Cisco Data Centre Architect

This is a remote position.

Location

Remote

Engagement Type

Project-based Assignment; B2B Contract (Outside IR35)

Duration

6 months with auto renew

Timezone

CET ± 2 hours

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One of our clients, a leader in the Telecommunications sector is looking for a Cisco Data Centre Architect to lead the design, deployment, and optimization of enterprise network infrastructure. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise across Cisco’s Data Centre and Campus fabric technologies, specifically ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) and SDA (Software-Defined Access) .

Key Deliverables

Cisco ACI (Data Centre) Architecture & Operations

• Design, deploy, and manage ACI fabric operations, including Multi-Site and Multi-Pod architectures.
• Configure and maintain core ACI constructs: Tenants, VRFs, EPGs, and Contracts.
• Perform APIC administration and manage L3Out integration with external networks.
• Lead data centre migration projects, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless integration with existing firewall and load-balancer infrastructure.
• Architect Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions and ensure healthcare data centre resiliency.
• Implement ACI automation using Terraform and Ansible.
• Lead hands-on deployment and commissioning of Cisco ACI and SDA environments.
• Participate in migration weekends, cutovers, and production go-live activities.
• Perform advanced troubleshooting during implementation and post-deployment phases.
• Support knowledge transfer and operational handover following deployments.

Cisco SDA (Campus Fabric) Architecture & Deployment

• Lead SDA fabric deployment and Catalyst Center administration.
• Implement Underlay and Overlay concepts using VXLAN and LISP fundamentals.
• Deploy and manage Fabric Edge and Border nodes.
• Integrate Cisco ISE for dynamic policy enforcement and SGTs (Scalable Group Tags) .
• Design clinical network segmentation and support multi-campus healthcare deployments.
• Oversee wireless fabric integration and automated provisioning/assurance.

Routing/Switching Architecture

• Architect and troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks, including VXLANs, STP, EtherChannel, and switch stacking.
• Manage routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and Static Routing.
• Design High Availability solutions using HSRP, VRRP, StackWise, and MEC/vPC.
• Optimise QoS for real-time healthcare applications (Voice, Video, Clinical Systems, VoIP/VoWiFi).
• Implement network segmentation and security zoning specific to healthcare compliance.
• Utilise network automation tools (Catalyst Center, Ansible, APIs) and perform advanced troubleshooting via CLI, telemetry, and packet analysis.

Requirements

• Cisco ACI: Proven experience in fabric operations, APIC administration, and tenant/VRF/EPG management.
• Hands-on experience with Catalyst Center, fabric deployment, and VXLAN/LISP.
• Proven hands-on implementation experience with Cisco ACI and/or SDA in production environments.
• Ability to discuss end-to-end customer deployments rather than purely design engagements.
• Experience operating within large enterprise or service provider environments.
• Strong troubleshooting capability during migration and transformation projects.
• Strong command of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, and HA protocols.
• Demonstrated experience leading and executing complex data centre migrations, including planning, implementation, cutover, rollback, and production support activities.
• Healthcare Experience: Experience with clinical network segmentation, resiliency design, and clinical application optimisation.
• Proficiency with Terraform, Ansible, or Python for network automation.
• Advanced skills in packet analysis, telemetry, and CLI-based diagnostics.

Nice-to-Have Skills-

• Multi-Site / Multi-Pod ACI architecture experience.
• Firewall and load-balancer integration (e.g., Palo Alto, F5).
• Disaster Recovery architecture design.
• Wireless fabric integration within SDA.
• Dynamic policy enforcement using SGTs and ISE.
• Multi-campus healthcare deployments.
• QoS for real-time healthcare applications (voice, video, clinical systems).
• Network automation using Catalyst Center, Ansible, or APIs.

Why Partner with Us?

• Clear scope with no ambiguity over deliverables.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunity for repeat engagements based on performance.

Selection Process

• Proposal Submission
• Submit your professional profile/CV by applying on the role.
• Business Alignment Call
• 30-min virtual discussion with Human Capital Consultant to review scope
• Verification
• Opportunity to complete Castille Vetting (background/compliance checks)
• Client Skills Review
• Direct interview with end client to discuss project specifics
• Project-specific technical assessment (if required)

Ongoing Business Support

• Access to CX guidance and market insights through our professional network.