Network Automation Engineer

Job Title: DevOps Engineer (StackStorm & Network Automation)

Job Title: Automation Engineer, Networking

Job Type: Full-Time

Department: IT / DevOps / Network Operations

Job Overview: We are seeking a highly skilled DevOps Engineer with demonstrated expertise with automation tools, preferably StackStorm, and a strong foundation in network automation, software development, and troubleshooting. This role combines deep technical knowledge, analytical skills, and customer-centric communication to design and maintain robust automation workflows for managed enterprise network environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Automation Development:

Develop and implement StackStorm actions and workflows to automate network device configuration and management.

Leverage Python 3.x with libraries like requests, asyncio, and unittest for robust scripting, and use Jinja templates for dynamic configurations.

Utilize REST API/web service development tools (e.g., Postman, cURL) for integration with networking systems. Infrastructure & Configuration Management:

Design and execute CI/CD pipelines to streamline deployment processes.

Diagnostics & Troubleshooting:

Rapidly diagnose and resolve issues, identifying both proximate and root causes.

Use analytical skills to pinpoint problems and document resolutions effectively.

Provide on-going front-line support and maintenance for implemented StackStorm actions/workflows and other automation tools.

Networking & Systems:

Apply knowledge of TCP/IP stack, IPv4 routing, switching concepts, and protocols (e.g., 802.1Q, STP, DHCP, FTP, IPSec VPNs).

Work with network architecture and APIs for platforms like Fortinet, Meraki, Palo Alto, DIGI, and Cradlepoint.

Customer-Centric Analysis:

Capture explicit and implicit customer requirements, translating them into actionable functional requirements and use cases.

Design unit, integration, and end-to-end test cases for functional validation.

Collaboration & Communication:

Collaborate with network engineers and other technology team members to clarify/confirm requirements and develop/design and carry out integration tests.

Communicate complex technical concepts in plain language across all levels of technical expertise.

Create comprehensive documentation for technical maintainers and non technical stakeholders.

Required Skills & Experience:

Software Development:

Proficient in Python 3.x, with experience in advanced concepts like decorators, context managers, dataclasses, and exception handling.

Familiar with high-level programming concepts, including OOP principles (e.g., inheritance, decorators, introspection).

Strong skills in JSON, YAML, and packaging (module/script structures).

Experience with Git-based source control systems (GitHub, GitLab).

Networking:

Solid understanding of TCP/IP stack, basic routing (IPv4, static routing), and switching concepts.

Familiarity with fundamental protocols (e.g., 802.1Q, STP, DHCP, FTP).

Technical Tools:

Proficient with tools like Redis, RabbitMQ, and Nginx (including reverse proxy configurations).

Familiarity with Linux basics, including shell scripting, systemd, SSH, and text manipulation tools.

Automation Expertise:

Experience developing and maintaining automation workflows and architecture to manage and maintain network device lifecycles.

Familiarity with message queuing systems like RabbitMQ and automation tools like Ansible.

Diagnostic Skills:

Analytical skills to narrow down issues and identify root causes.

Ability to design functional tests and troubleshoot integration failures.

Preferred Qualifications:

Hands-on experience with StackStorm, including workflow architecture and troubleshooting.

Networking experience with platforms like Fortinet, Meraki, Palo Alto, DIGI and Cradlepoint.

Familiarity with Fortinet APIs and certifications (FCA, FCP).

Knowledge of Python libraries such as Pydantic, Dramatiq, and functional programming tools.

Advanced knowledge of logging best practices, calendar/timezone tools, and regular expressions (regex).

Experience with SolarWinds API and SWQL.

Experience with Zabbix Monitoring platform and its APIs.

Experience with standard software development tools, particularly VS Code.

Desired Skills:

Advanced Python features (e.g., generators, context managers, itertools, decorators).

Workflow design and architecture for network automation.

Familiarity with software-defined networking APIs and message queuing systems.

Experience working as part of an Agile team working in the Atlassian tools. Benefits:

Competitive salary and performance bonuses. Health, dental, and vision insurance.

Opportunities for professional development and certification.

Flexible work environment.