Job Description : Senior Network Architect / Engineer (Secure SD-WAN & IP / MPLS)
Role Summary
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Network Architect / Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and operation of our next-generation secure Wide Area Network (WAN). This critical role requires deep, hands-on expertise in FortiGate Secure SD-WAN for distributed enterprise connectivity, coupled with an expert-level understanding of Nokia Service Router (SR) platforms and associated IP / MPLS routing technologies for our backbone or core network infrastructure. The role requires deep operational expertise in routing, traffic steering, SD-WAN overlay / underlay connectivity, and proactive fault detection in a 24x7 network operations environment .
The engineer will ensure network stability, performance, and security through structured incident handling, service management, and coordination with OEM and internal engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Network Design & Architecture : Design, plan, and optimize complex network topologies integrating FortiGate SD-WAN solutions with the core Nokia IP / MPLS network for seamless, secure, and high-performance connectivity.
- FortiGate SD-WAN Implementation : Lead the deployment, configuration, and management of FortiGate devices for SD-WAN, including Zero-Touch Provisioning (ZTP) , advanced security policies (NGFW, UTM), dynamic path selection, and application steering.
- Nokia Routing Operations : Configure, maintain, and troubleshoot mission-critical Nokia Service Routers (e.g., 7750 SR, 7210 SAS), focusing on core routing protocols ( BGP, OSPF, IS-IS ) and advanced MPLS services ( VPLS, VPRN, Segment Routing ).
- Security Integration : Ensure a cohesive security posture by integrating FortiGate's security features with the wider network infrastructure, establishing secure VPNs (IPsec / SSL), and defining network segmentation.
- Troubleshooting & Resolution (Tier 3 / 4) : Serve as the highest escalation point for complex, multi-vendor network and security incidents, diagnosing issues across both the FortiGate overlay and Nokia underlay networks.
- Documentation & Standards : Create and maintain high-quality documentation (HLD / LLD), operational runbooks, and configuration templates to ensure standardization and compliance.
- Core IP Network Operations : Administer and troubleshoot Nokia Router platforms (e.g., Service Routers) and related protocols ( BGP, OSPF, MPLS, RSVP, LDP ) essential for core Telco service delivery.
Key Skills & Proficiencies
Fortinet SD-WAN & Security
Deep Expertise in FortiOS : Mastery of FortiGate firewall and security features (NGFW, UTM, IPS, Web Filtering, Application Control).SD-WAN Fabric : Comprehensive knowledge of FortiGate SD-WAN architecture, including SD-WAN Rules, performance SLAs, and centralized management using FortiManager .Automation : Experience with Fortinet Fabric Connectors, automation stitches, and scripting for large-scale SD-WAN deployments.Analytics : Proficiency in utilizing FortiAnalyzer for log analysis, reporting, and proactive monitoring of security and network performance.Nokia IP Routing & MPLS
Service Router OS (SR OS) : Expert-level configuration and troubleshooting on Nokia Service Router platforms.Core Routing : In-depth knowledge of BGP (IBGP / EBGP, Route Reflectors), OSPF / IS-IS , and routing policy / manipulation (route-maps, prefix-lists).MPLS & Services : Strong understanding and experience with MPLS, LDP, RSVP-TE , and Layer 2 / Layer 3 VPN services ( VPLS, VPRN ).QoS (Quality of Service) : Designing and implementing complex QoS policies for differentiated traffic handling across the Nokia core.General Network & Soft Skills
Protocols : Expert knowledge of TCP / IP, Ethernet, L2 / L3 technologies, IPsec, and network virtualization concepts.Problem-Solving : Exceptional analytical and structured troubleshooting skills in a multi-vendor environment.Communication : Ability to clearly articulate complex technical issues and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.Recommended Certifications
Certifications from both Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are crucial to validate the dual expertise required for this role.
Vendor
Certification Level
Focus
Fortinet
FCSS - Network Security (SD-WAN)
Fortinet Certified Solution Specialist . Validates expertise in complex FortiGate SD-WAN and advanced security.
FCP - Network Security (NSE 4 / 5)
Fortinet Certified Professional . Validates hands-on daily configuration and management.
Nokia
NRS II (Nokia Routing Specialist II)
Focus on IP / MPLS and advanced router configuration. Highly recommended minimum.
SRA (Service Routing Architect)
The highest-level Nokia certification. Demonstrates expertise in designing, building, and supporting service provider networks and services. Highly desirable.
NOC Management & Operations Requirements
The candidate will be a key resource for the Network Operations Center (NOC), defining tools and processes for managing the combined environment.
Centralized Management Tools :FortiManager / FortiAnalyzer : Must be able to leverage these tools for centralized configuration, policy rollout, and security event correlation across the SD-WAN estate.Nokia Network Management : Experience with Nokia's management tools (e.g., Network Services Platform - NSP ) or similar carrier-grade platforms for fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security (FCAPS).Proactive Monitoring & Alerting :Define and implement monitoring strategies for both SD-WAN overlay quality (latency, jitter, loss) and Nokia underlay health (interface status, CPU, memory, routing protocol peering).Integrate FortiGate / FortiAnalyzer and Nokia platform alarms with the centralized NOC ticketing and monitoring systems (e.g., Nagios, Zabbix, Splunk, ServiceNow).Incident & Change Management :Adhere to strict ITIL-based processes for managing high-risk changes on core Nokia routers and mass deployments / changes on the FortiGate SD-WAN fabric.Develop and manage Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for common Level 1 / 2 / 3 NOC tasks, enabling efficient first-line support.Automation Focus :Advocate for and implement automation solutions (e.g., Ansible, Python scripting) to reduce manual configuration errors and accelerate deployment / troubleshooting on both the Fortinet and Nokia platforms.Performance Reporting : Responsible for generating operational reports, tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) like availability and incident resolution times (MTTR), and presenting findings to management