Senior Network Consultant - Cisco routers, OSPF, BGP, SD-WAN

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. We are seeking a highly skilled Principal Network Engineer to spearhead the design, implementation, and optimization of our global enterprise infrastructure. The ideal candidate must possess expert-level proficiency in architecting complex environments with Cisco routers using OSPF, BGP, static routing, VRFs, and Access Control Lists (ACLs), alongside large-scale SD-WAN deployments. In this pivotal role, you will translate business requirements into technical specifications, utilizing Microsoft Visio and Draw.io to create detailed high-level architectural drawings, IP migration plans, and comprehensive documentation. To ensure maximum reliability, you will leverage a sophisticated toolset including NNMi, Splunk, Wireshark, and specialized field tools such as CatEye for enhanced network visibility. Beyond technical mastery, we are looking for a customer-centric professional who can effectively present complex ideas and tailored solutions to stakeholders while thriving in a 7x24 on-call rotation to maintain mission-critical operations. Primary Responsibilities: Architectural Design and Standardization: Design, document, and maintain robust, redundant, and scalable architectures for Regional Network Hubs (RNHs), as well as remote data centers (RDCs) and DMZs using Visio and Draw.IO Change Control and Governance: Utilize ServiceNow to manage the full lifecycle of network change controls. This includes creating and documenting detailed work plans, coordinating technical approvals, and ensuring all implementations follow standardized Methods of Procedure (MOPs) to minimize operational risk Inventory and Maintenance: Maintain strict device inventories and partner with vendors to proactively remediate hardware and software vulnerabilities Documentation and Automation: Standardize requirements for D&E drawings and IP migration plans while developing automation tools (e.g., Ansible, NetBrain) for repeatable processes Integration Management: Create and enforce standardized procedures for RDC integrations and product lifecycle management (PLM) using detailed "flight checklists" Operational Excellence: Actively participate in a 7x24 on-call rotation to address incidents and maintain mission-critical performance Vendor and Technology Management: Build solid vendor relationships to research and recommend cutting-edge technologies, ensuring the RDC environment remains competitive Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with F5, Security, and SD-WAN teams to align strategies and deliver seamless, customer-centric services to business partners Leadership and Culture: Promote a culture of accountability and excellence, acting as a technical mentor while engaging directly with partners to address complex requirements Comply with the terms and conditions of the employment contract, company policies and procedures, and any and all directives (such as, but not limited to, transfer and/or re-assignment to different work locations, change in teams and/or work shifts, policies in regards to flexibility of work benefits and/or work environment, alternative work arrangements, and other decisions that may arise due to the changing business environment). The Company may adopt, vary or rescind these policies and directives in its absolute discretion and without any limitation (implied or otherwise) on its ability to do so Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field 10+ years of enterprise network engineering experience Solid experience with large-scale SD WAN implementations Experience with ServiceNow change management (MOPs, approvals) Experience with RDC/DMZ architectures and IP migration planning Leadership experience in mentoring engineers and enforcing standards Engineering Skills: Mastery of Cisco routers, OSPF, BGP, and SD-WAN routing protocols to drive enterprise connectivity Expert in Cisco routing (OSPF, BGP, VRFs, ACLs, static routing) Knowledge of automation tools like Ansible or NetBrain Proficient in network design & documentation using Visio or Draw.IO Demonstrated ability to work in 24×7 on call rotation for critical incidents Proven hands on skills with NNMi, Splunk, Wireshark, and field tools Proven solid collaboration with Security, F5, and SD WAN teams Proven excellent communication and stakeholder facing skills At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. #NIC