Specialist Platform Engineer
Johannesburg Ward 102, South Africa
Duration
6
MONTHS
Negotiable
Ref
CLAUDIA - LS
Starts
ASAP
Opened On
12/02/2025
Required Skills
network infrastructure
network security
enterprise infrastructure
ansible
high availability
bgp
link aggregation
scalability
troubleshooting
architecture
Job Description

Job Description / Responsibilities:

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Network Engineer with expertise in Arista switch infrastructure to form part of the mitigation of unsupported network infrastructure and drive the standardization of switch models across our data center network estate. This role will play a critical part in ensuring high availability, security, and scalability of our network while minimizing risks associated with outdated hardware.

Key Responsibilities:

· Infrastructure Lifecycle Management: Identify, assess, and replace end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-support (EOS) Arista switches, ensuring minimal disruption to business operations.

· Network Design & Standardization: Develop and implement a standardized switch architecture to enhance performance, scalability, and operational efficiency across data centers.

· Routing & Switching Optimization: Configure and manage Arista switches, leveraging BGP, OSPF, VXLAN, EVPN, MLAG, and QoS to optimize data flow and redundancy.

· Security & Compliance: Implement and enforce best practices for network security, ensuring compliance with industry regulations and corporate policies.

· Migration & Implementation: Lead network migration projects, ensuring smooth transitions from legacy systems to standardized Arista-based infrastructure.

· Troubleshooting & Performance Monitoring: Proactively identify and resolve network issues using Arista CloudVision, telemetry, and automation tools.

· Automation & Scripting: Utilize Python, Ansible, or other automation frameworks to streamline network deployments and maintenance.

· Collaboration & Documentation: Work closely with cross-functional teams, providing technical guidance while maintaining accurate documentation of configurations and policies.

Background and experience required:

· 5+ years of experience in network engineering with a strong focus on Arista switches and data center networking.

• Deep knowledge of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), Layer 2/3 switching, VXLAN, and network automation.

• Experience with end-of-life hardware mitigation and lifecycle management in enterprise environments.

· Proficiency in network automation tools

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot complex network issues.

• Relevant certifications preferred (Arista ACE, CCNP, or equivalent).

Must-have Skills (Mandatory Skills):

·Include minimum years of experience required per skill 1. Arista Networking Expertise

· Deep knowledge of Arista EOS, CloudVision (CVP), and Arista hardware platforms.

• Experience with Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG), VXLAN/EVPN, and Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP).

2. Routing & Switching

· Strong experience with BGP, OSPF and redistribution route tags for dynamic routing in enterprise and data center environments.

• Proficiency in Layer 2/3 switching, VLANs, STP, and QoS policies.

3. Network Infrastructure Lifecycle Management

· Experience in identifying, planning, and replacing unsupported (EOL/EOS) network hardware.

• Ability to assess risks, design migration strategies, and implement upgrades with minimal disruption.

4. Network Automation & Scripting

· Familiarity with Python, Ansible, and Terraform for automating deployments and configurations.

• Understanding of APIs and scripting for network automation in large-scale environments.

5. Troubleshooting & Performance Monitoring

· Strong problem-solving skills using Arista CloudVision, telemetry, and network monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Splunk, Wireshark ( gNMI ).

• Ability to diagnose and resolve complex routing, switching, and security issues.

6. Security & Compliance

· Knowledge of ACLs, firewall policies, segmentation strategies, and best practices for securing network infrastructure.

• Experience ensuring compliance with financial, healthcare, or industry-specific regulations (e.g., PCI-DSS, ISO 27001).

Beneficial Skills (Desired Skills): Certifications (Preferred, but not mandatory)

· Arista Certified Engineer (ACE L3/5)

· Cisco CCNP/CCIE (Enterprise infrastructure or routing and switching )

· CVP Skillsets