AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.
At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.
We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.
We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Software Defined Networking (SDN) Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in software-defined technologies, with deep hands-on expertise in Cisco ACI, Arista or Cisco VxLAN, and VMware NSX (V & T). This role involves leading the design, deployment, and support of complex data center network solutions while ensuring alignment with business goals and customer success.
The SDN Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams and clients, participating in architectural discussions, delivering workshops, and ensuring successful implementations. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as a passion for staying current with emerging technologies. A proven track record of executing large-scale data center projects and holding relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, ACI, or VMware is highly preferred.
Key Responsibilities
Service as subject matter expert for software defined technologies
Possess a strong understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN, and VMware NSX (V & T) technologies
Participate in the deployment of complex solutions, create written deliverables, and conduct client workshops
Ability to communicate and execute architecture strategy & approach in clear, concise, and understandable terms to client senior management and other client stakeholders
Ability to implement design architecture objectives that align with client demand & business goals
Receptive listening skills with the ability to present ideas in a clear, concise fashion to technical and non-technical audiences
Excellent situational leadership and timely decision-making skills
Passionate about successful customer outcomes
Ability to work effectively within all levels of an organization (internally & externally)
Ability to work both individually and in a team environment
Demonstrated ability to deliver multiple IT projects on time and within budget
Ensure knowledge transfer to relevant client teams for smooth operation of deployed solutions
Obtain and maintain certifications with associated qualifications
Skills Required
Minimum 10 years of data center experience in enterprise environments
Deep hands-on technical knowledge and expertise in: Cisco, Arista, or VMware NSX large scale data center deployments/migrations
Extensive experience with ACI (multi-pod & multi-site) from design to deployment
Strong sense of ownership, problem solver, sense of urgency and ability to be proactive in resolving challenges
Experience with VxLAN design, deployment a plus
Experience with VMware NSX design, deployment, V to T migration a plus
Depth of knowledge around underlay, overlay concepts, segmentation strategies, and solution interoperability
Cisco CCNP, ACI, or CCIE certification required
VMware or Arista certifications a plus
Why AHEAD:
Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.
We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.
India Employment Benefits include:
Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees, with options to extend coverage to dependents
Paid time off and company holidays, along with additional leave benefits as per policy
Flexible work arrangements, supporting work-life balance
Learning and development opportunities to support continuous growth and upskilling
Employee wellness initiatives and programs focused on physical and mental well-being
Retirement and statutory benefits in line with India regulations
Inclusive and people-first culture, with a strong focus on collaboration and ownership
