Network Lead - Wireless

Job Description - Network Specialist (Wireless, SD-WAN, CCIE) – Willing to Travel Abu Dhabi · We are looking an experienced and highly skilled Network Specialist with a CCIE Enterprise certification to join with our client. · Minimum 10+years of experience with in-depth expertise across enterprise network infrastructure, including Cisco Campus SD-Access, Cisco Wi-Fi 7, Cisco ACI, Infoblox, F5 load balancing, advanced routing protocols, and strong cloud networking experience. · CCIE Enterprise certification (Active). · Proven expertise in Cisco Campus SD-Access, Identity-Based Network Access Control (Cisco ISE NAC) and Cisco Wi-Fi 7 wireless solutions. · Hands-on experience with Cisco ACI (fabric, policies, contracts, tenants). · Proficiency with Infoblox for DNS, DHCP, and IPAM. · Strong hands-on experience with F5 Load Balancers (LTM, GTM). · Deep understanding of routing & switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, STP). · Experience with network automation tools like Ansible, Python, and Terraform. · Architect and implement enterprise network solutions using Cisco SD-Access, aligning with best practices for scalability, segmentation, and security. · Lead WiFi 7 wireless network design and optimization efforts, including site surveys, RF planning, and capacity forecasting. · Develop and maintain high-availability network designs, incorporating redundancy, failover, and disaster recovery strategies. · Ensure zero-downtime architecture through HA, fast failover, and redundant paths to support mission-critical operations. · Deploy and manage Cisco ISE to enforce 802.1X-based NAC policies, device profiling, and posture assessment for wired and wireless endpoints. · Integrate ISE with Active Directory, MFA, and security logging tools to support strong authentication and compliance reporting. · Define and maintain security policies for employee, contractor, and guest access, and respond to NAC-related security events in real time. · Work closely with InfoSec teams to implement zero trust access and dynamic VLAN assignment based on user identity and posture. · Design, deploy, and manage Cisco ACI fabric, including tenant configurations, endpoint groups (EPGs), bridge domains, and policies. · Collaborate with application and data center teams to align ACI policies with workload requirements. · Troubleshoot ACI-specific issues and monitor health scores and fabric performance. · Administer and optimize Infoblox DDI solutions for IP address management, DHCP scopes, DNS zones, and record management. · Ensure IPAM hygiene, manage network blocks, and provide detailed IP documentation. · Integrate Infoblox with automation/orchestration tools where applicable. · Configure and manage F5 BIG-IP LTM and GTM appliances, including iRules, SSL offloading, and application health monitoring. · Work with application teams to deliver high-performing and secure web applications. · Ensure traffic is efficiently balanced across backend systems with minimal downtime. · Implement, monitor, and troubleshoot complex routing protocols including BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, and route redistribution scenarios. · Support Layer 2/3 infrastructure, VLAN segmentation, spanning tree optimization, and link aggregation (LACP). · Perform routine health checks, traffic analysis, and infrastructure upgrades. · Design and support hybrid cloud connectivity, including VPNs, Direct Connect (AWS), and ExpressRoute (Azure). · Collaborate with cloud engineers to extend enterprise networks into AWS, Azure, or GCP. · Implement cloud-native networking constructs like VPCs, security groups, NSGs, and virtual appliances. · Implement segmentation, access control policies, and network ACLs to protect critical assets. · Collaborate with security teams to monitor for threats and vulnerabilities in the network layer. · Ensure compliance with organizational standards, industry regulations, and audit requirements. · Use enterprise-grade tools like Cisco DNA Center, Thousand Eyes, and ACI monitoring tools for real-time network analytics. · Proactively resolve issues impacting low-latency trading systems, batch processing jobs, or real-time transactions. · Maintain KPIs and SLAs in line with financial system requirements. · Maintain audit-ready documentation of network configurations, change logs, and policies. · Ensure all changes follow ITIL change management practices with rollback procedures. · Develop SOPs and BCP/DR runbooks for all critical network operations. · Work closely with cross-functional teams including IT security, infrastructure, cloud, and application teams. · Participate in technical workshops, change advisory boards, and project planning meetings. · Lead and/or support network-related projects from concept to completion, ensuring on-time delivery. · Preferably immediate joiner