Network Infrastructure Engineer SME

Job Title Network Infrastructure Engineer SME

Location: Clinton, MS
Work Arrangement: Onsite

Job Summary

STAFFXPERT LLC is seeking a Network Infrastructure Engineer SME on behalf of our client in Clinton, MS. This is a senior-level, hands-on engineering opportunity supporting the modernization and reliability of complex enterprise and data center network environments.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Cisco ACI, Cisco Nexus, Cisco Catalyst, Software-Defined Access (SDA), Cisco ISE, Palo Alto Networks, and network observability platforms. The role will focus on network architecture, implementation, security, troubleshooting, and infrastructure modernization.

Key Responsibilities Cisco ACI & Data Center Networking

• Design, implement, configure, and maintain Cisco Nexus platforms operating in ACI mode.

• Manage ACI components including VRFs, Bridge Domains, EPGs/ESGs, L3Outs, contracts, and fabric policies.

• Integrate Cisco ACI with Red Hat OpenShift VMM and Cilium/Isovalent.

• Configure and optimize RoCEv2 for high-performance, low-latency workloads.

• Troubleshoot ACI fabric health, endpoint learning, contracts, faults, and multi-tenant segmentation.

• Develop network architecture diagrams, standards, and operational documentation.

Cisco Catalyst & Software-Defined Access

• Deploy, configure, and support Cisco Catalyst platforms in enterprise and campus environments.

• Design and maintain Cisco SDA architectures, including wired and wireless fabric environments.

• Manage SDA underlay/overlay networks, policy mapping, authentication integrations, and assurance operations.

• Collaborate with wireless engineering teams to optimize network performance and policy enforcement.

Network Security & Identity

• Configure and administer Cisco ISE, including TACACS+, authentication, authorization, policy sets, and endpoint profiling.

• Support identity-based segmentation, NAC, and Zero Trust initiatives.

• Integrate Cisco Cyber Vision with network profiling, segmentation, and access-control workflows.

• Design and implement Palo Alto Networks security solutions across enterprise environments.

Network Visibility & Observability

• Deploy and manage ThousandEyes for network visibility, routing-path analysis, and performance monitoring.

• Support Cisco Cyber Vision for OT/IoT asset visibility, device classification, and behavior analysis.

• Manage Cisco DNA Spaces for location analytics, telemetry, device behavior, and wireless intelligence.

• Analyze observability data and provide actionable technical insights to infrastructure leadership.

Core Network Engineering

• Troubleshoot complex Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking issues.

• Work extensively with VLANs, OSPF, BGP, STP, Multicast, TCP/IP, routing, switching, QoS, and network security.

• Maintain network diagrams, architecture standards, runbooks, asset inventories, and technical documentation.

• Support infrastructure modernization, platform upgrades, and enterprise technology initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience with Cisco networking technologies.

• Strong hands-on production experience with Cisco ACI.

• Advanced knowledge of ACI constructs, including VRF, Bridge Domain, EPG, ESG, L3Out, and Contracts.

• Experience integrating ACI with Red Hat OpenShift VMM and Cilium/Isovalent.

• Strong experience with Cisco Catalyst and Software-Defined Access (SDA).

• Hands-on experience administering Cisco ISE, including TACACS+, authentication/authorization, policy sets, and NAC.

• Experience with ThousandEyes, Cisco Cyber Vision, DNA Spaces, or comparable network observability platforms.

• Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing, switching, QoS, and network security.

• Experience with Palo Alto Networks security solutions.

• Strong troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to develop clear network architecture diagrams and technical documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• CCNP Data Center, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE, or equivalent Cisco expertise.

• Experience with container networking and virtualization integrations.

• Knowledge of NIST frameworks and cybersecurity best practices.

• Experience with network automation using Python, Ansible, or REST APIs.

• Experience supporting large enterprise or government network environments.

• Palo Alto Networks security certifications or equivalent hands-on experience.