The Role

• NetOps and Network Monitoring System: Develop and maintain custom scripts to monitor the health and availability of network devices. Create Network monitoring dashboards to visualize the network's status through historical graphs and manage notifications based on predefined thresholds. Implement network automation using Ansible and Python to reduce manual tasks, enhance operational efficiency, and minimize human errors in managing numerous devices.

• Core Network Services Involvement: Actively participate in the core network services like routing, switching, DNS, and DHCP to gain in-depth knowledge and identify automation opportunities.

• Network Monitoring and Performance Management:  Ensure the network infrastructure and links are monitored for availability, performance and errors.  Analyzing network performance metrics (latency, packet loss, jitter and throughput) to proactively identify compute and link utilization trends to address capacity before it becomes an issue.

• Team and Project Support: Mentor team members in Python scripting and automation. Lead the integration of various network monitoring tools into the Datadog system. Serve as a key resource for major network upgrades and replacements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support network-related projects, fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment.

• Technology Roadmap: Assist network team leads in developing a technology roadmap and executing proof-of-concept trials for new technologies that can benefit the IT department.

Qualifications

• Scripting and Automation: Possess advanced skills in Python scripting to automate network operations and tasks. Responsible for developing, testing, and maintaining Python scripts for network management. Experienced in using Ansible for network automation, configuration management, and orchestration. Proficient in writing Ansible playbooks, roles, and modules to streamline network tasks. Holding certifications such as Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation and Python Institute's PCEP or PCAP is advantageous.

• Core Networking Services: Have in-depth knowledge of routing protocols like OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP, as well as switching technologies such as VLANs and trunking. Practical experience with Cisco routers and switches. Skilled in configuring and managing DNS servers like BIND and Microsoft DNS, with a strong understanding of DNS concepts including zones, records, forwarding, and caching. Proficient in setting up and managing DHCP servers, with expertise in DHCP scopes, leases, reservations, and options.

• Network Management:  Hands-on experience with one or more popular Network Management System platforms with strong understanding of SNMP protocol and network traffic simulation using synthetic testing.  Proficient in using Unix/Linux operating system.  Certification and/or hands-on knowledge of Datadog monitoring and analytics platform is a huge plus.

• Analytical Skills: Capable of analyzing network performance data to identify opportunities for network optimization and automation. Possess strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose network issues and develop automated tools for similar problems.

• Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to clearly articulate technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Demonstrates ownership and accountability for assigned tasks, and works effectively with others to achieve team, divisional, and departmental goals.

Please refer to job description.