Description:
ASK4 is seeking a Senior Network Automation Engineer to join our Network Infrastructure team, taking ownership of the design and delivery of network automation across our core network. This role is pivotal as we expand from a handful of core PoPs to hundreds worldwide, significantly increasing the number of network devices under management.
You will be responsible for streamlining network operations through automation, improving efficiency, and reducing human error. You will collaborate with expert engineers and utilize modern techniques and open-source tools to implement full automation across our UK and EU core networks, BGP border, distribution network, and client-site aggregation.
This is an 18-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the automation of ASK4’s core network, ensuring the seamless integration of automated solutions.
- Design, develop, and implement the automation stack, including software, tools, and processes.
- Build automation for targeted network functions, understanding business requirements and work done so far.
- Create a roadmap for full network automation.
- Translate baseline configurations into templates and automation models.
- Develop and document network automation processes.
- Collaborate with the wider network engineering team, ensuring automation aligns with operational needs.
- Build network simulations using containerlab, GNS3, or similar tools.
- Evaluate and select the best automation frameworks for each use case.
Required Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience with Netbox or Nautobot, including API usage and data modeling.
- Experience with multiple automation frameworks (e.g., Ansible, SaltStack, Puppet) and the ability to evaluate and select the best tool for each scenario.
- Hands-on experience developing and understanding network device configurations for at least one networking vendor.
- Solid programming skills, with proficiency in object-oriented design and at least working knowledge of Python 3.
- Knowledge of network management concepts and modeling, including REST, RESTCONF, and YANG.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with attention to detail and a results-driven mindset.
- Experience building network simulations using containerlab, GNS3, or similar platforms.
- Familiarity with automated network testing tools, frameworks, and methodologies.
- Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work alongside operations teams and software engineers.