Network Engineer, Specialist
Lead Sr. Network Operations Center (NOC) (DNS/Akamai/F5) Engineer
Position Summary
The Senior-Level NOC Engineer (Tier 3) functions as the highest technical escalation point within the global Network Operations Center. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, architecture-level insight, and deep subject matter expertise across complex, multi-vendor network infrastructures. Tier 3 support engineers lead root-cause analysis, oversee major incidents, influence network design standards, and partner with engineering teams to drive stability, scalability, and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- Advanced Incident & Problem Management
- Acts as the final escalation point for all high-severity incidents, providing advanced packet analysis, protocol decoding, and cross-platform correlation.
- Performs deep-dive RCA, producing engineering-quality post-incident documentation and recommending long-term corrective actions.
- Leads network recovery efforts during outages involving routing instability, security events, hardware failures, or cloud connectivity issues.
Architecture-Level Network Troubleshooting Expertise
- Expert proficiency with Cisco IOS, Nexus OS, and Cisco ACI with the ability to interpret and troubleshoot complex multi-tier architectures.
- Deep understanding of F5 LTM/GTM, load-balancing behaviors, DNS architectures, Akamai and SSL offloading.
- Strong knowledge of DNS automation, API-driven provisioning, and lifecycle management in large-scale environments, including experience with IAC pipelines.
Tools, Automation & Visibility
- Mastery of packet analysis tools: Bluecat, Solarwinds, APCON, Wireshark, netflow/sflow platforms.
- Develops automation scripts for configuration validation, monitoring, and incident response workflows.
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- Evaluates and integrates new operational tools and observability platforms.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Partners with Network Engineering to validate new designs, perform pre-deployment testing, and influence standards.
- Mentors junior and mid-level NOC engineers, providing technical coaching, lab guidance, and training material.
- Engages directly with vendors for escalated TAC cases, hardware escalations, and architectural reviews.
Qualifications and Skills
- Minimum 8 years of experience in network engineering or IT infrastructure, including at least two years of project or program management experience.
- B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field.
MBA/M.Tech in a technical or management discipline is preferred.
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience is acceptable. - 8+ years of enterprise network operations or engineering experience, supporting large-scale, complex environments.
- Strong understanding of network deployment, performance monitoring, and technical troubleshooting across enterprise infrastructures.
- Expert-level knowledge of core networking technologies, including:
- BGP, OSPF, VRFs, MPLS fundamentals
- L2/L3 architectures and WAN technologies
- Extensive hands-on experience with enterprise networking and security platforms, including:
Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Palo Alto, Aruba, and F5 ecosystems. - Experience managing technology projects, preferably within a corporate or Financial Services environment.
- Ability to lead cross-functional project teams, manage technical and operational risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
- Proven capability to lead major incidents under pressure, providing clear communication and strong technical command during high-impact situations.
- Familiarity with disaster recovery strategies, including planning and implementation within network operations.
- Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall
Required Certifications
- Cisco CCNP (or equivalent)
Preferred Certifications
- CCIE (Routing & Switching, Enterprise, or Data Center)
- JNCIP/JNCIE
- PCNSE (Palo Alto)
- F5 Certified Administrator or Engineer
- AWS Advanced Networking
Special Requirements
- Must participate in 24x7 Tier 3 escalation rotation.
- May assist in after-hours change execution and major event coverage.
Special Factors
Sponsorship
Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.
About Vanguard
At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission-we're on a mission.
To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.
How We Work
Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- FSA
- HSA
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Fitness Subsidies
- On-Site Gym
- HSA With Employer Contribution
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- Mental Health Benefits
- Virtual Fitness Classes
- Pet Insurance
Parental Benefits
- Non-Birth Parent or Paternity Leave
- Birth Parent or Maternity Leave
- Fertility Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
- Adoption Leave
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Company Outings
- Commuter Benefits Program
- Casual Dress
- Happy Hours
- Snacks
- Some Meals Provided
- On-Site Cafeteria
Vacation and Time Off
- Personal/Sick Days
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Vacation
- Volunteer Time Off
- Leave of Absence
Financial and Retirement
- Relocation Assistance
- Performance Bonus
- 401(K) With Company Matching
- 401(K)
- Financial Counseling
- Profit Sharing
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Shadowing Opportunities
- Access to Online Courses
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Internship Program
- Lunch and Learns
- Leadership Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERG)
Company Videos
Hear directly from employees about what it is like to work at Vanguard.