Lead Network Engineer

About the role
As a Lead Network Engineer, you will make an impact by designing and maintaining secure, scalable, and highly available network infrastructure that supports critical business services. You’ll shape the evolution of SD‑WAN, MPLS, VPN, and VRF architectures, ensuring strong performance, stability, and resilience. Your expertise in routing, switching, and traffic optimization will enhance connectivity and the end‑user experience across enterprise and service provider environments. You will be a valued member of the Cloud Infrastructure and Security team and work collaboratively with the Senior Manager.

In this role, you will:
• Design, deploy, and maintain MPLS, VPN, SD-WAN, VRF, and load-balanced network cores
• Design and implement QoS strategies across enterprise and service provider networks
• Deploy, support, and optimize Cisco SD-WAN and Cisco Meraki SD-WAN solutions
• Configure, troubleshoot, and optimize EIGRP and BGP routing (eBGP, iBGP, route reflectors)
• Apply advanced routing concepts including OSPF and Segment Routing (preferred)
• Implement and support Layer 2 technologies including VLANs, VXLAN, STP, and MAC filtering
• Configure, operate, and troubleshoot Cisco platforms including NX-OS, IOS, IOS-XE, and IOS-XR
• Interpret and apply complex technical designs and operational documentation
• Contribute to industry-standard network design, implementation, and best practices
• Collaborate with infrastructure and security teams to support resilient network services

Work model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring 3 days a week in a client or Cognizant office in San Rafael, CA. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on the project you’re engaged in, as well as business and client requirements. Rest assured; we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered:
• Strong Layer 3 routing and switching expertise
• Hands-on experience with Cisco networking technologies 
• Experience with Cisco NX-OS, IOS, IOS-XE, and IOS-XR
• In-depth knowledge of BGP and EIGRP
• Experience designing and supporting SD-WAN, MPLS, VRF, and load-balanced environments
• Solid understanding of Layer 2 networking fundamentals
• Experience in enterprise or service provider network environments

These will help you stand out:
• Cisco Meraki SD-WAN and Meraki WiFi
• Palo Alto firewalls
• Network authentication and services: TACACS+, RADIUS, DNS, DHCP
• Knowledge of security and communications networks
• Exposure to end-user computing environments
• Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

We're excited to meet people who share our mission and can make an impact in a variety of ways. Don't hesitate to apply, even if you only meet the minimum requirements listed. Think about your transferable experiences and unique skills that make you stand out as someone who can bring new and exciting things to this role.

Salary and Other Compensation:
Applications will be accepted until February 11, 2026

The annual salary for this position is between $99,000 - $116,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:
·Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
· Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
· 401(k) plan and contributions
· Long-term/Short-term Disability
· Paid Parental Leave
· Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future.