AHEAD builds platforms for digital business. By weaving together advances in cloud infrastructure, automation and analytics, and software delivery, we help enterprises deliver on the promise of digital transformation.

At AHEAD, we prioritize creating a culture of belonging, where all perspectives and voices are represented, valued, respected, and heard. We create spaces to empower everyone to speak up, make change, and drive the culture at AHEAD.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and do not discriminate based on an individual's race, national origin, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, marital status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law, whether actual or perceived.

We embrace all candidates that will contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives at AHEAD.

We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Software Defined Networking (SDN) Specialist to join our team. The ideal candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in software-defined technologies, with deep hands-on expertise in VMware NSX (V & T) and Cisco ACI, Arista or Cisco VxLAN. This role involves leading the design, deployment, and support of complex data center network solutions while ensuring alignment with business goals and customer success.

The SDN Specialist will work closely with cross-functional teams and clients, participating in architectural discussions, delivering workshops, and ensuring successful implementations. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as well as a passion for staying current with emerging technologies. A proven track record of executing large-scale data center projects and holding relevant certifications such as Cisco CCNP/CCIE, ACI, or VMware is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

Service as subject matter expert for software defined technologies

Possess a strong understanding of VMware NSX (V & T) technologies and good understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN.

Participate in the deployment of complex solutions, create written deliverables, and conduct client workshops

Ability to communicate and execute architecture strategy & approach in clear, concise, and understandable terms to client senior management and other client stakeholders

Ability to implement design architecture objectives that align with client demand & business goals

Receptive listening skills with the ability to present ideas in a clear, concise fashion to technical and non-technical audiences

Excellent situational leadership and timely decision-making skills

Passionate about successful customer outcomes

Ability to work effectively within all levels of an organization (internally & externally)

Ability to work both individually and in a team environment

Demonstrated ability to deliver multiple IT projects on time and within budget

Ensure knowledge transfer to relevant client teams for smooth operation of deployed solutions

Obtain and maintain certifications with associated qualifications

Skills Required

Minimum 10 years of data center experience in enterprise environments

Deep hands-on technical knowledge and expertise in: VMware NSX (V & T) technologies large scale data center deployments/migrationsand good understanding of Cisco ACI, Cisco or Arista VxLAN.

Extensive experience with ACI (multi-pod & multi-site) from design to deployment

Strong sense of ownership, problem solver, sense of urgency and ability to be proactive in resolving challenges

Experience with VxLAN design, deployment a plus

Experience with VMware NSX design, deployment, V to T migration a plus

Depth of knowledge around underlay, overlay concepts, segmentation strategies, and solution interoperability

Cisco CCNP, ACI, or CCIE certification required

VMware or Arista certifications a plus

Why AHEAD:

Through our daily work and internal groups like Moving Women AHEAD and RISE AHEAD, we value and benefit from diversity of people, ideas, experience, and everything in between.

We fuel growth by stacking our office with top-notch technologies in a multi-million-dollar lab, by encouraging cross department training and development, sponsoring certifications and credentials for continued learning.

India Employment Benefits include:

Comprehensive health insurance coverage for employees, with options to extend coverage to dependents

Paid time off and company holidays, along with additional leave benefits as per policy

Flexible work arrangements, supporting work-life balance

Learning and development opportunities to support continuous growth and upskilling

Employee wellness initiatives and programs focused on physical and mental well-being

Retirement and statutory benefits in line with India regulations

Inclusive and people-first culture, with a strong focus on collaboration and ownership