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Principal Network Engineer -

Cisco Catalyst/Nexus Full Time Aliso Viejo, CA Visa:

US CitizenGreen Card

GC-EADH1BH4-EADTNEAD

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Principal Network Engineer to assess and improve enterprise and data center network architecture, security, redundancy, and fault tolerance. This role requires deep Cisco networking expertise, hands-on Layer 2/Layer 3 engineering, and experience leading network assessments and architecture reviews. The ideal candidate will identify network vulnerabilities and single points of failure, document risk-rated findings, and develop a prioritized remediation roadmap to improve reliability, security, and resilience. Key Responsibilities Assess LAN, data center, and perimeter networks, including topology, device configurations, hardware lifecycle, and operational practices. Identify single points of failure and evaluate redundancy mechanisms, including HSRP/VRRP, vPC, port-channels, STP, and routing convergence. Evaluate network security, including segmentation, firewall integration, management plane hardening, and Layer 2 security controls. Review high-availability architecture, routing and switching configurations, and network resilience. Prepare formal gap assessment reports with risk ratings, current-state and target-state diagrams, and remediation recommendations. Develop phased remediation roadmaps covering immediate improvements and long-term architecture changes. Present technical findings and recommendations to IT leadership. Support or lead remediation activities to address identified network risks and architecture gaps. Required Qualifications Active Cisco CCNP Enterprise or Data Center certification is mandatory. Candidates without a current CCNP will not be considered. 12+ years of enterprise or data center network engineering experience. Proven experience leading network assessments, gap analyses, or architecture reviews and producing formal technical deliverables. Expert-level knowledge of Cisco Catalyst and Nexus platforms. Strong Layer 2/Layer 3 networking expertise, including VLANs, STP, vPC, LACP, SVIs, OSPF, EIGRP, BGP, and

HSRP/VRRP.

Strong understanding of high-availability network design, security architecture, and next-generation firewall (NGFW) integration. Hands-on experience with fiber-optic technologies, including SFP/QSFP, single-mode and multimode fiber (SMF/MMF), and Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM). Experience with network monitoring and analysis tools such as SolarWinds and Wireshark. Excellent technical documentation, problem-solving, and executive communication skills. Preferred Qualifications CCIE or CCDE certification. Experience in healthcare, life sciences, or laboratory environments, with familiarity with HIPAA requirements. Knowledge of

VXLAN/EVPN

architectures. Familiarity with NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) or CIS Controls. Experience with network automation. Experience with Arista EOS. Refer