H5 Data Center Network / IT Automation Engineer Job Description
Position Summary
The Network / IT Automation Engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated solutions that improve the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of the organization’s network and IT infrastructure. This role blends traditional networking expertise with modern automation and scripting skills to reduce manual effort, enhance uptime, and support growing operational needs.
Essential Job Functions
Network Engineering & Support
- Design, deploy, and maintain enterprise network infrastructure, including routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, and wireless systems.
- Troubleshoot network performance issues and ensure high availability.
- Implement network monitoring, logging, and alerting systems.
- Assist with LAN, WAN, SD‑WAN, and data center network architecture improvements environments.
Automation & Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC)
- Develop and maintain automation scripts and workflows to streamline operations.
- Build Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) solutions using tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or similar.
- Automate device provisioning, configuration management, compliance checks, and patching.
- Improve repeatability and reduce configuration drift across environments.
- Implement zero-trust principles, secure VPNs, firewalls, IDS/IPS, and cloud security solutions.
Systems & IT Operations
- Automate routine IT tasks (e.g., server provisioning, backup validation, user account lifecycle).
- Support hybrid cloud and on‑prem infrastructure environments.
- Implement monitoring and self‑healing workflows for critical systems.
- Collaborate with security teams to implement automated security controls.
- Conduct technical site evaluations for prospective acquisitions, including detailed assessments of network infrastructure, security architecture, data center operations, and overall technology maturity.
Documentation & Process Customer Support & Leadership
- Create and maintain detailed documentation: runbooks, architecture diagrams, automation workflows, and SOPs.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement and automation across IT operations.
- Provide mentorship to IT and network teams on adoption of automation tools and best practices.
Qualifications
- 3–7 years of experience in network engineering or systems administration.
- Strong proficiency with enterprise networking (Cisco, Juniper, Unifi, Palo Alto, Fortinet, etc.).
- Hands‑on experience with automation/scripting:
- Python, PowerShell, Bash.
- Familiarity with configuration management / IaC tools:
- Ansible, Terraform, Git, CI/CD pipelines.
- Strong understanding of TCP/IP, routing protocols (OSPF, BGP), VLANs, firewalls, and VPN technologies.
- Experience with monitoring platforms (Zabbix, Prometheus, PRTG, SolarWinds, etc.).
- Experience with APIs and programmatic device interaction (REST, NETCONF/RESTCONF, gNMI).
- Knowledge of DevOps practices and principles.
- Experience automating cloud services (Azure, AWS, GCP).
- Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes).
- Network certifications (CCNA/CCNP, JNCIA/JNCIS, PCNSA, etc.).
- Background in cybersecurity workflows and automated detection/response. Quired: CCNP or CCIE
- Preferred: CISSP, CCSP, PMP (Project Management Professional), CISA or relevant audit /assessment certifications
Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting abilities.
- Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively.
- Excellent written and verbal communication.
- Ability to balance operational needs with strategic improvement initiatives.
- Ability to work well in a team or independently with minimal supervision.
Skills Required
- 3-7 years of experience in network engineering or systems administration
- Strong proficiency with enterprise networking, including Cisco, Juniper, UniFi, Palo Alto, or Fortinet
- Hands-on experience with Python, PowerShell, and Bash automation or scripting
- Familiarity with Ansible, Terraform, Git, and CI/CD pipelines
- Understanding of TCP/IP, OSPF, BGP, VLANs, firewalls, and VPN technologies
- Experience with network monitoring platforms such as Zabbix, Prometheus, PRTG, or SolarWinds
- Experience with REST, NETCONF, RESTCONF, or gNMI APIs and programmatic device interaction
- Knowledge of DevOps practices and principles
- Experience automating Azure, AWS, or GCP cloud services
- Familiarity with Docker and Kubernetes
- Network certification such as CCNA, CCNP, JNCIA, JNCIS, or PCNSA
- Background in cybersecurity workflows and automated detection and response
- CCNP or CCIE certification
- CISSP, CCSP, PMP, CISA, or relevant audit and assessment certification
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, written communication, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with minimal supervision
What We Do
H5 Data Centers is one of the leading private data center owner and operators in the United States with over 4 million square feet nationally. We provide innovative, scalable data center and facility solutions designed and engineered to address our customer’s business and operational requirements. H5 Data Centers currently owns data centers in Ashburn, Atlanta, Charlotte, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Denver, Phoenix, San Jose, San Luis Obispo, and Seattle. Selecting a data center for your mission critical work load is a strategic decision that we take seriously. At H5 Data Centers we understand your need to find data center space robust enough to meet your needs today and flexible/scalable enough to provide for the future. Each of our family of properties is selected based on a comprehensive building and site selection process including but not limited to, low-cost reliable power, connectivity, an educated labor force, and proximity to travel hubs. Our team spends every day focused on exceeding our tenants/customers’ needs. We are proud that many leading Fortune 500 businesses rely on H5 Data Centers for their data center needs.
