Network Engineer - L2

Department - IT Infrastructure / Network Operations

Reports To - Network Manager / IT Infrastructure Lead

Certifications - CCNA / CCNP (Required)

Role Overview

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Network Engineer (L2) to join our Infrastructure team. The ideal candidate will have solid hands-on experience in designing, configuring, and troubleshooting enterprise LAN, WAN, and wireless environments. You will work with Cisco, Fortinet, and Aruba platforms and be expected to deliver reliable, secure, and scalable network solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Network Configuration & Operations

• Configure, deploy, and maintain LAN, WAN, and wireless network infrastructure.
• Manage and configure Layer 2 switching VLANs, trunking, port-channels, and STP/RSTP.
• Configure and support VXLAN-based overlay networks and fabric deployments.
• Implement and manage switch stacking (Cisco StackWise, Aruba VSF, etc.).
• Configure and maintain WAN links MPLS, SD-WAN, leased lines, and broadband circuits.

Routing & Protocols

• Configure and troubleshoot routing protocols including OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP.
• Implement static routing, route summarization, and route redistribution.
• Maintain IP addressing schemes, subnetting, and DHCP/DNS services.

Wireless Infrastructure

• Deploy and manage enterprise wireless networks Cisco, Aruba, or equivalent.
• Configure SSIDs, RF profiles, AP groups, and wireless security policies (WPA2/WPA3, 802.1X).
• Monitor wireless performance and resolve connectivity and coverage issues.

Troubleshooting & Support

• Perform L2/L3 fault diagnosis and resolution across LAN, WAN, and wireless.
• Respond to and resolve network incidents within defined SLAs.
• Conduct root cause analysis and document resolutions for recurring issues.
• Collaborate with the NOC, security, and server teams on escalated issues.

Network Management & Automation

• Use Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) for network provisioning, assurance, and policy management.
• Leverage Aruba Central for wireless and wired device monitoring and configuration.
• Maintain network inventory, configuration backups, and change records in ITSM tools.
• Assist in network audits, capacity planning, and performance reviews.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (preferred).
• CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate) - mandatory.
• CCNP (Cisco Certified Network Professional) - preferred or in progress.
• Aruba Certified Switching Associate (ACSA) or Aruba Certified Mobility Associate (ACMA) - a plus.

Core Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of OSI model, TCP/IP stack, and fundamental networking concepts.
• Hands-on expertise with Cisco IOS/IOS-XE switches (Catalyst series) and routers.
• Experience with Fortinet (FortiGate, FortiSwitch, FortiAP) configuration and management.
• Experience with Aruba switches, controllers, and access points.
• Proficiency in VLAN configuration, 802.1Q trunking, inter-VLAN routing.
• Knowledge of Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Rapid STP (RSTP), MST, and BPDU Guard.
• Experience with VXLAN, EVPN, and overlay network concepts.
• Understanding of WAN technologies: MPLS, SD-WAN, IPsec VPN, QoS.
• Familiarity with wireless standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6/6E).
• Working knowledge of Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) for network management and assurance.
• Familiarity with Aruba Central for cloud-managed networking.

Additional Skills (Preferred)

• Basic scripting knowledge - Python, Ansible, or network automation tools.
• Experience with network monitoring tools - SolarWinds, PRTG, Zabbix, or similar.
• Understanding of network security fundamentals - ACLs, NAT, firewall policies.
• Exposure to SD-WAN solutions (Cisco Viptela, Fortinet SD-WAN, or similar).
• Experience with ITSM tools ServiceNow, Jira, or similar.

Soft Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving mindset.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
• Comfortable working in fast-paced, high-availability environments.
• Proactive attitude towards learning new technologies and certifications.

Work Environment

• May require after-hours, weekend, or on-call support for critical network incidents.
• Travel to branch offices or data centers may be required from time to time.