Job Description
Location:
Irving, TX Salary:
$111.00 USD Hourly - $131.00 USD Hourly Description:
Lead Automation Platform Engineer (Contract) Contract-to-Hire | Hybrid Locations:
Irving, TX | Chandler, AZ | Charlotte, NC | Westlake, TX About the Role We're looking for engineers-not operators. Builders, designers, and problem-solvers who create systems, not just support them. This role is for individuals who naturally tinker, automate, and engineer solutions in their own time-whether that's building software at home, designing systems, or experimenting with emerging technologies. You'll join a team focused on reimagining enterprise networking through automation, AI, and modern engineering practices. You will play a critical role in transforming our branch network into a fully automated, zero-touch, next-generation platform-leveraging tools, patterns, and approaches similar to those used at companies like Google, Amazon, and other automation-first organizations. What You'll Do Build the Future of Network Automation Design and implement a fully automated, plug-and-play branch architecture Deliver true zero-touch provisioning (ZTP) for end-to-end deployment Replace manual processes with scalable, intelligent automation systems Engineer Modern Automation Platforms Develop stateful orchestration workflows (Temporal / ORCA or equivalent) Build reusable automation frameworks and patterns Integrate AI-assisted or AI-driven automation capabilities Own the Automation Stack (End-to-End) Establish Infrastructure as Code using Terraform Build CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions Automate operations using Ansible Expose capabilities via API platforms (Apigee) Create Source-of-Truth Driven Systems Leverage Nautobot (or similar) as a centralized system of intent Model network topology, IPAM, and configuration data Ensure all automation executes from structured, authoritative data Drive Observability and Reliability Implement monitoring using Prometheus, Grafana , or similar tools Embed telemetry into automation workflows Enable self-healing, resilient systems What Success Looks Like Branch deployments require little to no human intervention Deployment timelines are reduced from weeks to minutes Operations teams are freed from repetitive manual work A unified, scalable architecture replaces fragmented SD-Branch environments Automation becomes the default-not the exception Who You Are You are a builder at heart : You create systems in your spare time-software, automation, hardware, or otherwise You're curious about how things work and how to improve them You prefer engineering solutions over maintaining legacy processes You think like a modern engineer : Automation-first mindset API-driven thinking Comfortable working across infrastructure and software boundaries Interested in AI-driven and next-gen automation approaches Required Qualifications Strong hands-on experience with Python Deep expertise in automation engineering and orchestration frameworks (Temporal, ORCA, etc.) Experience with Terraform (Infrastructure as Code) Proven ability building CI/CD pipelines (GitHub, GitHub Actions) Hands-on Ansible automation experience Experience with Cisco SD-WAN / SD-Branch architectures Familiarity with IPAM, network source-of-truth systems (e.g., Nautobot) Exposure to or experience with AI-driven or AI-assisted automation Ability to independently deliver in complex enterprise environments Preferred Qualifications Experience with .NET and React (at least one team member must bring this skillset) Background in large-scale enterprise transformations Experience in cloud-scale or FAANG-like engineering environments Team Composition / Hiring Plan We are building a balanced team of high-impact engineers: 2 Level 3 Engineers 2 Level 4 Engineers 2 Senior Engineers We are seeking top-tier candidates only . Multiple vendors may be engaged, with final selection based on demonstrated engineering excellence and portfolio quality. Engagement Model Contract-to-hire opportunity Initial candidate submissions will be reviewed for early assessment Final selection process will be managed through Beeline What Sets This Role Apart This is not a traditional network engineering role. This is an opportunity to:
Build next-generation, AI-enabled automation platforms Work on cutting-edge network transformation initiatives Replace legacy operations with fully automated systems Operate with a builder's mindset , not a support mindset By providing your phone number, you consent to: (1) receive automated text messages and calls from the Judge Group, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively "Judge") to such phone number regarding job opportunities, your job application, and for other related purposes. Message & data rates apply and message frequency may vary. Consistent with Judge's Privacy Policy, information obtained from your consent will not be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help. Contact:
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