SME WAN/ SD-WAN

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Role Overview

designing, deploying, operating, and optimizing large-scale enterprise WAN and SD-WAN networks

hands-on engineering

change leadership

technical mentorship

high availability, performance, and SLA adherence

technical escalation point (L3)

Key Responsibilities

WAN / SD-WAN Engineering & Operations

• Deploy, configure, and manage Cisco WAN platforms including ISR, ASR, NCS routers running IOS, IOS-XE, and NX-OS.
• Design and implement enterprise WAN architectures across multiple regions using:
• MPLS, ILL, MPLS-VPN
• BGP peering, VRF-based designs
• Redundant and multi-homed WAN connectivity
• Implement and support Cisco SD-WAN solutions, including policy design, application-aware routing, and traffic steering.
  

Design, Documentation & Governance

• Create and maintain:
• High-Level Design (HLD) and Low-Level Design (LLD)
• Network architecture diagrams
• Method of Procedures (MoPs)
• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Change and implementation documentation
• Validate Plans of Action (PoA) and ensure proper CAB approvals for all changes.
  

Change & Maintenance Leadership

• Lead and execute planned maintenance windows, migrations, and large-scale rollouts.
• Ensure risk assessment, rollback planning, and post-change validation.
• Maintain service continuity and minimize customer impact during changes.
  

Security & VPN Integration

• Implement and troubleshoot WAN security components including:
• IPSec VPN, Site-to-Site VPN, SSL VPN
• Integration with firewall platforms (Palo Alto, Check Point, Fortinet)
• Prepare MoPs/SOPs for security-related changes and guide L2 teams during execution.
  

Performance Optimization & Troubleshooting

• Perform WAN optimization using:
• QoS policy design
• Traffic engineering
• Bandwidth management
• Troubleshoot complex WAN/SD-WAN issues involving routing instability, latency, packet loss, and application performance.
• Handle escalated incidents and ensure effective ticket management to meet agreed SLAs.
  

Mentoring & Collaboration

• Mentor and guide L2 engineers during incident troubleshooting and change execution.
• Coordinate with ISPs, OEMs, vendors, and cross-functional internal teams.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor for customers.
  

Essential Technical Skills

WAN & Routing Technologies

• Strong expertise in:
• MPLS, MPLS-VPN
• BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, EIGRP
• VRF, multi-homing, peering
• Redundant WAN architectures
• Deep understanding of enterprise and service provider WAN designs.
  

Cisco Platforms & SD-WAN

• Hands-on experience with:
• Cisco ISR, ASR, NCS
• Catalyst & Nexus (integration level)
• IOS / IOS-XE / NX-OS
• Cisco SD-WAN deployment, policy design, and operations.
  

Security & VPN

• IPSec, L2L VPN, SSL VPN implementation within WAN architecture
• Integration with firewall platforms:
• Palo Alto
• Check Point
• Fortinet
  

Certifications (Preferred)

• Cisco CCNA / CCNP – Service Provider
• Cisco SD-WAN Certification
• Security certifications on:
• Palo Alto
• Check Point
• Fortinet (added advantage)
  

Soft Skills & Behavioral Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work under pressure and in high-availability environments
• Customer-focused mindset with strong ownership
• Effective collaboration with vendors, ISPs, and cross-functional teams
• High attention to detail and process adherence
  

Experience Requirements

• 6–8 years of relevant experience in a customer-facing SI / Managed Services environment
• Proven experience in:
• Multi-site WAN design and deployments
• Large-scale migrations and rollouts
• SLA-driven operations and escalation handling