Google Cloud Professional, Red Hat Ansible Automation)

• IAT Level II or III preferred.

• Must be eligible to obtain/maintain Secret-level security clearance

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a similar field.

Compensation of the Automation Engineer:

• Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 (based on experience)

• Great remote flexibility

• Comprehensive benefit package; Cigna Medical, Cigna Dental, Vision, 401k w/ ADP, PTO, paid holidays, Sick Leave as required by law, paid holidays

This job opens for applications on February 6, 2026. Applications for this job will be accepted for at least 30 days from the posting date.

Keywords: automation engineer, network automation, Ansible, Terraform, Python scripting, infrastructure as code, IaC, CI/CD pipelines, GitLab CI, Jenkins, GitHub Actions, Cisco networking, routing and switching, data center switching automation, multi‑vendor networking, CML, network device automation, automation frameworks, REST API integrations, configuration automation, compliance automation, cybersecurity standards, STIG, RMF, federal systems, DevOps engineering, network orchestration, template‑based provisioning, software image management, network telemetry tools, pyATS, Genie, Batfish, NetBox, Nornir, Zero Trust automation, C2C, public cloud networking, AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Professional, Red Hat Ansible Automation, CCNP, professional‑level certifications, IAT Level II, IAT Level III, YAML, Jinja2, Git, automation‑driven workflows, repeatable deployments, operational efficiency, reduction of human error, modernization initiatives, technical documentation, cross‑functional collaboration.

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