Purpose and Scope of the Job
Experienced Network and Security Administrator with a comprehensive background in Cisco ACI, Cisco DNA Center, SD-Access, Cisco ISE, CUCM, Palo Alto, and Fortinet FortiGate. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and securing the company's network infrastructure and unified communications systems.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
§ Design, deploy, and manage Cisco ACI fabric solutions in data center environments.
§ Utilize Cisco DNA Center for network automation, assurance, and analytics.
§ Automate network configuration and policy deployment using Cisco ISE and DNA Center integration.
§ Implement software-defined access (SD-Access) with automated segmentation and identity-based access control.
§ Implement and manage Cisco SD-Access for secure network segmentation and policy-based access control.
§ Configure and maintain Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate firewalls for network security.
§ Design, configure, and manage Aruba Wireless infrastructure, including Aruba Mobility Controllers and Access Points.
§ Manage cloud-based wireless deployments using Aruba Central for real-time monitoring and configuration.
§ Ensure secure and high-performance wireless connectivity across all facilities.
2. Unified Communications:
§ Deploy, configure, and manage Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM) to support voice and video communication solutions.
§ Administer and optimize unified communications infrastructure, including call routing, voicemail, and collaboration tools.
§ Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to voice quality, connectivity, and system performance.
3. Security Management:
§ Configure and manage Cisco ISE for secure network access control, identity management, and policy enforcement.
§ Automate security policy enforcement through Cisco ISE profiling, dynamic VLAN assignment, and TrustSec integration.
§ Manage and maintain security configurations on Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate devices, including threat prevention, VPN, and firewall rules.
§ Conduct regular security assessments and implement mitigation strategies to protect against vulnerabilities and threats.
§ Configure and administer Aruba ClearPass Policy Manager for network access control and secure authentication (802.1X, MAC auth, guest access).
§ Develop and manage endpoint profiling and posture assessments to enforce Zero Trust policies via ClearPass.
4. Network Monitoring and Optimization:
§ Monitor network and unified communications performance using Cisco DNA Center and other monitoring tools.
§ Identify and resolve network issues to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
§ Maintain detailed network and communications documentation, including configurations, topologies, and standard operating procedures.
§ Monitor wireless performance using Aruba Central for proactive issue resolution and optimization.
5. Support and Troubleshooting:
§ Provide advanced technical support for network and security-related incidents, ensuring quick resolution and minimal impact on business operations.
§ Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address complex technical issues and implement network changes.
§ Participate in on-call rotations to provide 24/7 support and incident response.
§ Continuous Improvement:
§ Stay current with the latest trends and technologies in network, security, and unified communications.
§ Proactively recommend and implement improvements to network architecture, security policies, and unified communications systems.
§ Mentor and train junior network engineers and administrators.
Qualifications, Competencies and Skills
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
Experience:
§ Minimum of 5 years of experience in network, security, and unified communications administration.
§ Strong expertise in Cisco ACI, Cisco DNA Center, SD-Access, Cisco ISE, and CUCM.
§ Hands-on experience with Aruba Wi-Fi solutions and ClearPass Policy Manager.
§ Experience in wireless network design, security, and performance tuning.
§ Proficiency with Palo Alto and Fortinet FortiGate firewalls.
§ Relevant certifications such as CCNP Data Center, CCNP security, CCNP Enterprise, PCNSE, NSE, or equivalent is highly desirable.
§ In-depth knowledge of network protocols, routing, switching, security technologies, and unified communications.
§ Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
§ Proven leadership experience in a network and security environment.
§ Strong knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in network and security.
Preferred Skills:
§ Experience with cloud security and networking (AWS, Azure, etc.).
§ Familiarity with scripting and automation tools (Python, Ansible, etc.).
§ Knowledge of network virtualization technologies and concepts.
Language: Well versed in English and Arabic Languages.
Computer Proficiency: Good Computer Skills, Proficient in MS Office and related software applications.
Other Preference:
§ Visa 18 (Ahli) transferable residency is mandatory
§ Currently residing in Kuwait
§ Immediate joiner preferred
Work Location: In person