Cisco Data Centre Architect

This is a remote position.

Location: Remote
Engagement Type: Project-based Assignment; B2B Contract (Outside IR35)
Duration: 6 months with auto renew
Timezone: CET ± 2 hours

• Design, deploy, and manage ACI fabric operations, including Multi-Site and Multi-Pod architectures.
  
  
• Configure and maintain core ACI constructs: Tenants, VRFs, EPGs, and Contracts.
  
  
• Perform APIC administration and manage L3Out integration with external networks.
  
  
• Lead data centre migration projects, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless integration with existing firewall and load-balancer infrastructure.
  
  
• Architect Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions and ensure healthcare data centre resiliency.
  
  
• Implement ACI automation using Terraform and Ansible.
  
  

• Lead SDA fabric deployment and Catalyst Center administration.
  
  
• Implement Underlay and Overlay concepts using VXLAN and LISP fundamentals.
  
  
• Deploy and manage Fabric Edge and Border nodes.
  
  
• Integrate Cisco ISE for dynamic policy enforcement and SGTs (Scalable Group Tags) .
  
  
• Design clinical network segmentation and support multi-campus healthcare deployments.
  
  
• Oversee wireless fabric integration and automated provisioning/assurance.
  

• Architect and troubleshoot Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks, including VXLANs, STP, EtherChannel, and switch stacking.
  
  
• Manage routing protocols: OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, and Static Routing.
  
  
• Design High Availability solutions using HSRP, VRRP, StackWise, and MEC/vPC.
  
  
• Optimise QoS for real-time healthcare applications (Voice, Video, Clinical Systems, VoIP/VoWiFi).
  
  
• Implement network segmentation and security zoning specific to healthcare compliance.
  
  
• Utilise network automation tools (Catalyst Center, Ansible, APIs) and perform advanced troubleshooting via CLI, telemetry, and packet analysis.
  

Requirements

• Cisco ACI: Proven experience in fabric operations, APIC administration, and tenant/VRF/EPG management.
  
  
• Hands-on experience with Catalyst Center, fabric deployment, and VXLAN/LISP.
  
  
• Strong command of BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, VLANs, STP, and HA protocols.
  
  
• Demonstrated experience in migrating complex data centre environments.
  
  
• Healthcare Experience: Experience with clinical network segmentation, resiliency design, and clinical application optimisation.
  
  
• Proficiency with Terraform, Ansible, or Python for network automation.
  
  
• Advanced skills in packet analysis, telemetry, and CLI-based diagnostics.
  

• Multi-Site / Multi-Pod ACI architecture experience.
  
  
• Firewall and load-balancer integration (e.g., Palo Alto, F5).
  
  
• Disaster Recovery architecture design.
  
  
• Wireless fabric integration within SDA.
  
  
• Dynamic policy enforcement using SGTs and ISE.
  
  
• Multi-campus healthcare deployments.
  
  
• QoS for real-time healthcare applications (voice, video, clinical systems).
  
  
• Network automation using Catalyst Center, Ansible, or APIs.
  

Why Partner with Us?

• Clear scope with no ambiguity over deliverables.
  

• Flexible working arrangements.
  

• Opportunity for repeat engagements based on performance.
  

Selection Process

1. Proposal Submission
   

   • Submit your professional profile/CV by applying on the role.
     

2. Business Alignment Call
   

   • 30-min virtual discussion with Human Capital Consultant to review scope
     

3. Verification
   

   • Opportunity to complete Castille Vetting (background/compliance checks)
     

4. Client Skills Review
   

   • Direct interview with end client to discuss project specifics
     

   • Project-specific technical assessment (if required)
     

Ongoing Business Support

• Access to CX guidance and market insights through our professional network.