Network Engineer, Specialist

Vanguard

Vanguard

IT

Charlotte, NC, USA

Posted on May 1, 2026
Lead Sr. Network Operations Center (NOC) (DNS/Akamai/F5) Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior-Level NOC Engineer (Tier 3) functions as the highest technical escalation point within the global Network Operations Center. This role provides advanced troubleshooting, architecture-level insight, and deep subject matter expertise across complex, multi-vendor network infrastructures. Tier 3 support engineers lead root-cause analysis, oversee major incidents, influence network design standards, and partner with engineering teams to drive stability, scalability, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities


  • Advanced Incident & Problem Management
  • Acts as the final escalation point for all high-severity incidents, providing advanced packet analysis, protocol decoding, and cross-platform correlation.
  • Performs deep-dive RCA, producing engineering-quality post-incident documentation and recommending long-term corrective actions.
  • Leads network recovery efforts during outages involving routing instability, security events, hardware failures, or cloud connectivity issues.


Architecture-Level Network Troubleshooting Expertise


  • Expert proficiency with Cisco IOS, Nexus OS, and Cisco ACI with the ability to interpret and troubleshoot complex multi-tier architectures.
  • Deep understanding of F5 LTM/GTM, load-balancing behaviors, DNS architectures, Akamai and SSL offloading.
  • Strong knowledge of DNS automation, API-driven provisioning, and lifecycle management in large-scale environments, including experience with IAC pipelines.


Tools, Automation & Visibility


  • Mastery of packet analysis tools: Bluecat, Solarwinds, APCON, Wireshark, netflow/sflow platforms.
  • Develops automation scripts for configuration validation, monitoring, and incident response workflows.
  • Evaluates and integrates new operational tools and observability platforms.


Cross-Functional Leadership


  • Partners with Network Engineering to validate new designs, perform pre-deployment testing, and influence standards.
  • Mentors junior and mid-level NOC engineers, providing technical coaching, lab guidance, and training material.
  • Engages directly with vendors for escalated TAC cases, hardware escalations, and architectural reviews.


Qualifications And Skills


  • Minimum 8 years of experience in network engineering or IT infrastructure, including at least two years of project or program management experience.
  • B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field. MBA/M.Tech in a technical or management discipline is preferred. Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or equivalent practical experience is acceptable.
  • 8+ years of enterprise network operations or engineering experience, supporting large-scale, complex environments.
  • Strong understanding of network deployment, performance monitoring, and technical troubleshooting across enterprise infrastructures.
  • Expert-level knowledge of core networking technologies, including:
    • BGP, OSPF, VRFs, MPLS fundamentals
    • L2/L3 architectures and WAN technologies
  • Extensive hands-on experience with enterprise networking and security platforms, including: Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Palo Alto, Aruba, and F5 ecosystems.
  • Experience managing technology projects, preferably within a corporate or Financial Services environment.
  • Ability to lead cross-functional project teams, manage technical and operational risks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels.
  • Proven capability to lead major incidents under pressure, providing clear communication and strong technical command during high-impact situations.
  • Familiarity with disaster recovery strategies, including planning and implementation within network operations.
  • Proficiency in project management tools and methodologies, including Agile and Waterfall

Required Certifications


  • Cisco CCNP (or equivalent)


Preferred Certifications


  • CCIE (Routing & Switching, Enterprise, or Data Center)
  • JNCIP/JNCIE
  • PCNSE (Palo Alto)
  • F5 Certified Administrator or Engineer
  • AWS Advanced Networking


Special Requirements


  • Must participate in 24x7 Tier 3 escalation rotation.
  • May assist in after-hours change execution and major event coverage.


Special Factors

Sponsorship

Vanguard is not offering visa sponsorship for this position.

About Vanguard

At Vanguard, we don't just have a mission—we're on a mission.

To work for the long-term financial wellbeing of our clients. To lead through product and services that transform our clients' lives. To learn and develop our skills as individuals and as a team. From Malvern to Melbourne, our mission drives us forward and inspires us to be our best.

How We Work

Vanguard has implemented a hybrid working model for the majority of our crew members, designed to capture the benefits of enhanced flexibility while enabling in-person learning, collaboration, and connection. We believe our mission-driven and highly collaborative culture is a critical enabler to support long-term client outcomes and enrich the employee experience.