ACI Architect

Job Description: Infrastructure Solution Architect (Cisco ACI Expert)Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Solution Architect specializing in Cisco ACI (Application Centric Infrastructure) to lead the design, modernization, and implementation of our next-generation data center networking environments. This is a critical senior leadership role demanding a deep technical grasp of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), hybrid cloud orchestration, and enterprise-grade infrastructure scaling. Key Job Metadata Position: Solution Architect – Cisco ACI Total Openings: 1 (Individual Contributor / Tech Lead Role) Experience Level: 12 to 15 Years Job Location: Pune / Noida (Hybrid/On-site options as per company policy) Core Responsibilities1. Architecture & Design Architect, design, and validate end-to-end Cisco ACI solutions across Multi-Pod and Multi-Site architectures. Define policy-driven infrastructure blueprints including Tenant creation, Application Profile configurations, EPGs, Bridge Domains, and VRFs. Develop comprehensive high-level design (HLD) and low-level design (LLD) documentations for migration and greenfield deployments. Implementation & Advanced Migration Lead complex migrations from traditional 3-tier network architectures (Nexus/Catalyst) to Cisco ACI fabric with minimal business downtime. Integrate Layer 4–7 services (Firewalls, Load Balancers like F5/Citrix, and IPS) into the ACI fabric via Service Graph insertions. Implement secure and scalable L2/L3 extensions (L2Out / L3Out) to connect external networks and public clouds (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Automation & Orchestration Drive Infrastructure as Code (IaC) initiatives across the network fabric using Ansible, Terraform, Python, and Cisco ACI REST APIs. Incorporate ACI workflows into broader enterprise CI/CD pipelines to ensure rapid, error-free configurations. Technical Leadership & Governance Act as the primary Subject Matter Expert (SME) to consult with internal business units, global stakeholders, and C-level executives. Conduct structural network audits, capacity planning, performance tuning, and high-level troubleshooting of complex fabric issues. Mentor and coach junior engineering teams on ACI operational best practices and troubleshooting workflows. Required Technical Skills & QualificationsMust-Have Technical Expertise Cisco ACI Deep Dive: Minimum 5+ years of dedicated hands-on experience designing and operating Cisco ACI environments (APIC controllers, Nexus 9K spine-leaf topologies). Legacy Enterprise Routing & Switching: Solid background in Nexus series switches (9K, 7K, 5K) and advanced routing protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MP-BGP EVPN, VXLAN). Network Automation: Proven efficiency in scripting with Python and using configuration management platforms (Ansible or Terraform) specifically for ACI object manipulation. Experience & Education Total Experience: 12–15 years in enterprise IT infrastructure design, network engineering, and system integration. Education: B.E. / B.Tech / MCA or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or Electronics. Preferred Professional Certifications CCIE (Enterprise Infrastructure / Data Center) – Highly Preferred. Cisco Certified Specialist - ACI Implementation. HashiCorp Terraform Associate or Red Hat Certified Specialist in Ansible Automation. Soft Skills & Competencies Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to explain complex technical designs to non-technical business partners. Strong analytical thinking, ownership mindset, and structured problem-solving approach. Proven track record of navigating highly matrixed, enterprise global environments. Skills: infrastructure,cisco,architect,nexus,aci,design