Senior Network & Datacenter Engineer

Company: Cognizant Technology Solutions
Location: San Diego
Posted on: March 31, 2026

Job Description:

Cognizant’s Cloud, Infrastructure, and Security Services Practice (CIS), is all about accepting digital transformation by driving core modernization holistically across layers. We help customers transform infrastructure and workplace to meet the constantly evolving needs of the digital era. Our broad approach delivers key results for our customers by achieving cloud driven modernization and workplace and operational transformation to own the business in a secure environment. Job Summary Role: Senior Network Hand & Feet Engineer (L2/L3 Physical & Logical Support) Location: San Diego, CA Job Description Core Objective The candidate will be responsible for the end-to-end physical deployment and logical validation of network infrastructure. You will be expected to diagnose issues across Layers 1, 2, and 3 of the OSI model, ensuring that physical connectivity aligns with logical configurations. Advanced Device Racking & Mounting Precision Placement: Interpret and execute Rack Elevation Diagrams (REDs) to mount high-density chassis (Cisco Nexus 9k, Catalyst 9500) and 1U/2U appliances. Mechanical Safety: Ensure proper use of rack rails, cage nuts, and stabilization kits. Manage weight distribution to maintain rack integrity. Power Sequencing: Connect dual-homed power supplies to diverse PDU sources (AB feeds) and perform "pull tests" to verify seating. Structured Cabling & Fiber Management Fiber Optics: Expert-level handling of Single Mode (SMF) and Multi-Mode (MMF) fiber. Proficiency in cleaning connectors (IBC cleaners) and inspecting end-faces with fiber scopes. SFP/Transceiver Management: Correctly identify and install SFP, SFP, QSFP, and QSFP28 modules. Troubleshoot "link down" issues by verifying wavelength compatibility (e.g., 850nm vs 1310nm) and light levels. Patching & Labeling: Execute high-density patching in accordance with ANSI/TIA-606-B standards. Ensure every cable is labeled at both ends with Near-End/Far-End information. Patch Panels & Cross-Connects Circuit Extensions: Coordinate with Telco providers to extend circuits from the Meet-Me-Room (MMR) to the local rack via cross-connects. Patch Panel Termination: Manage copper (RJ45) and fiber (LC/SC/MPO) patch panels. Perform "light-checks" using Visual Fault Locators (VFL) to trace paths through multiple patches. Media Conversion: Deploy and troubleshoot media converters or transceivers when transitioning between different physical media types. Remote Management & Console Access Out-of-Band (OOB) Setup: Configure and cable Terminal Servers (e.g., Opengear, Lantronix, or Cisco ISR) to provide permanent remote console access to all managed devices. Serial Connectivity: Troubleshoot baud rate mismatches, roll-over cables, and DB9-to-RJ45 adapters to ensure the NOC has a reliable "backdoor" during outages. Local Support: Be prepared to connect locally via laptop and serial-to-USB adapters to provide a "live stream" of boot sequences or BIOS-level troubleshooting. Advanced Routing & Switching Knowledge L1 Fundamentals : Strong working knowledge in ethernet , Gigabit Ethernet, Serial , fiber cabling, transceivers (Arista, Cisco SFP, QSFP), SFP, PIC, NIM, HA ports, power supplies, patching and troubleshooting, with knowledge of DWDM and experience in handling 10/20/40 Gig Fiber links L2 Fundamentals: Configure and troubleshoot VLANs, VTP, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), Port mirroring, packet captures. Must understand how to identify and resolve broadcast storms or physical loops at the rack level. L3 Fundamentals: Assist in the bring-up of Layer 3 interfaces (SVIs and Routed Ports). Basic knowledge of prefix lengths and IP addressing to verify gateway connectivity. Protocol Verification: Use CLI commands to verify BGP and OSPF neighbor adjacencies after physical circuit hand-offs or cross-connect installations. EtherChannel/LACP: Provision and troubleshoot Link Aggregation Groups (LAGs). Ensure that physical cabling matches the logical member-port configuration on the switch. Required Experience & Skills Experience: 6–8 years in a Data Center or large Enterprise campus environment. Ethernet, Fiber cabling, Hardware : Experience in installation of ethernet, fiber cabling on Cisco, Arista and Palo Alto, F5 load balancers and its associated components like SFP, PIC, NIM, DPC Routing and Switching: Ability to navigate Cisco IOS, NX-OS, PAN OS or Arista EOS to perform show commands and basic interface configurations. Tools: Proficiency with Visual Fault Locators (VFL), Light Meters, and Fiber Inspection Scopes. Certifications: CCNA or equivalent is mandatory; CCNP Enterprise (ENCORE) is highly preferred to demonstrate routing and switching proficiency. Experience in handling mission critical network incidents/problems in Enterprise network Large campus networks and Data center, is preferred. Need to be proficient in English and local language in countries like Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, China and Japan Salary And Other Compensation Applications will be accepted until 2/13/2026 The annual salary for this position is between $79,000- $91,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off 401(k) plan and contributions Long-term/Short-term Disability Paid Parental Leave Employee Stock Purchase Plan Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Please note, this role is not able to offer visa transfer or sponsorship now or in the future* The Cognizant community: We are a high caliber team who appreciate and support one another. Our people uphold an energetic, collaborative and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. Cognizant is a global community with more than 300,000 associates around the world. We don’t just dream of a better way – we make it happen. We take care of our people, clients, company, communities and climate by doing what’s right. We foster an innovative environment where you can build the career path that’s right for you. About us: Cognizant is one of the worlds leading professional services companies, transforming clients business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World’s Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Disclaimer: Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.

Keywords: Cognizant Technology Solutions, Corona , Senior Network & Datacenter Engineer, Engineering , San Diego, California