Senior Network Consultant - Cisco - Routing and Switching

Requisition Number: 2389499
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 dynamic and experienced Senior Engineer to join our highly performing Network Engineering team. This role is responsible for designing, building, securing, and supporting enterprise network infrastructure while embodying the principles of servant leadership. This role prioritizes enabling internal teams, removing obstacles, improving user experience, and fostering a collaborative engineering culture. The ideal candidate is a technically strong engineer who leads through service, communication, mentorship, and a commitment to reliable solutions and operational excellence.
Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead and contribute to multiple network engineering initiatives, including solution design, development, testing, and integration for complex platforms
• Provide leadership and mentoring to team members and ensure successful execution of projects and tasks
• Communicate ongoing project progress, key milestones, and potential risks to stakeholders in a timely manner
• Utilize AI tools such as GitHub Copilot and Microsoft Copilot to develop and test automation scripts, Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and other engineering tools
• Leverage AI capabilities to enhance productivity, including generating presentations, proposals, and performing anomaly detection and root cause analysis using platforms like Splunk and other monitoring tools
• Develop LAN/WAN and wireless strategies, help evaluate hardware/software products, and implement integrated solutions aligned with business requirements
• Provide expert-level troubleshooting, coordinate with vendors to resolve complex infrastructure issues and proactively identify potential patterns in recurring incidents
• Document and communicate best practices to ensure optimal performance and availability
• Conduct implementations, upgrades, and conversions in accordance with standard operating procedures and change management protocols
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, project managers, and stakeholders
• Author and maintain technical documentation, including network diagrams, standards, procedures, and troubleshooting guides
• Collaborate with Service Level Owners and vendors on product and service implementations
• Ensure compliance with UHG IT policies, HIPAA standards, and industry best practices
• Perform risk analysis and develop remediation plans for identified IT security issues
• Maintain strong interpersonal and communication skills to foster collaboration across technical and non-technical teams
• Perform after-hours systems support, installation, and maintenance as needed
• Participate in an on-call rotation and provide after-hours support as required
• Comply with all applicable Company policies, procedures, and business directives, changes including those relating to work location, team assignments, work schedules, and flexible work arrangements

Required Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree and/or equivalent of 8+ years of Network Engineering experience
• Hands-on experience with Cisco routers, Cisco or HPE/Aruba switches, and Cisco, Juniper or HPE/Aruba wireless technologies
• Familiarity with Cisco ISE, Network Access Control (NAC), ServiceNow, CA Agile Rally, or other similar ITSM tools
• Knowledge and experience with SD-WAN technologies
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively
• Proven excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences

Preferred Qualifications:

• Cisco CCNP or higher certification
• Juniper JNCIA or higher certification
• Experience using AI tools (e.g., Copilot) for automation and infrastructure development
• Experience with scripting languages (e.g., Python)
• Experience with Juniper Mist
• Solid documentation skills; proficiency with tools such as Microsoft Visio

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.