SD-WAN Performance and Operations Engineer

DescriptionJob Title: SD-WAN Performance and Operations Engineer

Location: Remote / On-site / Hybrid

Job Summary:

We are seeking an SD-WAN Performance and Operations Engineer to ensure the reliability, scalability, and optimal performance of our SD-WAN infrastructure. This role will involve managing daily network operations, troubleshooting performance issues, and implementing network enhancements to improve overall WAN efficiency. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in SD-WAN technologies, network performance optimization, and network operations management.

Key Responsibilities:

Performance Monitoring and Optimization:

Continuously monitor SD-WAN performance using tools such as SolarWinds, Netreo, NetFlow analyzers, and other network monitoring platforms.

Analyze key performance metrics like throughput, latency, jitter, and packet loss to identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement.

Configure dynamic path selection and load balancing to optimize network traffic flow, ensuring high availability and performance.

Network Troubleshooting and Incident Resolution:

Lead the diagnosis and troubleshooting of SD-WAN issues, including performance degradation, packet loss, and connectivity failures.

Utilize tools like Wireshark and SNMP analyzers to conduct deep dive troubleshooting of complex network problems.

Provide root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.

Operational Management:

Oversee day-to-day operations of the SD-WAN network, including provisioning, configuration management, and maintenance tasks.

Manage incident response, coordinating with other IT teams to ensure quick resolution of network issues and minimal downtime.

Implement best practices for network security and compliance, ensuring traffic is encrypted and following proper access controls.

Automation and Network Orchestration:

Develop and implement automation scripts using tools like Ansible, Python, or Terraform to streamline operational tasks such as network provisioning, monitoring, and configuration updates.

Collaborate with network architects and product teams to automate repetitive tasks and improve overall operational efficiency.

Capacity Planning and Scalability:

Analyze network traffic trends and perform capacity planning to ensure that the SD-WAN infrastructure can scale to meet increasing business demands.

Recommend and implement network upgrades or expansions based on future growth projections and business requirements.

Vendor and SLA Management:

Coordinate with SD-WAN vendors and service providers (e.g., VMWare Velocloud, Aruba EdgeConnect, Cisco Viptela) to ensure that SLAs are met, and issues are escalated when necessary.

Work with external vendors to optimize circuit provisioning and ensure that SD-WAN infrastructure remains cost-effective and high-performing.

Reporting and Documentation:

Develop and maintain detailed documentation for SD-WAN configurations, performance metrics, troubleshooting procedures, and operational workflows.

Generate regular performance reports for management, outlining network health, incidents, and areas for improvement.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

3+ years of experience in network operations, with at least 2 years working specifically with SD-WAN technologies (e.g., VMWare Velocloud, Cisco SDWAN).

Proficiency in network performance optimization and troubleshooting using tools like SolarWinds, NetFlow analyzers, and Wireshark.

Strong understanding of routing protocols (BGP, OSPF), MPLS, and WAN technologies.

Experience with network automation tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) and scripting for network orchestration and process improvement.

Familiarity with cloud networking environments and their integration with SD-WAN platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).

Strong problem-solving and incident response skills, with a track record of resolving complex network issues in high-pressure environments.

Experience with capacity planning and the ability to design scalable SD-WAN solutions to meet future business needs.

Preferred Skills:

Certifications such as CCNA, CCNP, or SD-WAN-specific certifications (e.g., VMWare Velocloud Certified Professional, Aruba Certified SD-WAN Professional or Cisco SDWAN).

Experience with network automation frameworks like Python or Shell scripting for automating operational tasks.

Familiarity with cloud networking and multi-cloud SD-WAN integration strategies.

Education:

Bachelor's degree in computer science, Network Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.

Networking certifications (CCNA, CCNP) or SD-WAN platform certifications are a plus.

Some job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day. Employment decisions are based solely on experience, performance, and ability. Citizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression (including transgender individuals who are transitioning, have transitioned, or are perceived to be transitioning to the gender with which they identify), genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague's or a dependent's reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws.

Equal Employment and Opportunity Employer

Citizens is a brand name of Citizens Bank, N.A. and each of its respective affiliates.

Background Check

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the candidate successfully passing a background check, which may include initial credit, motor vehicle record, public record, prior employment verification, and criminal background checks. Results of the background check are individually reviewed based upon legal requirements imposed by our regulators and with consideration of the nature and gravity of the background history and the job offered. Any offer of employment will include further information.