Manager- Network Infrastructure Engineering & Operations

Job Title: Manager Network Infrastructure Engineering Operations
Location: Hyderabad
Experience: 10+ Years

I. Job Summary:

The Manager Network Infrastructure Engineering Operations will lead the design, implementation, and management of enterprise-wide network infrastructure across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. This role combines strong technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, managing global teams while driving strategic initiatives to improve performance, scalability, and security. The role also oversees a 24x7 Network Operations team, ensuring system reliability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement across mission-critical infrastructure.

II. Roles Responsibilities:

Network Operations Engineering:

• Oversee daily operations, health, and performance of enterprise networking systems including routers, switches, firewalls, load balancers, WAN, wireless, DNS, DHCP, and AD-integrated services.
• Manage enterprise connectivity across corporate offices, data centers, and Azure cloud environments.
• Design and implement solutions using Cisco, Palo Alto, F5, Azure Front Door, Application Gateway, VPNs, Zero Trust networks, and WAFs.
• Maintain and manage Azure networking infrastructure; exposure to AWS/GCP is beneficial.
• Ensure effective monitoring, alerting, and incident resolution across production systems.
• Manage infrastructure components including virtual machines, Active Directory, identity services, MFT solutions, and batch processing platforms (ActiveBatch).
• Coordinate maintenance, patching, upgrades, and operational changes with minimal disruption.
• Oversee vendor management and third-party coordination during projects and outages.
• Manage physical infrastructure including data center environments, cabling, and comms closets.

Network Security Architecture:

• Perform vulnerability assessments, audits, and remediation activities.
• Define and enforce security policies across firewalls, VPNs, routing, and cloud platforms.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity and compliance teams to maintain a strong security posture.
• Implement automation using Terraform, Python, and APIs for monitoring and security operations.
• Maintain documentation, asset inventories, and service records.

Team Leadership Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of network engineers globally.
• Drive hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Promote continuous learning and certification in modern networking and cloud technologies.

Strategic Planning, Compliance Reporting:

• Contribute to network strategy supporting cloud transformation and operational excellence.
• Manage budgets ensuring cost-effective delivery of services.
• Ensure compliance with internal and external standards.
• Provide executive-level reporting on network performance, availability, and security.

III. Years of Experience:

• 9+ years in network engineering, operations, or architecture.
• Minimum 3 years in a leadership or team management role.

IV. Educational Qualification Certifications (Optional):

• Bachelor s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Master s degree or MBA preferred.
• Certifications preferred:
  • CCNP / CCIE (Cisco)
  • PCNSE (Palo Alto)
  • Azure Networking certifications

V. Skill Set Required:

Must have:

• Expertise in Cisco routing/switching and enterprise networking.
• Hands-on experience with Palo Alto firewalls and firewall rule management.
• Strong knowledge of Azure networking (Front Door, Application Gateway, VPN, ExpressRoute, NSGs).
• Experience in hybrid/multi-cloud environments.
• Strong understanding of network security, SIEM tools, and compliance frameworks.
• Experience in infrastructure monitoring, incident management, and ITIL processes.
• Proficiency in scripting and automation (Python, Terraform, PowerShell, APIs).
• Experience managing global teams and handling critical incidents.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Nice to have:

• Experience with F5 load balancers.
• Exposure to AWS and GCP networking services.
• Knowledge of WAF technologies (Imperva, Azure WAF).
• Experience in financial services domain.
• Exposure to project management methodologies.
• Understanding of storage and compute infrastructure.

About SMC Squared:

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